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French Village Discovery Retreat
Walk, Taste, Unwind
Workshops & Activities
Creativity, Mindfulness & Local Experiences
More Than Village Discovery: Creative Sessions and Mindful Moments
Our French Village Discovery Retreat goes beyond medieval villages and beautiful countryside, offering simple opportunities to slow down, connect with your surroundings and enjoy the creative character of rural Occitanie.
The retreat includes a 30-minute introductory mindfulness session, followed by short mindfulness moments woven naturally into your days. These may take place in the gardens, during village visits or at scenic viewpoints, helping you pause, notice and fully appreciate the experience around you.
Depending on the season and availability, you may also enjoy creative workshops, wine tasting, artist visits and other local experiences. These activities are designed to complement your village explorations without making the retreat feel intensive.
Whether mindfulness is new to you or already part of your life, the sessions are accessible, relaxed and suitable for all levels. No previous experience is required—only curiosity and a willingness to enjoy the moment.
With a small group size, the retreat offers a friendly, personal atmosphere. All included activities are subject to seasonal availability and the final retreat itinerary.
Workshop Schedule at a Glance
• Introductory Mindfulness Workshop (30 mins): Early in retreat to support deep connection to your experience
• Daily Mindfulness Moments: Short gentle practices throughout the retreat
• Additional Seasonal Activities: Depending on availability and the itinerary, activities may include an art or craft workshop, wine tasting, heritage-site visits or meeting a local artist.
Mindfulness activities are included in your retreat package. Additional activities are subject to seasonal availability and will be confirmed as part of the retreat programme, at no additional fee.
Mindfulness Session and Practice
Early in the retreat, Sophie leads a 30-minute introductory mindfulness session focused on present-moment awareness and connecting more deeply with the landscapes, villages and experiences of South West France.
You’ll be introduced to simple, accessible practices that can support relaxation, focus and appreciation throughout your stay. The session is suitable for beginners and those already familiar with mindfulness..
What You'll Explore:
● Focused attention: Simple techniques for settling the mind and noticing one point of awareness at a time.
● Open awareness: Practices that encourage you to take in the wider scene, from medieval architecture and village life to countryside views, sounds and scents.
● Present-moment connection: Tools to help you stay grounded in the here and now and appreciate each cultural experience more fully.
Mindfulness Moments
Throughout the retreat, Sophie will introduce short, gentle mindfulness moments during village visits or at scenic viewpoints. These pauses may invite you to notice your breathing, listen to the surrounding sounds, observe the landscape or simply take a quiet moment to arrive fully in the experience.
What You May Gain
A calmer, more settled state of mind.
Greater appreciation of natural beauty and local surroundings.
A deeper connection with the villages and countryside you visit.
Improved focus and sensory awareness.
Space for reflection, relaxation and renewal.
No previous mindfulness experience is required—just an open mind and a willingness to explore practices that complement your village discoveries in South West France.
Ready to Experience This Adventure?
Join us for a five-night retreat combining medieval village discovery, gentle walks, creative experiences and simple mindfulness practices to help you slow down, reconnect and enjoy the beauty of South West France.
Walk, Taste, Unwind
Additional Walking Retreat Activities
Beyond our structured workshops, your retreat includes plenty of opportunities to relax, explore and recharge:
🏊 Pool Access for Relaxation
After morning village excursions, cool down with a refreshing swim in our outdoor pool. The perfect way to relax while enjoying the peaceful French countryside. Pool towels provided.
✨ Nighttime Star Gazing (Weather Permitting)
End your evenings under the vast Occitanie sky. Far from city lights, Belvèze offers spectacular views of the Milky Way and constellations—simply lie back and soak in the wonder.
🌿 Free Time Exploration
Each day includes unstructured time to:
Relax in the gardens with a book
Take scenic walks through the surrounding countryside
Connect with fellow guests over coffee or wine
Simply rest and reflect
Optional Add-Ons (Arranged in Advance):
Potential extended stay before or after the retreat for independent exploration (subject to existing bookings)
All activities are entirely optional—you're free to participate as much or as little as you like. This is your retreat to design according to your needs.
For the complete day-by-day schedule showing when workshops occur, view the full itinerary →
Meet Your Workshop Leader
Sophie -Mindfulness Workshop Leader
MSc(Dist) Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis
Former Professional Artist (Ceramics & Wood Carving, 15+ years)
Sophie's career began as a professional artist, spending over 15 years specialising in ceramics and wood carving. During this time, she created commissions for museums and galleries, ran workshops and received multiple awards, with sculptures still held in Wolverhampton Art Gallery's permanent collection. Following her artistic career, Sophie transitioned into the field of nonverbal communication, completing a master's degree and becoming a specialist in embodied cognition and behaviour analysis.
Now combining her artistic sensibility with scientific understanding, Sophie explores how the body directly influences mental and emotional states—a principle she applies to help guests harness mindfulness practices for greater focus and well-being. Her approach to mindfulness breaks away from traditional meditation stereotypes, offering accessible, varied techniques that work for busy lives and active minds.
Sophie's breathing workshops draw on neuroscience research, showing how intentional breathwork activates specific neural pathways to regulate stress, sharpen focus or boost energy. With her warm, engaging teaching style and dual expertise in creative expression and body-mind connection, Sophie ensures everyone—from complete beginners to experienced practitioners—gains valuable tools that enhance everyday well-being.
Ready to Wander Through Medieval Villages & Countryside?
Join our Scenic Medieval Village Discovery Retreat in Southwest France. Experience peaceful walks through breathtaking hilltop villages. Secure your spot today and transform your wellness journey with culture, mindfulness and stunning vistas!
From €1,390 per person | Limited availability
Common Questions About Our Workshops
Q: I've never done mindfulness, will I feel lost?
A: Absolutely not! Sophie designs her workshops for complete beginners. No prior experience needed.
Q: Are the workshops mandatory?
A: While we highly recommend them, all workshops are optional. You're free to rest or explore instead.
Q: Can I get one-on-one support?
A: Yes! Sophie is available throughout the retreat for personal questions and guidance about mindfulness, breathing techniques and creative expression.
Tips for an Amazing Experience
Before You Arrive:
Pack comfortable walking shoes and break them in well before arrival
Bring a journal or notebook if you enjoy reflecting on your experience
Don't forget comfortable clothes for relaxing and casual creative activities
During Your Retreat:
Stay hydrated—bring your water bottle everywhere
Embrace the workshops with an open mind—even if you're new to mindfulness or creativity
Connect with fellow guests—friendships are part of the magic
Take photos but also put the phone down and be present
Feel empowered to slow down, take time for yourself to rest, pause activities, or enjoy a rejuvenating afternoon nap
After Your Retreat:
Continue the mindfulness practices at home
Share your experience (tag us @rossignols.artdevivre)
Stay in touch with your retreat community
Consider booking your next retreat adventure with us!
Ready to Experience This Adventure?
Join us for an unforgettable five-night retreat combining mindfulness moments, creativity and medieval village exploration in the heart of South West France.
Walk, Taste, Unwind
Limited Availability