A retreat for foodies and nature lovers. Join me and Irina Smith August 20-25, 2024 in Yviers, France in the French countryside east of Bordeaux.

It is not hard to see how the exquisite lights and colors of southern French countryside so captivated Vincent Van Gogh as to inspire some of his most well-known work. Nestled among bucolic farmlands, sunflower fields, award-winning vineyards, and the River Dronne - there could hardly be a better location for a yoga retreat to truly get away from it all. This is my third retreat in Yviers, France (near Bordeaux), in the heart of the French countryside.

Enjoy twice daily yoga classes - a powerful, dynamic traditional Jivamukti class taught by moi or a traditonal Ashtanga lesson taught by Irina in the morning and quiet, long, slow, deep and stretchy sessions in the evening. Enjoy meditation and quiet time in the wide open spaces of the retreat center, among fields of maize and sunflowers.

The surroundings are cozy, with a bit of luxury. Sink into a big cozy bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and wake up with the sunlight streaming in through your window bathed in the sound of -silence- . Spend the daytime lazing around the retreat center, a gorgeous converted stone barn situated in what used to be a cognac-making estate, or rent a horse to gallop along the open fields and streams, drive to the local award-winning vineyards, or grab a bike and explore the local area. Swimming holes galore! We will feast on 2 delicious (and nutritious) farm-fresh, local meals each day lovingly prepared by the owners, who happen to be award-winning restaurateurs. We will have a brunch following morning yoga and an early dinner following the evening session. They cook both healthy plant-based versions of French foods as well as international delights . They love to cook and feed so anything is game. :) I could easily say this is the best food I have ever offered on retreat. Ever.

In an effort to teach and work in an environmentally friendly-way, I have chosen this location as it is accessible via train from Paris - it is under 3 hours to the nearest train station at Chalais, where the retreat center can pick you up. Flying is of course also an option, with the nearest airport at Bordeaux. I will help coordinate airport transfers to the center for a fee. Easy peasy. :)

If you have extra time, traveling around this area is delight for all your senses. I consider southern France one of the most exquisite and uncomparable spots in Europe, replete with stone castles and cottages, wineries, lavender fields and some of the best ecotourism around. I hope you love it as much as I do. :)

Cost 565e for shared room and half board PLUS Yoga fee 425e. Single fee: 150e add on

*cost includes 5 nights accommodation, 2 delicious meals from award-winning chefs, and all yoga, pranayama and meditation sessions

*cost does not include flights or airport transfers, however I am happy to help advise on flight timings and coordinate transfers from Bordeaux airport for a very reasonable fee.