Women's Wellness Week at a French Chateau – Yoga, Hiking & Spa in the Gers Countryside

The retreat takes place at Domaine d'Orion, a 40-hectare estate with lakes, woodland, and gardens near Castelnau-sur-l'Auvignon. The chateau has been set up for retreats, with a wellness area that includes an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, hammam, and two saunas, plus an outdoor natural swimming pool. The days are loosely structured: after breakfast there's a guided countryside walk, and then the day is mostly yours. There are optional movement classes at 11am and 5:30pm, with sessions run by Caz (Caroline), a qualified personal trainer and former professional dancer. She teaches a mix of strength work, Pilates, Zumba, Bounce, Pound, and functional fitness, and will adapt sessions based on what the group wants.

One of the things that sets this retreat apart is the 'art of doing nothing,' a 30-minute session where you lie down in a peaceful room with classical music playing, and there's no expectation to do anything at all. There's also a 13km guided walk along the Camino de Santiago one day, ending in the town of Condom, where you can explore the cathedral and take photos with the musketeers statue. The host also arranges a visit to a local French market on one of the days, and a wine tasting at a Domaine in the region. The evenings are social, with group activities like a facial massage workshop and a canvas art afternoon.

Guests consistently mention the food as a standout. The chef, Jean-Marc, prepares everything from scratch – breakfasts with homemade granola and avocado toast, lunches like goat's cheese salad, and dinners such as teriyaki tuna or salmon with vegetables. He caters for all dietary requirements. The accommodation is in the chateau itself, with rooms ranging from private en-suite shower rooms to a suite with a balcony and views over the amphitheater. You'll share the whole week with a small group of women, most of whom arrive alone, so there's plenty of chance to make new friends over dinner.

What's included

- 7 nights' accommodation in a double or single room with ensuite bathroom - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) prepared by a private chef - Midday snacks and afternoon tea - Water, herbal teas, and filter coffee throughout the day - Daily guided countryside walks (including one 13km Camino walk) - Group movement classes with a qualified instructor (2 per day on most days) - 'Art of Doing Nothing' session - Access to the spa facilities: indoor pool, jacuzzi, hammam, saunas - Visit to a local French market - Wine tasting at a local Domaine - Facial massage workshop - Canvas art activity - Evening 'cosy corner' activities - Welcome bag and retreat materials - Post-retreat integration pack - Airport transfer on arrival day (from Toulouse) - Free parking - Free Wi-Fi

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Spa treatments (massages and other treatments are extra) - Additional activities not listed in the itinerary - Refreshments on outings (coffee, snacks at the market) - Airport transfer on departure day (unless booked as part of the return package) - Anything not mentioned in the included section