Vinyasa Flow Yoga Retreat: Charente, France
Beyond the Asana: Astanga and Vinyasa Flow Yoga Retreat in Charente, France
29 Aug - 5 Sept, 2009; £495 pp / 7 days
Slip into the serenity of rural France in late summer. Les Passeroses is a tranquil, eco-friendly yoga center located in a peaceful valley in the heart of Charente in South West France. The region is famous for the quality of its amber light that bathes everything it touches with a magical radiance. Taste fresh regional cuisine, relax by the pool, have a massage, mountain bike to medieval villages, sleep in a typical Charentaise 'Longere', or contemplate the rolling countryside filled with vines, maize and sunflowers.
More importantly, do YOGA. Two yoga classes a day are dedicated to taking you deep into the practice and your life.
The Venue
Les Passeroses consists of a farmhouse and attached barns to form a Charentaise 'Longere' - or longhouse – that has been sensitively renovated to retain its original features of oak beams, fireplaces and Pigeonnier windows. All rooms are of ‘boutique hotel’ standards. The bedrooms have a simple elegance with luxurious bed linen and super soft towels. The ensuite or shared modern bathrooms have efficient showers and water-saving toilets. Outside, there are hammocks and hidden spaces among the trees for contemplation, as well and a garden, wildflower meadow and lily-covered pond. Yoga takes place is n a 65 sq m barn with solid oak floors and views of the countryside. There are three meals a day provided in a French fashion with a large meal in the middle of the day. An imaginative vegan menu includes Mediterranean, Moroccan, Thai and Indian dishes and ingredients are homegrown where possible. A resident therapist does Hot Stone, Aromatherapy, Swedish Massage and Reflexology from 30 – 55 euros up to 55.
For detailed information on Les Passeroses see here.
The Yoga
Each day will begin with a led Astanga Vinyasa Yoga Primary Series class. (Mysore self-practice is also an alternative.) An afternoon class will focus on different aspects of asana, pranayama and meditation. We'll study the inner and outer techniques of vinyasa that tie the poses together in a ‘moving meditation'; develop the ‘inner limbs' of yoga to develop focus and concentration skills that enhance clarity of mind; use the breath to feel safe enough to move through difficult poses and work honestly at your edge; shift energy in problem areas (hips & shoulders); restorative yoga; learn use yoga as a healing/transformational tool to move through fear and release hardness in the body; experience deep inner peace and insight; learn to be at ease in the present moment. Develop a daily practice so inspiring you'll want to get on your mat as soon as you get home. Be a yogi for life!
(This retreat is for all levels of practitioner. Beginners are welcome as long as you have some yoga experience, are relatively fit and willing to try.)
Getting There
Les Passeroses is conveniently located between five airports (Angouleme-Cognac, Bergerac, Poitiers, Limoges and Bordeaux). Flights are still cheap, especially from Stansted to Angouleme with Ryanair. Or, the Eurostar and TGV to Angouleme (with a change in Lille) takes about 6.5 hours.
We recommend travelling here by train to reduce your carbon footprint and stress levels. Unless otherwise specified students are to arrive no earlier than 4.30 pm on the start day and should vacate by 11 am on the departure day.
For travel and transfer details see here.
The Price
£495 made payable to HEATHER ELTON. A deposit of £150 is due at the time of booking. The balance is due by August 1 2009. (The price includes 7 nights shared accommodation, 2 yoga classes a day and 3 meals a day, with one evening meal out at a local restaurant at your own expense. It does not include transportation or transfers.)