← Back to Reading Retreat Details
Reading Retreat in South West France: Complete Daily Itinerary & Schedule 2026
Quick Links: Daily Schedule | Workshops | Villages | Meals | Packing | Book Now
This reading retreat in France combines peaceful reading time in historic Plus Beaux Villages de France with creative workshops, mindfulness practices, cultural immersion and plenty of rest. Perfect for book lovers seeking a restorative literary holiday with inspiring surroundings.
Our small-group reading retreat near Toulouse is designed for all reading levels and welcomes passionate bibliophiles and casual readers alike who love books, beautiful places and meaningful connections.
Location:
Belvèze, Tarn-et-Garonne, Occitanie (Between Bordeaux and Toulouse)
Dates:
22 - 29 June 2026
Group Size:
Small and friendly, with a maximum 15 guests for personalised attention
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day
• Afternoon/Evening: Airport pickup from Toulouse-Blagnac (times confirmed after booking)
• Check-in to La Grande Rossignol farmhouse
• Welcome drink and settle into your room
• Meet your hosts Sophie and Lee, and fellow retreat guests
• Welcome dinner and retreat orientation
• Early night to rest before your village visit
Day 2-6: Reading & Workshop Days
Each of these five days follows a similar structure, with each day featuring a different medieval village:
Morning:
• 8:30 am – Breakfast (continental with wholesome options)
• 10:30 am – Depart for the day's village destination
Late Morning:
• 11 am – Exploration of scenic medieval village
(Each day explores a different Plus Beaux Village de France)
Midday to Early Afternoon:
• Free time to explore the village independently:
- Wander cobblestone streets and historic sites
- Visit local cafés or markets
- Enjoy packed lunch in scenic spots
- Find peaceful reading nooks with views
- Relax and take photos
Afternoon:
• 2:45 pm – Depart village, return to Belvèze accommodation
• 3:15 pm – Arrive back at Rossignols
• Free time:
- Relax by the pool
- Rest in your room
- Socialise with fellow guests
- Read in peaceful garden settings
Evening:
• 6:00 pm – Evening workshop (varies daily)
• 6:30 pm – Apéro (pre-dinner drinks and socialising)
• 7:00 pm – Group dinner with next-day briefing
• 9:00 pm onwards – Free time, socialising
• 10:00 pm – Suggested lights out for good rest, or optional star gazing
Day 7: Rest & Local Exploration Day
• Morning: Leisurely breakfast
• Mid-morning: Scenic bush walk through local Belvèze countryside (optional, low intensity)
• Afternoon: Free time - pool, reading, rest or independent exploration
• Evening: Group outing to a local village
Day 8: Departure Day
• Morning: Final breakfast together
• Check-out and farewells
• Drop-off at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (times coordinated with flights)
• Safe travels home with memories
Your Retreat, Your Pace
We believe in respecting your personal preferences and energy levels. At any point during the retreat:
✓ You can choose to stay at the accommodation instead of visiting villages
✓ You can opt out of any activity
✓You can skip workshops if you need rest
✓ You have the freedom to explore independently during free time
This retreat is designed to energise and inspire—not exhaust you. Listen to your needs, and we'll support whatever pace works best for you.
Ideal for book lovers who enjoy leisurely exploration and cultural immersion. If you can comfortably walk through historic villages and enjoy several hours of reading daily, you'll be perfectly prepared.
Complete Package Inclusions
Your retreat package is designed to be truly all-inclusive, allowing you to focus entirely on your reading experience without worrying about logistics or hidden costs.
-
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (twice daily scheduled transfers)
• Comfortable transport to all medieval village excursions and planned activities
• All local transfers included - no additional transportation costs
-
• 7 nights in La Grande Rossignol, our beautifully renovated 19th-century farmhouse
• Choice of private or shared room options (based on package tier)
• Private or shared bathroom facilities (based on package tier)
• Fresh linens, towels and pool towels provided
-
• Three nutritious daily meals included:
- Continental breakfast with wholesome options
- Packed lunch for village explorations
- Freshly prepared group dinner emphasising plant-based cuisine
• Evening apéro (pre-dinner drinks) and social dining
• Alfresco dining in gardens when weather permits
-
• Daily visits to stunning medieval villages recognised as Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
• Each village handpicked for picturesque architecture, stunning vistas and serene atmosphere
• Ample time for reading in charming French cafés, scenic locations and historic squares
• Freedom to explore at your own pace - bookshops, markets and cultural sites
• Curated reading nooks at accommodation for peaceful retreat time
• Bookish welcome gift featuring local treats and literary surprises
-
• Mindfulness workshops focused on enhancing mental clarity and awareness
• Breathing technique sessions to improve well-being
• Creative workshop–visual arts or tasting experience
-
• Refreshing heated outdoor pool access
• Beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces for relaxation
• Free time built into daily schedule for rest and personal exploration
• Nighttime stargazing opportunities (weather permitting)
-
• Intimate small-group experience (maximum 15 guests)
• Evening gatherings with group meals and socialising
• Daily briefings to prepare for next day's adventure
• Supportive, welcoming atmosphere for all reading levels
• Opportunity to connect with like-minded book lovers from around the world
-
• International flights to/from Toulouse
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Personal expenses (shopping, additional drinks, etc.)
