Scenic Medieval Village Walking Experience in South West France 2026
Vistas & Villages Walking & Wellness Retreat 2026
June 2026
& September 2026
Discover a Peaceful Walking Retreat in South West France
Escape to a scenic walking retreat amid the stunning medieval villages and tranquil countryside of the Occitanie region in South West France. Join a rejuvenating journey designed for gentle exercise, cultural discovery and mindful connection in some of France’s most picturesque hilltop villages, where breathtaking countryside vistas set the tone for a restorative experience.
Daily Guided Walks Through Picturesque Villages and Countryside
Each day, enjoy guided walks averaging around 5 km through historic hilltop villages recognised for their authentic charm and breathtaking landscapes. Flexible shorter walking options are available to suit all fitness levels, making the retreat inclusive and welcoming for both seasoned hikers and casual strollers.
Enrich Your Experience with Mindfulness, Breathing & Creative Workshops
Enhance your walking adventure with expert-led workshops, including breathing and mindfulness sessions designed to deepen relaxation, focus and well-being. These activities complement your cultural exploration by fostering a calm and attentive state of mind.
Relax, Explore, and Connect at Your Own Pace
Enjoy free time to browse local markets, relax by the pool or soak in stunning views, while forming meaningful connections with fellow guests in a friendly, small-group setting (maximum 15 participants).
Charming Medieval Villages and Tranquil Countryside for a Truly Enriching Walking Retreat
Our accommodation offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by carefully selected medieval villages, each renowned for its picturesque architecture, serene atmosphere and stunning countryside views. These villages all hold the prestigious Plus Beaux Villages de France designation, providing the perfect backdrop for your daily walks and cultural discovery. For details about our location and surrounding medieval villages, click here.
Leisurely visits to traditional French markets, inviting cafés and artisan workshops nestled in authentic village settings allow you to experience genuine connections with the heart of rural France.
This walking retreat harmoniously blends gentle exercise, cultural immersion and moments of quiet reflection — offering English-speaking guests an ideal escape for relaxation, discovery and connection in the enchanting Occitanie region.
Join a Close-Knit Community of English-Speaking Walking Retreat Guests in South West France
All walkers — whether seasoned hikers or casual strollers — are warmly invited to join our intimate walking retreat designed to foster a supportive, friendly community of like-minded English-speaking nature and culture lovers. With a small group size, you’ll benefit from personalised attention, easy camaraderie and meaningful connections built around shared exploration and wellness.
Ready to Discover Southwestern France on Foot?
Join us for the Vistas & Villages Walking & Wellness Retreat and immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and tranquility of Occitanie. Secure your place today and embark on a journey of connection, relaxation and discovery in one of France’s most enchanting regions.
What’s Included in your Walking Retreat
Convenient pick-up and drop-off from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport for easy arrival and departure
Welcome gift to set the tone for your immersive walking holiday through medieval villages
Comfortable accommodation at La Grande Rossignol, a beautifully restored 19th-century French farmhouse in the heart of the Occitanie region
Three nourishing daily meals thoughtfully prepared to energise your body and mind with plant-based options
Transport provided to all scheduled walking excursions, workshops and village visits
Guided walks averaging 5 km daily through scenic medieval villages and countryside, with shorter, gentler options for those preferring less distance
Creative workshop designed to inspire and complement your walking experience — this may include artistic activities or a curated tasting session, led by local experts or hosted onsite
Mindfulness workshop to cultivate focused attention and enhance your connection with the natural surroundings
Breathing techniques workshop aimed at improving mental clarity, emotional calm and sustained energy for walking and reflection
Ample free time to explore local villages, relax by the pool or enjoy peaceful moments immersed in the French countryside
Evening group gatherings featuring alfresco dining and social time with fellow retreat guests under the stars
Nighttime star gazing (weather permitting) to end your days with wonder and tranquility
Personalised support from your hosts Sophie and Lee, dedicated to ensuring a comfortable and enriching retreat experience
Freedom to opt out of any activities or excursions to create your own perfect retreat pace
Daily walking routes averaging around 5 km through scenic medieval villages and countryside, with flexible shorter options available for those who prefer a gentler pace or less distance
Typical Daily Walking Retreat Schedule (Approximate Times)
8:00 am – Slow breakfast
9:45 am – Depart for the day's village destination
10:30 am – Walk begins through the scenic countryside and medieval village
12:00 pm – Free time to explore and relax in the medieval village
3 pm – Return to Belvèze accommodation
3:45 pm– Free time (optional pool use, relaxation, or personal exploration)
6:00pm – Evening workshop (mindfulness, breathing, or creative session)
6:30 pm – Apéro (pre-dinner drinks and socialising)
7:00 pm – Group dinner, socialising and next day briefing
10:00 pm – Optional star gazing for night owls
Other Walking Retreat Schedules
Arrival day: Settle in, meet the group and share a meal
A chill out day at the accommodation, time to relax and enjoy the pool and vistas
Departure day: Breakfast then drop off at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
Deepen Your Connection to Nature and Culture with Daily Guided Walks and Mindful Workshops
Experience the perfect balance of gentle countryside and medieval village walks combined with creative and mindfulness sessions that nurture body and spirit. Whether you seek peaceful reflection or cultural discovery, this walking retreat offers a uniquely enriching escape. Reserve your place now and walk with us through the stunning Plus Beaux Villages de France and the beautiful Occitanie countryside!
