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French Village Discovery Retreat
Walk, Taste, Unwind
Complete Itinerary: Daily Schedule & Activities
Quick Links: Daily Schedule | Workshops | Villages | Meals | Packing | Book Now
This five-night retreat in South West France combines guided discoveries of historic medieval villages with gentle countryside walks, local culture, delicious food and plenty of time to relax. Explore beautiful villages, scenic viewpoints, cafés, markets and artisan traditions at an unhurried pace.
Our small-group French Village Discovery Retreat near Toulouse welcomes all interests and abilities—whether you enjoy gentle walks, cultural exploration, beautiful landscapes or meaningful connections with fellow travellers.
Location
Belvèze, Tarn-et-Garonne, Occitanie (Between Bordeaux and Toulouse)
Dates
Autumn Retreat: 26 - 31 October 2026
Winter Retreat: 8 - 13 February 2027
Spring Retreat: 19 - 24 April 2027
Early Summer Retreat: 7 - 12 June 2027
Late Summer Retreat: 6 - 11 September 2027
Group Size
Small and friendly, for personalised attention
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day
• Afternoon/Evening: Pickup from Montauban train station, with timing coordinated after your travel details are confirmed.
• Check-in to La Grande Rossignol farmhouse
• Welcome drink and settle into your room
• Meet your fellow retreat guests
• Welcome dinner and retreat orientation
• Relax and rest after your journey.
Day 2-5: Village Discovery Days
Each day features a different medieval village or local destination, with a relaxed balance of guided exploration, free time and countryside scenery.
Morning:
• 8 am – Enjoy a nourishing breakfast
• 9:15 am – Depart for the day's village destination
Village exploration
• Take part in a gentle, guided exploration through historic streets, scenic landscapes and surrounding countryside.
• Discover medieval architecture, local heritage and beautiful viewpoints.
• Enjoy time to:
- Wander cobblestone streets and historic sites
- Visit local cafés or markets
- Enjoy packed lunch in scenic spots
- Relax and take photos
Afternoon:
• Return to La Grande Rossignol for unhurried downtime.
• Relax by the pool, rest in your room, read in the garden or chat with fellow guests.
Evening:
• Enjoy apéro and a seasonal group dinner.
• Hear about the following day’s plans.
• On suitable evenings, optional stargazing may be available.
Day 6: Departure Day
• Final breakfast together
• Check-out and farewells
• Drop-off at Montauban Train Station
• Safe travels home with memories
Important itinerary note
The exact order of villages, activities and meal arrangements may vary according to weather, seasonal availability, local opening times and group interests. The programme is designed to provide four main guided village-exploration days during the five-night retreat, with arrival and departure days kept lighter and more flexible.
Your Retreat, Your Pace
We believe in respecting your personal preferences and energy levels. At any point during the retreat:
✓ You can opt out of any activity
✓ 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.
Complete Package Inclusions
Your retreat package is designed to be truly all-inclusive, allowing you to focus entirely on your walking and wellness experience without worrying about logistics or hidden costs.
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• Convenient pick-up and drop-off from Montauban Train Station
• Comfortable transport to all guided excursions and planned activities
• All local transfers included - no additional transportation costs
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• 5 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 linen, towels and pool towels provided
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• 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
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• Strolls through medieval villages with Plus Beaux Villages de France status
• Each village handpicked for picturesque architecture, stunning vistas and serene atmosphere
• Pre-planned routes for stunning scenery and manageable terrain
• Free time at each destination to explore local heritage or unwind
• Welcome gift featuring local treats and literary surprises
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• Mindfulness workshop focused on enhancing mental clarity and awareness
• Breathing technique sessions to improve well-being
• Additional seasonal activities
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• Refreshing 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)
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• Intimate small-group experience
• Evening gatherings with group meals and socialising
• Daily briefings to prepare for next day's adventure
• Supportive, welcoming atmosphere for all levels
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• International flights to/from Airports and train fees
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Personal expenses (shopping, additional drinks, etc.)
• Optional activities outside scheduled program
• Gratuities (entirely optional)
• Transfers from train stations other than Montauban
Your Medieval Village Walking Destinations
While the exact rotation of villages may vary, your retreat will include casual walks 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 four villages selected from this collection for your week's adventure. Routes are pre-planned for safety, stunning scenery and manageable terrain.
For more about our location and surrounding villages, click here →
Meals & Dining
Nourishing Plant-Based Cuisine
All meals at our walking retreat feature delicious plant-based cuisine designed to nourish and energise you. Your host has followed a whole-food, plant-based diet since 2018 and she'll share her 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, salads or mezze 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 walks 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 walking holiday in France.
Packing Essentials for Your French Village Discovery Retreat
Village Exploration Essentials
Weather-dependent:
• Comfortable, supportive shoes suitable for village streets, uneven paths and gentle countryside walks.
• Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and exploring.
• Sun hat or visor.
• Sunglasses.
• Light jacket or windbreaker.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Small daypack for personal items, water and anything you purchase during the day.
Casual Wear
• Comfortable clothing for evenings and relaxing at the farmhouse.
• Swimwear for the pool.
• Light layers, as evenings can sometimes feel cool.
• A smart-casual outfit, if desired, for dinners or local outings.
Other Essentials
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Personal toiletries and medications
• Small daypack for village explorations
• Camera or phone for photos
• Journal (optional - for reflection and note taking)
Ready to Experience This Adventure?
Join us for an unforgettable five-night retreat, combining gentle village explorations, mindfulness moments, creativity and medieval village exploration in the heart of South West France.
Limited to 15 guests