French Village Discovery Retreat
Walk, Taste, Unwind
Vistas & Villages
Where Every Street is a Step Back in Time
Autumn Retreat: 26 - 31 October 2026
Discover medieval villages in autumn light, with gentle walks, local food and the changing colours of the countryside.
Winter Retreat: 8 - 13 February 2027
Experience the quieter side of southwest France through gentle village walks, local culture, warming food and cosy evenings beside the wood burner.
Spring Retreat: 19 - 24 April 2027
Walk through fresh spring landscapes, historic villages and local markets as the countryside comes back to life.
Early Summer Retreat: 7 - 12 June 2027
Enjoy long days exploring medieval villages, local heritage and the surrounding countryside at a relaxed early-summer pace.
Late Summer Retreat: 6 - 11 September 2027
Explore sun-warmed villages, peaceful countryside and local heritage as summer begins to soften into early autumn.
Seasonal Note:
All walks and activities are adapted to the season and local conditions. Alternative arrangements are available where necessary, so guests can enjoy the experience whatever the weather.
All-Inclusive
€1,390 - €1,990 per person
French Village Discovery Retreat in South West France
Join our French Village Discovery Retreat in South West France for five nights of slow travel through some of the country’s most enchanting medieval villages, many officially recognised as Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Explore picturesque hilltop settings, tranquil countryside and winding cobblestone streets on gentle, guided strolls steeped in centuries of history.
Each village offers a unique blend of medieval architecture, authentic French culture and breathtaking countryside vistas—making every outing an inspiring journey for both curiosity and calm.
Perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape in the French countryside, this village‑centred retreat in Occitanie welcomes all interests and abilities. From keen explorers to relaxed travellers looking for a culturally rich break in rural France, your English‑speaking host, Sophie, ensures a welcoming, expertly organised experience in the heart of Occitanie.
About the French Village Discovery Experience
This unique five‑night retreat features daily guided village explorations around Belvèze, each in a different medieval village nearby. Routes are carefully chosen for stunning scenery, gentle terrain and plenty of time to linger in cafés, boutiques and viewpoints—suitable for all levels. Experience the perfect blend of culture, nature and relaxation in Southwest France.
For details about our location and the surrounding medieval villages we'll explore, visit our location guide.
Mindfulness Moments
Beyond gentle exploration, our retreat includes a 30‑minute introductory session on mindfulness, followed by short “mindfulness moments” woven into the days—brief pauses to notice the view, the light, the sounds of the village, and your own breath. These simple practices enhance relaxation, connection and presence throughout your stay in the hills of Occitanie.
Days are rounded out with nutritious, wholesome plant‑based meals using seasonal, locally sourced produce to support energy and well‑being.
Small-Group Retreat with a Welcoming Community
All guests—from first‑time visitors to experienced travellers—are welcome at our intimate retreat designed to foster meaningful connections. With a small group size, enjoy personalised attention and genuine camaraderie with like‑minded culture and nature lovers.
Guests wishing to extend their stay for additional exploration are encouraged to do so, in which case a hire car is recommended for maximum flexibility.
Who is this Retreat for?
Designed for those who seek pace with purpose, this five‑night retreat invites you to wander through scenic medieval villages steeped in natural beauty and heritage. It nourishes body and mind with gentle village explorations balanced by short, mindful moments of calm reflection. Ideal for travellers who appreciate both culture and connection, this experience offers quiet renewal through slow discovery amid timeless Occitan landscapes.
Ready to Wander Through Medieval Villages & Countryside?
Join our French Village Discovery Retreat in Southwest France. Experience peaceful, guided explorations of breathtaking hilltop villages officially recognised as Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Secure your spot today and enrich your break with culture, gentle movement, mindfulness moments and stunning Occitan vistas.
Daily Retreat Schedule Overview
Your days on this five‑night village discovery retreat in South West France follow a balanced rhythm of exploration, relaxation and connection—designed to rejuvenate while giving you plenty of space to unwind.
Mornings: Start with a nourishing breakfast before departing for the day’s medieval village destination around 9:30 am.
Midday: Enjoy a guided exploration through stunning historic landscapes and countryside, followed by free time to wander charming streets, visit local cafés and boutiques, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Afternoons: Return to Rossignols for downtime—relax by the pool, rest in your room or read in the garden .
Evenings: Enjoy apéro and group dinners made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. On clear nights, optional stargazing is available for those who’d like to linger outside.
This small‑group retreat near Toulouse offers the perfect blend of mindfulness moments, village culture and relaxed well‑being in the heart of France’s beautiful Occitanie region.
