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5ks, Five Days Running Retreat France: Complete Daily Itinerary & Schedule 2026
Quick Links: Daily Schedule | Workshops | Villages | Meals | Packing | Book Now
Complete Package Inclusions
Your retreat package is designed to be truly all-inclusive, allowing you to focus entirely on your running experience without worrying about logistics or hidden costs.
Transportation & Logistics:
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (twice daily scheduled transfers)
• Comfortable transport to all guided running excursions and planned activities
• All local transfers included - no additional transportation costs
Accommodation:
• 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
Meals & Dining:
• 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
Running Experience:
• Five daily 5km runs through different scenic medieval villages
• Each run features official Plus Beaux Villages de France destinations
• Pre-planned routes for stunning scenery and manageable terrain
• Free time at each destination to explore local heritage or unwind
• Freedom to walk instead of run, or opt out of any activity
• Completion medal awarded for the Five Days 5k Challenge
Wellness & Workshops:
• Mindfulness workshops focused on enhancing mental clarity and awareness
• Breathing technique sessions to improve performance and stress management
• Optional bootcamp fitness sessions to boost strength and endurance
• Personalised personal trainer (PT) support available throughout
• Access to free weights for strength training tailored to runners' needs
Relaxation & Amenities:
• Refreshing heated outdoor pool access for post-run recovery
• Beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces for relaxation
• Free time built into daily schedule for rest and personal exploration
• Nighttime stargazing opportunities (weather permitting)
• Welcome gift featuring local wine, chocolate and hand-picked treats
Community & Connection:
• 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 fitness levels
• Non-participating partners welcome (see pricing options)
What's NOT Included:
• 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
Your Day-by-Day Guide to Our Scenic Hill Running Holiday in Medieval South West France
This running retreat in France (including arrival and departure days) combines guided trail running through historic Plus Beaux Villages de France with wellness workshops, cultural immersion and plenty of rest. Perfect for runners seeking an active fitness holiday with a mindful approach.
Our small-group running holiday near Toulouse is designed for intermediate fitness levels and welcomes runners who can comfortably complete 5km on varied terrain.
Location: Belvèze, Tarn-et-Garonne, Occitanie (Between Bordeaux and Toulouse)
Dates: June 6-13, 2026 & September 2026
Group Size: Small and friendly, with a maximum 15 guests for personalised attention
Running Holiday Schedule
This fitness retreat in France is carefully structured to balance exhilarating hill running, cultural exploration of medieval villages, mindfulness training and time to rest and connect with fellow runners.
• 5 running days through different scenic medieval villages
• 1 rest day with scenic local walks and cultural activities
• Daily wellness workshops or practice (mindfulness & breathing techniques)
• Optional bootcamp fitness session
• All meals, transport and activities included in your running holiday package
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 first run
Day 2-6: Running & Workshop Days
Each of these five days follows a similar structure, with each day featuring a different medieval village:
Morning:
• 7:30 am – Breakfast (continental with wholesome options)
• 9:15 am – Depart for the day's village destination
Late Morning:
• 10:30 am – 5km run begins through scenic medieval village routes
(Each day explores a different Plus Beaux Village de France)
Midday to Early Afternoon:
• 12:00 pm – Run concludes
• Free time to explore the village independently:
- Wander cobblestone streets and historic sites
- Visit local cafés or markets
- Enjoy packed lunch in scenic spots
- Relax and take photos
Afternoon:
• 2:30 pm – Depart village, return to Belvèze accommodation
• 3:15 pm – Arrive back at Rossignols
• Free time:
- Relax by the pool
- Rest in your room
- Optional strength training with free weights
- Read, socialise or enjoy the gardens
Evening:
• 6:00 pm – Evening workshop (varies daily - see Workshop Schedule below)
• 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/country walk through local Belvèze countryside (optional, low intensity)
• Afternoon: Free time - pool, reading, rest or independent exploration
• Evening: Group outing to a nearby restaurant or 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 and your completion medal!
Your Retreat, Your Pace
We believe in honouring your body and its needs. At any point during the retreat:
✓ You can choose to walk instead of run
✓ You can opt out of any run or activity
✓Non-running partners can join activities or relax independently
✓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 body, and we'll support whatever pace works best for you.
Ideal for runners who can comfortably jog/walk 5km and are ready for hill challenges. If you can complete a parkrun or similar 5km event, you'll be perfectly prepared.
Running Retreat Evening Workshop Rotation
Throughout the retreat, Sophie leads specialised workshops to enhance your mental and physical performance. These sessions complement your running 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: Optional Bootcamp Session (45-60 mins) - led by Lee
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 Running Destinations
While the exact rotation of villages may vary, your retreat will include 5km runs through 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 running adventure. Routes are pre-planned for safety, stunning scenery and manageable terrain, with hills and varied elevation suitable for intermediate fitness levels.
For more about our location and surrounding villages, click here →
Meals & Dining
Nourishing Plant-Based Cuisine
All meals at our running retreat feature delicious plant-based cuisine designed to fuel your body for optimal performance and recovery. 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 recovery-focused dinners, every dish is crafted to support your active holiday.
Breakfast: Continental-style spread featuring fresh bread, seasonal fruits, plant-based yogurts, nut butters, coffee, tea and fresh juices
Lunch: Packed lunches for enjoying 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 runs and village excursions, we can arrange stops at local supermarkets so you can pick up anything you'd like to have on hand during your stay.
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 running holiday in France.
Packing Essentials for Your Running Retreat
Running Gear
• Running shoes suitable for trails and hills
• 5-6 sets of running clothes (moisture-wicking recommended)
• Running hat or visor
• Sunglasses
• Light running jacket or windbreaker
• Hydration pack or water bottle
• GPS Watch or other optional technology
Casual Wear
• Comfortable clothing for evenings and rest days
• Swimwear for pool use
• Light layers (evenings can be cool)
• Walking shoes or sandals
Other Essentials
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Personal toiletries and medications
• Reusable water bottle
• Small daypack for village explorations
• Camera or phone for photos
• Journal (optional - for reflection and note taking)
We provide
• Fresh towels and bed linen
• Pool towels
• Free weights for strength training