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Walking & Wellness Retreat France Itinerary: Complete Daily Schedule & Activities 2026
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This walking retreat in South West France combines pre-planned routes through historic Plus Beaux Villages de France with wellness workshops, cultural immersion and plenty of rest. It is perfect for walkers seeking a restorative holiday with inspiring surroundings.
Our small-group walking and wellness retreat near Toulouse welcomes all fitness levels—whether you are an avid walker, prefer shorter routes, or simply love beautiful places and meaningful connections with others.
Location:
Belvèze, Tarn-et-Garonne, Occitanie (Between Bordeaux and Toulouse)
Dates:
11 - 18 May 2026 &
31 Aug - 7 Sept 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 first walk
Day 2-6: Walking & 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 walk begins through scenic medieval village routes
(Each day explores a different Plus Beaux Village de France)
Midday to Early Afternoon:
• 12:00 pm – Walk 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
- Socialise with fellow guests
- Read in peaceful garden settings
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 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 take a shorter walk
✓ You can opt out of any walk or activity
✓Non-walking partners can join activities or relax independently
✓You can skip workshops
✓ 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 walkers who can comfortably walk 5km and are ready for hill challenges. If you enjoy walking 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 walking and wellness experience without worrying about logistics or hidden costs.
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• Convenient pick-up and drop-off from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (twice daily scheduled transfers)
• Comfortable transport to all guided walking excursions and planned activities
• All local transfers included - no additional transportation costs
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• 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 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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• Five daily 5km walks 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
• Shorter routes available, or opt out of any activity
• Welcome gift featuring local treats and literary surprises
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• Mindfulness workshops focused on enhancing mental clarity and awareness
• Breathing technique sessions to improve well-being
• Creative workshop–visual arts or tasting experience
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• 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)
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• 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
• Opportunity to connect with like-minded book lovers from around the world
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• 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
Walking Retreat Evening Workshops
Throughout the retreat, Sophie leads specialised workshops to enhance your relaxation and mindfulness. These sessions complement your walking 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 Walking Destinations
While the exact rotation of villages may vary, your retreat will include 5km 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 five villages selected from this collection for your week's walking 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 walking 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 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 running holiday in France.
Packing Essentials for Your Walking Retreat
Walking Gear
• Walking boots/shoes
• Walking clothes (moisture-wicking recommended)
• Sun hat or visor
• Sunglasses
• Light jacket or windbreaker
• Hydration pack or water bottle
Casual Wear
• Comfortable clothing for evenings and rest days
• Swimwear for pool use
• Light layers (evenings can be cool)
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)
Ready to Experience This Adventure?
Join us for an unforgettable week of walking, mindfulness, creativity and medieval village exploration in the heart of South West France.
Limited to 15 guests