Les Tavernes is a countryside manor house with separate rustic barn studios for classes, set among prune orchards in the Lot-et-Garonne. Lizzie Mapstone runs the retreats herself and teaches most of the movement sessions. She has worked in dance and fitness for over 20 years, which shows in how the classes are put together: expect a mix of yoga, Pilates and general fitness rather than one discipline all week.

The property was featured in British Vogue's "Wellness Wonders" section in the May to July 2024 issues, at the magazine's invitation. That is the level of finish to expect — a well-kept old house rather than a purpose-built resort.

What separates this from a larger yoga holiday is size and who is teaching. Groups are intimate, and Lizzie has brought in people she has worked with professionally over two decades to lead a handful of weeks. Nikki Long came from professional dance and now runs a CrossFit gym, teaching PT, Pilates and group exercise. Faye Hart teaches yoga and Pilates in Liverpool and presents on BBC Radio Merseyside about wellbeing.

Guests have written about the week in personal terms. Jane, who came in 2023, called her time there "sublime" and singled out Lizzie as "a tour force of warm energy and kindness". Louise, also 2023, wrote about how much the week affected her and named Plum Village as a highlight of her trip.

Bergerac is close by, and the surrounding area is orchard country — prunes are the local crop. Days off the mat are spent walking, exploring the old town, or sitting in the garden.

What's included

- Accommodation at Les Tavernes country manor house - Yoga, Pilates and fitness sessions with Lizzie Mapstone or the week's guest teacher - Use of the rustic barn studios

What's not included

- Travel to and from Lot-et-Garonne - Airport or station transfers - Travel insurance - Meals and drinks unless confirmed by the operator - Optional trips and treatments

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