Walking Retreat Accommodation: La Grande Rossignol
La Grande Rossignol, our charming 19th-century French farmhouse in South West France, is currently being lovingly renovated and will welcome guests from 2026. While images of the farmhouse will be available closer to completion, you can explore photos of our smaller gîte to get a hint of the welcoming atmosphere.
This spacious farmhouse offers flexible accommodation options, sleeping up to 15 guests.
Key features include:
Two fully equipped kitchens and living/dining areas
Five bedrooms and five bathrooms
Three large bedrooms, each with room for 3 guests
Two spacious family rooms perfect for multiple guests
Alfresco dinning areas, gardens and a swimming pool
The farmhouse beautifully blends authentic French countryside character—with its original stone walls and exposed wooden beams—with a carefully curated eclectic aesthetic. Influences from the Middle East and African contemporary style, alongside clean Bauhaus lines, create a harmonious mix of bold patterns, cultural textures and modern comfort.
Perfectly situated for your walking retreat in the stunning Occitanie region, La Grande Rossignol, with its tasteful fusion, creates an inviting and sophisticated ambiance that is both unique and serene. Experience the rare combination of heritage architecture and global influences, ensuring a memorable, comfortable stay that relaxes and inspires.
Your Walking Retreat Hosts
Sophie and Lee, your walking retreat hosts.
Your English hosts, Sophie and Lee, along with their beloved cat, settled in the beautiful South West of France in 2025 after nearly two decades living in Australia. Seeking a simpler, more peaceful life surrounded by fresh, wholesome food, rural tranquility and rich cultural adventures, they chose a picturesque village in the Occitanie region to call home.
Sophie and Lee are dedicated to making your walking retreat comfortable, memorable and enjoyable. Environmentally conscious and lovers of nature, they delight in countryside walks, exploring new places and plant-based, whole-food cooking in the French countryside.
Sophie is the creative force behind the eclectic, arty and unique decor of the accommodation. Her eye for style creates a space that is both inspiring and full of character—making every guest’s stay as visually memorable as the stunning landscapes outside. Sophie is also a Nonverbal Communication Specialist, teaching how to leverage the body’s hidden powers for optimal performance of body, mind and emotion.
As part of the retreat experience, Sophie leads mindfulness and breathing workshops designed to deepen focus, reduce stress and enhance emotional well-being. These practices perfectly complement your walking retreat by helping guests cultivate greater body awareness and calm—empowering them to relax deeply and engage fully with their surroundings of South West France.
Lee, the cat’s ever-devoted butler, brings a practical and caring spirit to the retreat. A lifelong runner with a curious mind packed with fascinating trivia, he ensures that every guest feels safe, happy and well cared for. His skilful organisation guarantees a smooth, welcoming experience for all.
Together, Sophie and Lee are devoted to creating a warm, inspiring retreat where every guest feels at home, cared for and enriched in the heart of rural France.
Walking Retreat Workshops and Activities
Creative Workshop
Immerse yourself in a hands-on creative workshop designed to inspire and complement your walking retreat through medieval villages and scenic vistas in the Occitanie region. Led by local experts or hosted onsite, this engaging session encourages self-expression and discovery through artistic or culinary activities connected to the themes of rural France. Whether exploring flavours or colours, no previous experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a spirit of adventure!
Mindfulness Workshop (30-45 mins) and Practice
Early in the walking retreat, Sophie leads a mindfulness workshop focused on cultivating present-moment awareness, tailored to enhance your connection with the breathtaking landscapes of South West France. Guests learn techniques to deepen both focused attention and open awareness, helping to reduce stress, refresh the mind and enrich each step on this walking holiday in the French countryside.
Throughout the retreat, Sophie facilitates gentle daily mindfulness moments, encouraging a calm and attentive mindset that supports reflection and relaxation in this timeless rural setting.
