Nurture in Nature Retreat

Nurture in Nature – retreat in France

22nd - 28th May 2027

La Roanne is a charming 20-acre retreat set in the woodlands of southwest France. It is quirky & quaint; welcoming, homely & comfortable. The charm of this unassuming place, lost in time with its retro bathrooms, is that it is unpretentious & the enchantment here needs no embellishment. It is quiet to its core, peaceful on a level rarely found and nature weaves her magic through the stones of the buildings & spills out into the extensive woodland surrounding the property. 

This place will soothe your soul & nurture your heart. Here you will rest, restore & reset.

This is a place for nature lovers. Set amongst ancient oak forests & far away from any hint of civilisation; the quietness is profound. Only birdsong breaks the silence - & perhaps the odd frog… This is a sanctuary designed for slowing down, reconnecting, and feeling deeply nourished. You’ll find deer, wildflowers, singing frogs, and over 40 species of butterflies.

La Roanne is surrounded by a labyrinth of well-marked trails. Immerse yourself amidst the knarled & twisted trees; oak, field maple, hawthorn, hazel & birch – all dripping with moss that gives this landscape a prehistoric feel. Enjoy spectacular views & explore the weaving paths that criss-cross down through the gorge to the Aveyron. This impressive river is great for kayaking & wide enough to offer plenty of perfect swimming spots. You might even catch the tell-tale flash of electric blue as a kingfisher darts passed.

Yoga & Wellness

On this retreat you are invited to do as much or as little as you would like. Depending on people’s interests and needs, we can discuss & investigate various topics intrinsic to holistic wellness. A rough agenda…

‍Retreat mornings: a relatively dynamic morning yoga practice, immediately followed by a slower-paced class and a guided meditation. You are invited to do as much or as little as you like, joining for some or all of the morning sessions.

Retreat afternoons: afternoons will depend upon the daytime activity & will be some kind of slow, gentle, mindful class; followed by a longer relaxation.

Yoga setting: A beautifully restored barn with high ceilings and exposed beams provides the setting for our indoor classes. Outside, the open-air yoga studio surrounded by trees provides an equally special place to be & move & feel.

Activities

Need some action? You can wander through the contorted & lichen covered trees to discover the medieval village of Saint Antonin-Noble-Val, where the - not to be missed - Sunday market will be on the itinerary.

Need a moment of stillness? Meditate in a hammock, read by the pool, or relax in the sauna. You’ll also find a table tennis table, bicycles to borrow, and a cozy library for quiet time, complete with tea and music.

& for those of you who fancy a bit of water action; kayaking or even a swim in the Aveyron river…

Horseriding through this dramatic landscape can also be arranged.

Accommodation

Guests are housed in two charming buildings arranged around a large oval pool - the heart of the garden. Rooms are comfortably furnished, with a mix of single and double options, and plenty of bathrooms to go around.

There is also a pool and sauna on site.

Food & Drink

Meals at La Roane are something special. All food is vegetarian, lovingly prepared by Enzo, our talented chef , using organic and local ingredients wherever possible.

Breakfast: A generous buffet - think porridge, fresh bread, local cheese, homemade jams, fruit, and eggs.

Lunch & Dinner: A colourful spread of hot and cold dishes served buffet-style. Local wine is offered with dinner.

All-day snacks: Teas, coffee, fruit, and biscuits are always available.

Food is part of the healing. Here, it’s not just a meal - it’s nourishment for your whole being.

Getting to the Retreat

The nearest airport is Toulouse. The nearest train station is Caussade. I got the bus from the airport – the navette airport shuttle (all clearly signposted from arrivals). The airport shuttle bus takes you to the train station, Toulouse Matabiau. From here it is a couple of stops & about 1hr to Caussade. It is also possible to be collected from Toulouse airport & head straight to the retreat centre.

The City of Toulouse

I am not a city girl, give me trees over concrete & people any day & also, I liked Toulouse. It has a bit of a Spanish vibe. Friendly laid-back people, cobbled streets, curly terracotta roof tiles, old shuttered windows & hidden little squares with cute cafes. It has a big old river running through it, a canal that skirts its borders & some rather impressive architecture. It is definitely worth a visit - & if you are coming on my retreat, you have to pass through so you might as well stay for a mooch. A night on the way in or out is highly recommended.