• Optional activities outside scheduled program
• Gratuities (entirely optional)
• Airport transfers from airports other than Toulouse
Reading Retreat Evening Workshops
Throughout the retreat, Sophie leads specialised workshops to enhance your relaxation and mindfulness. These sessions complement your literary experience:
Night 1 (Arrival): Retreat orientation and welcome
Night 2: Introduction to Mindfulness Workshop (30 - 45 mins)
Night 3: Breathing Techniques Workshop (30 - 45 mins)
Day 4: Creative Session (45-60 mins)
Ongoing: At various points throughout each day, Sophie will prompt or lead a short mindfulness practice for around 5 minutes.
Sophie and Lee are always available for support and advice surrounding these topics and the retreat in general.
For detailed descriptions of each workshop, visit our Workshops & Activities page →
Your Medieval Village Reading Destinations
While the exact rotation of villages may vary, your retreat will include visits to a selection of these stunning medieval villages in South West France:
Penne-d'Agenais - Dramatic hilltop bastide with breathtaking valley views
Lauzerte - Ancient bastide town with beautiful stone architecture and panoramic vistas
Tournon-d'Agenais - Picturesque hilltop village with commanding countryside views
Monflanquin - Perfectly preserved 13th-century bastide with arcaded central square
Villeréal - Charming bastide with magnificent covered market hall
Pujols-le-Haut - Fortified village perched above the Lot Valley
Puy-l'Évêque - Medieval town cascading down hillside to the Lot River
Each day features a different village, with five villages selected from this collection for your week's literary adventure. Discover quiet reading spots, historic cafés and scenic viewpoints perfect for contemplation and relaxation.
For more about our location and surrounding villages, click here →
Meals & Dining
Nourishing Plant-Based Cuisine
All meals at our reading retreat feature delicious plant-based cuisine designed to nourish and energise you. Your hosts have followed a whole-food, plant-based diet since 2018 and they'll share their favourite dishes—recipes fine-tuned over the years for both nutrition and flavour.
Expect fresh, seasonal ingredients, global-inspired flavours and hearty meals that satisfy even the most skeptical plant-based newcomers. From energising breakfasts to leisurely dinners, every dish is crafted to support your relaxing retreat.
Breakfast: Continental-style spread featuring fresh bread, seasonal fruits, plant-based yogurts, nut butters, coffee, tea and fresh juices
Lunch: Packed lunches to enjoy during your village explorations—wholesome sandwiches, fruit and plenty of water
Dinner: Freshly prepared group meals showcasing the best of plant-based cooking, with local and seasonal ingredients whenever possible
Alfresco Dining
One of the retreat highlights is dining together in our gardens under the French sky. Weather permitting, we gather around the outdoor table for apéro and meals—creating the perfect atmosphere for connection, laughter and sharing stories from the day's adventures.
Dietary Requirements
Please inform us of dietary needs and allergies, at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly. Whether you need gluten-free, nut-free or other modifications, we'll ensure you're well-fed and satisfied.
Wine & Beverages
As part of the authentic French experience, we're permitted to serve wine with meals. Enjoy a glass with dinner or during apéro hour—it's entirely optional and always in the spirit of conviviality.
Supermarket Stops
Need to stock up on personal snacks, drinks or other supplies? After most daily village excursions, we arrange stops at local supermarkets so you can pick up anything you'd like to have on hand.
Kitchen Facilities & Self-Catering Options
While three delicious meals are included daily, our retreat accommodation offers exceptional flexibility with access to three kitchens—two modern internal kitchens and one outdoor kitchen space. Guests can prepare snacks, make tea or coffee anytime, or store personal food items. This self-catering option ensures you feel completely at home during your retreat in France.
Packing Essentials for Your Reading Retreat
Reading & Relaxation
• Books you're currently reading or want to start (or browse local bookshops during village visits!)
• E-reader or tablet if you prefer digital books
• Reading glasses and/or sunglasses
• Bookmark or journal for notes and reflections
• Small notebook for creative writing or travel memories
Casual Wear
• Comfortable clothing for village explorations and evenings
• Swimwear for pool use
• Light layers (evenings can be cool)
• Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets
• Sandals or casual footwear for relaxing
• Sun hat or cap for village visits
Other Essentials
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Personal toiletries and medications
• Reusable water bottle
• Small daypack for village explorations
• Camera or phone for photos
• Pen and journal (optional - for reflection and note taking)
Ready for Your Literary Adventure?
Join us in medieval South West France for a week of reading, relaxation and unforgettable village explorations.
Limited to 15 guests