What’s Included in Your French Village Discovery Retreat
✓ Pickup from Montauban train station (with flexible arrangements for guests arriving via Bergerac)
✓ 5 nights’ accommodation at La Grande Rossignol farmhouse near Belvèze
✓ All meals (plant‑based, focused on wholesome, seasonal nutrition) – breakfast and dinner daily, plus picnic on exploration days
✓ Daily guided village explorations through Les Plus Beaux Villages de France and surrounding medieval villages
✓ 30‑minute introductory mindfulness session, plus short “mindfulness moments” woven into the days
✓ Other activities, such as wine tasting, creative workshops and artist visits, subject to seasonal availability
✓ Transport to all activities and medieval villages
✓ Welcome gift featuring local wine, chocolate & treats
✓ Pool access and garden relaxation areas
✓ Evening social gatherings and group dinners
💰 Retreat Value Breakdown
5 nights accommodation
+ All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
+ Pickup and drop‑off at Montauban train station
+ 4 guided medieval village walks
+ Introductory mindfulness workshops and mindful moments
+ Other activities, subject to seasonal availability
+ All transport
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Total Package Value: Over €2,300
Your Price: From €1,390 pp
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Your Retreat Home: La Grande Rossignol Accommodation
Stay at La Grande Rossignol, our beautifully renovated 19th-century French farmhouse blending authentic stone walls and wooden beams with eclectic global style. This spacious boutique property features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, three kitchens, alfresco dining areas, gardens and a pool—designed for comfort, connection and relaxation.
Sleeps up to 15 guests
5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
Swimming pool & gardens
Alfresco dining areas
Authentic farmhouse with eclectic design
Your Walking Retreat Host
Your English host, Sophie, 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, she chose a picturesque village to call home, accompanied by her beloved cat.
Sophie is dedicated to making your village discovery retreat comfortable, memorable and enjoyable. Environmentally conscious and a lover of nature, she delights in countryside walks, exploring new places and whole‑food cooking.
The creative force behind the accommodation’s eclectic, arty decor, Sophie brings her 15+ year background as a professional artist to every detail. As a Nonverbal Communication and Behaviour Specialist, she leads the introductory mindfulness session and daily “mindfulness moments,” designed to deepen focus and enhance your experience.
Sophie is devoted to creating a warm, inspiring retreat where every guest feels at home, cared for and enriched.
Plant-Based Nourishment for Optimal Health and Wellness
Enjoy revitalising, whole-food, plant-based meals designed to maintain steady energy and promote well-being as you connect with nature. Featuring a diverse array of nutrient-packed ingredients, our menus emphasise minimally processed plants rich in fibre and antioxidants, supporting digestive health and reducing chronic disease risk. Sweet, satisfying treats round out the menu, making mindful eating a joyful part of your experience. Your host, committed to this way of eating since 2018, brings thoughtful creativity to every dish, honouring both your health and the planet.
While our meals celebrate vibrant plant-based nutrition designed to uplift your wellness journey, please know our kitchens are yours to enjoy freely. Feel welcome to bring or prepare any snacks you love – whether they’re wholesome bites or occasional indulgences – without any judgment. We believe balance and comfort go hand in hand, so snack away and savour the experience your way.
More Than Village Discovery: Mindfulness and Simple Pleasures
Enhance your village discovery retreat with gentle activities designed to deepen your connection with the landscapes and medieval villages of the Occitanie region. These sessions blend simple mindfulness awareness and local experiences to support relaxation and presence throughout your stay.
✓ Introductory Mindfulness Session – A 30‑minute guided introduction to practical techniques for present‑moment awareness, stress relief and mental refreshment as you explore the French countryside.
✓ Daily Mindfulness Moments – Short, guided pauses woven into the days to help you notice the views, sounds and sensations around you, and to bring a calm, grounded focus to your village explorations.
✓ Optional Local Experiences – Depending on the season and group interest, you may also enjoy activities such as wine tasting, creative workshops or artist visits. No experience is necessary—just curiosity and a spirit of adventure.
Walk, Taste, Unwind: French Village Discovery Retreat – Pricing
Choose from flexible accommodation options to suit your needs:
Private Room & Bathroom (Solo) €1,990 per person
Private Room & Bathroom (Shared by 2) €1,690 per person
Private Room & Bathroom (Shared by 3+) €1,490 per person
Shared Room & Bathroom €1,390 per person
Total Package Value: Over €2,300 Your Price: From €1,390 pp
Includes: 5 nights accommodation, all meals, pickup and drop‑off at Montauban train station, 4 guided village explorations, introductory mindfulness session and daily mindfulness moments, pool access, welcome gift & more.
A refundable €300 security bond per person is required at booking.
Limited availability. Secure your place today.
Getting to Belvèze
We make your journey to Belvèze simple and stress-free. Pickup and drop‑off at Montauban train station are included in your retreat package, with arrangements timed to meet common connections from Toulouse, Bordeaux and Bergerac.
For guests travelling by car, ample onsite parking is available. For detailed travel information, train suggestions and alternative airport options, see our full Travel Guide →