Solo and Small Group Retreats in The South of France
“The most awesome and precious experience I can offer you is a week away from the hustle and bustle, in the sun-drenched southwest of France, in a 200-year-old farmhouse, set in lush meadows on the edge of an ancient forest, so that you can relax, without a care in the world, recharge your batteries and reconnect with your authentic self and with nature in the presence of my Friesian and Falabella horses and by walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. Especially if you are currently struggling with some tough challenges.
Working all hours as a medical doctor, I was overworked and exhausted, and in desperation, I attended my first retreat. I was hooked from the moment I arrived, and I have since attended a variety of retreats. I so profoundly believe in the beneficial effect of attending retreats that I have made hosting retreats – online and onsite – my life’s work. At Esprit Meraki, the little French farmhouse I always dreamed of owning, I offer a choice of retreats:”
Dr Margaretha Montagu
Esprit Meraki Retreats
Manifest Your Next Chapter after a Life Transition Retreats: Discover how connecting and communicating with with a small herd of Friesian and Falabella horses can dramatically lower your stress levels and walk a section of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela through noble vineyards, wild meadows, lush orchards and quiet woods. (4 nights)
Teach Mindfulness and Meditation with Your Horse(s) Retreats – based on equine-facilitated mindfulness and meditation, will teach you how to help your friends, family and clients to manage and minimise the detrimental effects of stress on their mental and physical health, by spiritually connecting with your horses in an enriching, compelling, and transformational way (4 or 6 nights)
Schedule a Discovery Call
Would you like to find out more? Let’s chat!
Not sure which retreat will suit you best? I’m happy to chat about the different options, so you can choose the best retreat for you. Each retreat is different, and one might suit you better than another, so I like to chat with each guest before they book, to ensure the best possible match. I love these chats, they allow us to get to know each other a bit beforehand, and offer you the opportunity to ask all the questions you may have, for example how to get here, before you pay the deposit. Just email me at welcome2gasconygmail.com to arrange a chat.
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Accommodation
Your Home-from-Home during Your Retreat will be an authentic French Farmhouse
La Maison Meraki (a house made with love) huddles in the middle of a sunny clearing in the heart of a great and ancient forest, like a little old lady gathering her shawl around her bony shoulders. She has been here for at least 200 years, from her elevated position she looks out over the treetops to the mighty Pyrenées mountains. Who knows who has ventured over her threshold, maybe D’Artagnan himself, the chateau where he was born is only a few kilometres away. Yes, this is indeed Gascony, land not only of milk and honey but also of divine wines, persillade, garbure, foie gras, cèpes, duck confit…all less than two hour’s drive southeast of Bordeaux.
Location
Off the beaten track, you’ll discover Gascony, the Jewel in the Crown of Southwest of France
Gascony is a land of undulating hills, fertile valleys, and quaint villages that exude rustic charm. This picturesque landscape, often described as the “Tuscany of France,” never fails to captivate my guests with its timeless beauty and rich tapestry of colours and textures.
Rolling hills, draped in emerald-green vineyards and golden sunflower fields, stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a patchwork of vibrant hues that dance in the sunlight. Prepare to be enchanted by this until-now-well-kept-secret region, reminiscent of a bygone era when life unfolded at a slower pace and community bonds ran deep, far from the hustle and bustle of modern life. In the ancient villages, some dating back to the 11th century, you’ll find narrow cobbled streets lined with charming cafés, artisanal shops, and centuries-old churches. Time seems to stand still here, where the rhythm of life is dictated by the changing seasons and the age-old traditions of the countryside.
As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the mighty Pyrenées mountains, the landscape takes on a magical quality, bathed in hues of gold, crimson, and violet. We barely have any light pollution here. The air is filled with the scent of wildflowers and the chorus of crickets, as the countryside settles into a peaceful serenity that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
I’m so looking forward to introducing you to this region, conservatively named “Glorious Gascony!”
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At Esprit Meraki Retreats, we promote Solo, Slow and Sustainable Tourism
During our retreats, I do my best to foster an environment where everyone feels understood, valued, supported and inspired. This includes providing opportunity and access for people of different races, ages, colours, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, and socioeconomic orientations. I actively invest in my own development to help me create an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, equitable and inclusive setting.
Every Retreat includes hiking part of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (optional.)
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Download our brochure today and discover our carefully curated selection of transformative retreats. Our brochure has everything you need to plan the perfect getaway. Don’t miss out on your chance to create unforgettable memories. Click Here to download the Esprit Meraki Retreat Collection brochure and let the adventure begin!