Yoga, Hiking and a Crystal-Clear Lake in the Ariège, Midi-Pyrénées

The structure of the week is simple: two yoga and meditation sessions a day, plus a daily nature walk. The classes draw on Hatha, vinyasa, yin and Raja yoga, so the morning session and the evening session are not necessarily the same style. The teachers pitch it at any experience level, which means beginners are taught the basics properly rather than left at the back.

The walking is the other half of the programme. Each day you head out into the Ariège countryside on foot, which is the point of basing the week here rather than in a town. The area is green, hilly and quiet, and the walks are described as grounding rather than strenuous — this is not an alpine hiking holiday.

There is a crystal-clear lake nearby, which is the natural place to spend the free hours between sessions. The listing does not say whether swimming is supervised or whether the lake is a walk or a drive from the cottage.

Your base is a cottage surrounded by greenery, described as charming rather than luxurious. Guests sleep on site, so the room, the practice space and the meals are all in one place.

What separates this from the other yoga weeks in France is the combination: daily walking plus a lake plus two practices a day, at a price well below the Chamonix and Yobaba listings. It is the outdoors version of a yoga week rather than the spa version.

What's included

- 8-day yoga and meditation holiday - Accommodation in a cottage in the Ariège countryside - Two yoga and meditation sessions daily - Daily nature walks - Yoga styles including Hatha, vinyasa, yin and Raja

What's not included

- Travel to and from the retreat - Airport or station transfers - Travel insurance - Meals and drinks, unless confirmed by the operator - Personal expenses