Breathing Techniques Workshop (30-45 mins)
Sophie guides participants through breathing exercises aimed at fostering mental clarity and emotional balance—key to sustained energy and calm during your walking adventure in Occitanie. Drawing on embodied cognition principles, this workshop explores how adapting your breath can help manage stress, improve focus and deepen your connection with the environment.
Participants will gain practical tools to harness the power of mindful breathing in everyday life and on this walking holiday through South West France.
Walking Retreat Pricing and Accommodation Options
Our Walking Retreat Pricing- What’s Included
Our Walking & Wellness Retreat offers an authentic and immersive experience in the stunning Occitanie countryside and charming medieval villages. To accommodate diverse preferences and budgets, we provide several tiered accommodation packages, all inclusive of meals, guided walks, visits, transfers, workshops and personalized care from your hosts Sophie and Lee.
Options
Private Room & Bathroom for One Guest
Enjoy the utmost privacy and comfort in a charming bedroom with an ensuite bathroom—ideal for those seeking a peaceful, uninterrupted escape.
€1,950 per person
Private Room & Bathroom Shared by Two Guests
Perfect for friends, partners or family members sharing a room while still enjoying private bathroom facilities.
€1,600 per person
Private Room & Bathroom Shared by Three or More Guests
Flexible and budget-friendly for small groups or families booking together. Share the suite and create lasting memories while enjoying your wellness journey.
€1,400 per person
Shared Room & Bathroom (Bed and Bathroom Shared with Other Guests)
Our most affordable option, fostering deeper connection through shared spaces—perfect for solo travelers or those eager to connect and make new friends.
€1,350 per person
Security Bond
To ensure the care and upkeep of our beautiful retreat property, a refundable security bond of €300 per person is required at the time of booking. This bond acts as a deposit against any potential damage during your stay, giving both you and us peace of mind.
The bond will be fully refunded within 7 days after your departure, provided the accommodation is left in the same condition as upon arrival. In the unlikely event of damage or excessive cleaning required, a portion or the entire bond may be retained accordingly, with full transparency and communication.
Our goal is to maintain a warm, welcoming and well-cared-for space for all guests, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us achieve this.
What’s Included in Every Package:
• Private or shared accommodation in a tranquil boutique farmhouse
• Three nourishing daily meals with fresh, seasonal, plant-based ingredients
• Guided countryside and village walks, with flexible pacing options
• Cultural visits to picturesque medieval villages, recognised as Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
• Creative workshops and mindfulness practices designed to nurture your wellbeing
• Welcome gift including local wines, chocolates and curated treats
• Transfers, including airport pickup and drop-off and all scheduled excursions
• Use of the outdoor heated pool and garden spaces
• Evening gatherings to foster connection, relaxation and shared experiences
Our pricing reflects the care, exclusivity, personalized attention, and authentic cultural immersion embedded in every aspect of the retreat. As our amenities expand—future plans include spa facilities, sauna, plunge pool and celebrity hosts—we will position ourselves in the premium market, offering an even more luxurious experience.
Please contact us for current availability or to discuss tailored requirements—you are warmly welcome!
Getting to Belvèze
Arrival by Air: Toulouse Airport Transfer Included
We offer included transfers from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport twice daily—typically a morning and an afternoon pickup—to collect guests conveniently. These transfer times can accommodate most incoming flights from UK and European airports. Exact transfer times will be confirmed once attendees have their flights booked. Cafés and amenities are available at the airport, but if you prefer not to wait for collection, we can assist you in exploring other options such as carpooling or visiting Toulouse city on your own.
Self-Drive and Parking: Your Scenic Road Trip Starts Here
For those who love the freedom of the open road, driving to Belvèze offers a wonderful chance to explore the beautiful countryside at your own pace. Our property provides ample onsite parking, so you can arrive and relax without any hassle. Along the way, soak in rolling hills and picturesque landscapes that make your journey just as memorable as your destination. Wherever you’re coming from, this road trip is a great way to begin your authentic rural French walking retreat.
Arrival via Other Airports
If you are arriving at nearby airports such as Bordeaux or Bergerac, direct transfers to Belvèze may be limited. While train connections to Montauban or Agen exist, please note that we may not be able to provide transfers from these stations due to scheduling challenges.
An alternative option to consider is BlaBlaCar, a popular carpooling platform where you can share rides to local towns nearby. This solution allows you to purchase a low cost ride with someone heading in the same direction, though availability is not guaranteed and depends on drivers’ schedules.
We recommend planning your arrival primarily via Toulouse Airport for the most seamless transfer experience. If you wish to explore other options, we are happy to offer planning assistance.