5 Day, French Village Discovery, Autumn Retreat: Walk, Taste, Unwind
5 Day, French Village Discovery, Autumn Retreat: Walk, Taste, Unwind
295 Chem. de Cazalous, 82150 Belvèze, France
Up to 8 in group
Oct 26 - 31, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Enriching 18th-century farmhouse accommodation, blending global style with cozy French charm
- Four guided village explorations through hilltop medieval Plus Beaux Villages de France
- Swimming pool + lush garden relaxation areas
- Daily mindfulness moments
- Wine tasting, creativity workshop, artist visits, depending on seasonal availability
- French cultural experience
- Delicious plant-based meals using local, seasonal ingredients
- Small group to nurture community connection
- Evening social gatherings & shared dinners
- Welcome gift
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Retreat Facilitator, Sophie — Mindfulness, Breathing & Creative Workshop Leader
MSc (Dist) Communication, Behaviour & Credibility Analysis
BDes (Hons), Former Professional Artist (Ceramics & Wood Carving, 15+ years)
As the key facilitator, Sophie brings creative energy and design to every retreat aspect.
A professional artist and art education consultant for over 15 years in the UK, she’s the creative mind behind the accommodation’s eclectic, arty interiors.
Sophie’s career began as a professional artist, spending 15+ years specialising in ceramics and wood carving.
She created commissions for museums and galleries, ran workshops, received multiple awards, and has sculptures in Wolverhampton Art Gallery’s permanent collection.
She then transitioned into nonverbal communication, earning a master’s degree and becoming a specialist in body language, embodied cognition, and behaviour analysis.
Blending artistic sensibility with scientific understanding, Sophie explores how the body influences mental and emotional states — helping guests harness mindfulness for greater focus and well-being.
Her approach breaks from traditional meditation stereotypes, offering accessible techniques suited to busy lives and active minds.
Sophie’s breathing sessions draw on neuroscience, showing how intentional breathwork activates neural pathways to regulate stress, sharpen focus, or boost energy.
With her warm teaching style and dual expertise in creativity and body-mind connection, she equips everyone — beginners to experienced practitioners — with practical well-being tools.
She has a particular passion for women’s empowerment, bringing extensive experience, training and coaching women and girls.
Vegan & Whole Food, Plant-Based Cooking Retreats
After experiencing the health benefits themselves, Sophie and Lee serve delicious, nutritious plant-based meals to all retreat guests for a full-circle, holistic experience.
Some retreats teach vegan, whole food, plant-based (non-processed) cooking. Sophie had been vegetarian from a young age; Lee was a lifelong meat eater.
That changed post-wedding in 2018 when — motivated by health, environmental, and ethical reasons — they switched together.
Within weeks, they saw weight loss and renewed well-being; blood tests confirmed impressive health improvements, including exceptional heart health for Lee’s age.
Their transition sparked learning, creativity, and the discovery of flavour.
Today, they’re passionate about sharing this — helping guests cook confidently, prepare healthy meals quickly, and enjoy plant-based food as rich and exciting as traditional fare.
Details of this retreat
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.
More Than Walking: Workshops & Wellness Activities
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..
Mindfulness Workshop (30-45 mins) 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.
Seasonal Activities
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.
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.
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.
More Than Walking: Workshops & Wellness Activities
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..
Mindfulness Workshop (30-45 mins) 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.
Seasonal Activities
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.
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.
Schedule
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day
• Afternoon/Evening: Pickup from Montauban train station (times confirmed after booking)
• 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
Day 1: Arrival Day
• Afternoon/Evening: Pickup from Montauban train station (times confirmed after booking)
• 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
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Rossignols, Art de Vivre, 295 Chem. de Cazalous, 82150 Belvèze, France
Directions
Arrival via Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
We offer twice daily transfers to/from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport on arrival/departure days.
* Distance to Belvèze: 105 km (65 miles)
* Driving Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Arrival from another airport?
We primarily serve Toulouse-Blagnac airport. For large groups, we may adapt for Bergerac Dordogne Périgord (85 km / 53 miles / 1 hr 15 min) or Bordeaux Airport (190 km / 119 miles / 2 hrs 10 min).
Self-Drive and Parking
Embrace the scenic drive through rolling hills and villages. Ample onsite parking lets you arrive hassle-free and dive into your retreat.
Our property provides ample onsite parking, so you can arrive and relax without any hassle. Wherever you’re coming from, this road trip is a great way to begin your authentic French countryside retreat.
Car Hire
Ideal if extending your stay—rent at the airport for flexibility.
BlaBlaCar
Budget-friendly rideshares to/from airports or stations; book early as availability varies.
Train
Closest stations: Montauban or Agen (~45 min away). No routine transfers due to airport scheduling.
We offer twice daily transfers to/from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport on arrival/departure days.
* Distance to Belvèze: 105 km (65 miles)
* Driving Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Arrival from another airport?
We primarily serve Toulouse-Blagnac airport. For large groups, we may adapt for Bergerac Dordogne Périgord (85 km / 53 miles / 1 hr 15 min) or Bordeaux Airport (190 km / 119 miles / 2 hrs 10 min).
Self-Drive and Parking
Embrace the scenic drive through rolling hills and villages. Ample onsite parking lets you arrive hassle-free and dive into your retreat.
Our property provides ample onsite parking, so you can arrive and relax without any hassle. Wherever you’re coming from, this road trip is a great way to begin your authentic French countryside retreat.
Car Hire
Ideal if extending your stay—rent at the airport for flexibility.
BlaBlaCar
Budget-friendly rideshares to/from airports or stations; book early as availability varies.
Train
Closest stations: Montauban or Agen (~45 min away). No routine transfers due to airport scheduling.
Accommodation
Guests stay in five spacious bedrooms, each with private bathrooms and flexible sleeping options to suit couples, solos or groups. These rooms combine authentic French rustic architecture—think exposed beams and stone—with modern comforts and unique artistic flair, ensuring restful, inspiring nights. The design prioritises comfort, privacy and immersion in the venue’s cultural fusion style.
Shared Room & Bathroom (Shared with Other Guests)
Shared Room & Bathroom (Your group of 3+)
Shared Room & Bathroom - Double Occupancy
Private Room & Bathroom (Single Guest)
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Rossignols, Art de Vivre centres on La Grande Rossignol—your bold eclectic escape with vibrant vibes, hidden wonders and cultural charm. A renovated 19th-century farmhouse for up to 15 guests. Highlights: rustic stone & beams with eclectic decor, pool, gardens, alfresco dining, outdoor kitchen, laundry, woody nook. Blending comfort, culture & nature. Ready April 2026—new images soon
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Delicious plant-based cuisine designed to nourish and energise you–fresh, seasonal ingredients, global flavours and hearty meals that satisfy even the most skeptical plant-based newcomers.
What's Included
- Pickup from Montauban train station
- Welcome gift
- Welcome drink
- 5 nights accommodation at La Grande Rossignol boutique accommodation
- All meals - plant-based breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
- 4 guided strolls through Plus Beaux Villages de France
- Introductory Mindfulness Workshop: supporting deep experience connection
- Daily Mindfulness Moments: Gentle practices throughout the retreat
- Additional Activities (wine tasting, creativity workshop, artist visits) depending on seasonal availability
- Pool access and garden relaxation areas
- Pre and post retreat support from our team
- Transportation during the retreat
- Choice to opt out of any activity
- Evening social gatherings and group dinners
- Parking
- Wifi connection
What's Not Included
- Flights and train costs
- Visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Meals and drinks outside of the breakfast, lunch and dinner offered
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