° BORDEAUX REGION °
ESTD 2013
The French
RETREAT
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About the Course
Yoga and Relaxation in SW France
At Living Yoga Holidays, we believe that connection and community are essential elements of any yoga holiday. Engage in heartwarming conversations with like-minded individuals and maybe forge friendships that will last long after the retreat. Share stories, laughter, and support, as you embrace the spirit of unity and togetherness. Our yoga holiday offers an opportunity for you to escape the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with yourself. Leave with a renewed sense of self-awareness, inner strength, and a toolkit of practices to continue your journey long after you depart!
A PERFECT ESCAPE TO RECONNECT WITH YOURSELFJoin us in the beautiful countryside of SW France as we invite you to experience our rejuvenating yoga holiday. Embark on an adventure that ignites your mind, body, and soul. Nestled in the tranquil embrace of nature, our holiday promises to be a sanctuary of peace and self-discovery.From the moment you arrive, you'll be welcomed by the tranquility and space that surrounds retreat.
THE VENUE & ACCOMMODATION We’ll be located at the lovely French Retreat located in La Charente, about a 75-90 minute drive from Bordeaux Airport and a few minutes drive from the local train station, Chalais.
Our enchanting accommodation offers a respite from the noise and chaos of everyday life. With comfortable and cozy rooms designed to enhance relaxation, you'll instantly feel at home.The bedrooms are either ensuite or sharing a bathroom and all have towels, hair dryer, body wash, shampoo and conditioner.
YOUR DAY There’ll be yoga every morning, 8-9.15am starting on Sunday morning (apart from the day of departure) and in the evenings, 6-7.15pm from Sunday evening. All classes are mixed ability and perfectly tailored to suit all abilities. We always offer modifications and variations to suit the individual! Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner, our classes will inspire a deeper connection with your body and mind.During the day it’s your time! Either sit by the pool with a good book, go for a walk or a cycle ride or have a blissful massage! We’ll take a walk into the local village, Chalais on Monday morning after yoga and breakfast to explore the weekly market and to grab a coffee at one of the local cafés. You may want to go back during the week and explore the splendid chateau and experience the informative guided tour.Connect with nature and breathe in the fresh air, and let Mother Earth heal your spirit!
THE FOOD All meals are included from dinner on the first night (Saturday) to breakfast on the final morning (Saturday). The food will be vegetarian with some fish options too. Please do let us know in advance if you have any specific dietary requirements such as gluten or diary free.Our chef will create nourishing home cooked food that not only delights your taste buds but also supports your wellness journey. From vibrant salads to hearty soups, each dish is designed to nourish and revitalise your body.
THE COSTS per person 2025
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: £1495 DOUBLE/TWIN OCCUPANCY: £1395
AIR TRAVEL The closest airport is Bordeaux which at the moment is served by Easyjet and British Airways from Gatwick and RyanAir from Stansted. When we’ve booked our flights we’ll share the flight details so that you can travel on the same flights as us or at least arrive at about the same time! Transfers are £45 per person each way if you’re travelling at the same time as the rest of the group. We can arrange additional later airport pick ups but there will be an extra cost for this.
TRAIN TRAVEL If you’re based in the UK, you would take the Eurostar from London to Paris Gare du Nord, a metro ride across Paris, the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Angoulême train station and from here we would organise your transfer.
HOW TO BOOK Please contact us using the form on this page or email us on info@livingyogaholidays.com or if you fancy chatting to us first before booking call us on: 07910 530060 (Chantal) or 07900 242317 (Gareth).We’ll email you the booking form (please read thoroughly for full terms and conditions and for what’s included and not) and health questionnaire, both of which we will need returning along with a non-refundable deposit of £325 to secure your place.If you are transferring payment from a non UK based account there will be an additional £25 charge.N.B. we strongly recommend that you take out holiday insurance that would cover you if you had to cancel after placing your deposit.
THE LOW DOWNÂ Â
THE COST INCLUDES: Twice daily yoga classes starting Sunday morning and ending Friday evening 7 nights delightful accommodation Delicious food! Breakfast, lunch and dinner Use of all the facilities including the outdoor pool and bicycles Country walks and great company :-)
THE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: FlightsTravel to and from the venue: NB see info about transfers Travel insurance Extra drinks such as alcohol
Your Instructor
Gareth and Chantal
Chantal Rafferty originally trained in the Sivananda tradition, before taking a course at the Svyasa yoga therapy university in Bangalore, India. She then went on to study hatha yoga (using a 'viniyoga' approach) and continues to do so with her teacher Dave Charlton in the UK. She has practised and taught yoga for over 17 years and has been a member of the BWY (British Wheel of Yoga) and the aYs (Association of Yoga Studies). Her passion is working with the 'viniyoga’ and her classes reflect the belief that yoga is for everyone regardless of age, fitness and flexibility! Chantal also has many years experience of teaching classes for people with C.F.S. and M.E.
Chantal is an experienced Yoga Therapist having completed the two year Sadhana Mala Art of Individual Teaching and Yoga Therapy Program endorsed by the aYs.
Complementing the yoga Chantal is an advanced Thai yoga massage practitioner, having trained with Kira Balaskas in London and Greece. She currently gives Thai yoga massage treatments in and around the Cheltenham area.
As well as practising the massage, she also works with her husband, Gareth, in training Thai yoga massage practitioners. GARETH WILLIAMS has over 22 years of experience as a teacher, mainly with the 'viniyoga' approach to hatha yoga.
He qualified as a British Wheel of Yoga teacher with Dave Charlton, (a senior teacher based in the UK) who he continues to study with. In addition to his BWY diploma Gareth has also completed the two year Sadhana Mala Art of Individual Teaching and Yoga Therapy Program endorsed by the aYs. As a compliment to his yoga teaching, Gareth is an advanced Thai yoga massage practitioner, accredited by TTYMA. He trained with Kira Balaskas from The School of Thai Yoga Massage in London and attended several courses with Asokananda. Gareth also trains others to be practitioners in this ancient, yoga related art.