7-Day Soulful Women’s Retreat in Brittany, France – The Art of Just Being
7-Day Soulful Women’s Retreat in Brittany, France – The Art of Just Being
12 Kerillan d'en Bas, Le Mené, France
Up to 3 in group
May 16 - 23, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Agenda-free retreat designed for midlife women seeking space to breathe and reset
- Intimate group size – maximum of 3 women per week for meaningful connection
- Solo-friendly environment – companionship when you want it, solitude when you need it
- Optional creativity sessions with local artists (painting, gilding and more)
- Peaceful rural setting in the heart of the Breton countryside
- Optional gentle outings to explore the local places of interest.
- All meals provided – nourishing, home-cooked food made the French Way.
- No forced participation – rest, wander, create or simply be
- Supportive host with a background in soulful living, simplicity, and creative care
- Ideal for midlife renewal – reconnect with yourself, without pressure or performance
- A week to exhale, to pause from “doing,” and to rediscover the simple joy of just being.
About this Retreat
Your host, Tracey, has spent much of her life travelling and working around the world in the creative industry, bringing a rich mix of cultures, stories and perspectives to her home in Brittany. Her years in Asia shaped her deep respect for wellbeing and simplicity — from studying Thai massage at Wat Pho in Bangkok to practising yoga in Thailand, China, India, and Australia.
Five years ago, she chose to stop rushing, to live more slowly and to listen — to the birds, the seasons and her own intuition. In doing so, she rediscovered the peace that comes from being fully present, and it’s that same spirit she now shares at Just Be.
“I’ve learned that we don’t always need to go searching for transformation. Sometimes, all we need is stillness, good food, nature and honest company. When guests arrive, I simply create the space — and nature does the rest. Within days, the tension fades and they begin to breathe again. That’s the quiet magic of Just Be.”
We’re delighted to introduce Emma Gale, our local practicing artist who offers inspiring art classes at her nearby studio for Just Be guests.
Emma, a British-born visual artist now based in Le Mené, Brittany, creates vibrant, textured works using mediums such as charcoal, paint, and cyanotypes. She leads Studio 58, a charming, bohemian space surrounded by nature, where she guides adults through creative workshops focused on charcoal drawing, painting, and cyanotype printing. Emma’s teaching style encourages personal exploration and expression, culminating in exhibitions of her students’ original artwork.
Classes for all levels at Studio 58 include:
Life Drawing: €100 for 2 hours
Still Life: €85 for 2 hours
Full-Day Sessions (with lunch included): €150
2-hour classes start at 2:30 pm.
Full-day sessions run from 10:00 am–12:00 pm and 2:00 pm–4:30 pm.
Kate Pickin is a gilding expert with over 30 years of experience, having worked in some of the UK’s most prestigious stately homes and taught gilding and art in educational settings.
Kate’s workshops include:
2-3 hour gilding workshop with materials: €95
Full-day workshop (including lunch): €150
Details of this retreat
Just Be – A Unique All-Inclusive Retreat for Women
Just Be is a soulful women’s retreat in rural Brittany created for women 40+ who need time to pause, breathe and return to themselves. With space for only three guests each week, it offers nourishing meals, restful comfort and gentle companionship — without pressure, programs or expectations.
In a world that never stops asking you to do more, the art of just being is the greatest luxury of all. Here, stillness becomes medicine — a mindful, restorative experience that soothes the nervous system, restores balance and renews your sense of clarity and confidence.
Days unfold naturally, guided only by French mealtimes and your own rhythm. You may choose quiet mornings with coffee in the garden, or join a gentle outing to a silent abbey, a forest walk or local artist’s studio. Every moment invites you to exhale, to rest and to rediscover the simple joy of being looked after.
This is not a bootcamp or therapy retreat. It’s a sanctuary for grown women who have given much to others and are ready to give something back to themselves — space, softness and time. You’ll leave feeling lighter, rested, and reconnected to the calm, creative and confident woman within.
Just Be is a soulful women’s retreat in rural Brittany created for women 40+ who need time to pause, breathe and return to themselves. With space for only three guests each week, it offers nourishing meals, restful comfort and gentle companionship — without pressure, programs or expectations.
In a world that never stops asking you to do more, the art of just being is the greatest luxury of all. Here, stillness becomes medicine — a mindful, restorative experience that soothes the nervous system, restores balance and renews your sense of clarity and confidence.
Days unfold naturally, guided only by French mealtimes and your own rhythm. You may choose quiet mornings with coffee in the garden, or join a gentle outing to a silent abbey, a forest walk or local artist’s studio. Every moment invites you to exhale, to rest and to rediscover the simple joy of being looked after.
This is not a bootcamp or therapy retreat. It’s a sanctuary for grown women who have given much to others and are ready to give something back to themselves — space, softness and time. You’ll leave feeling lighter, rested, and reconnected to the calm, creative and confident woman within.
Schedule
This retreat follows a soft rhythm, not a schedule. Days unfold gently, shaped by good food, natural beauty and how you feel in the moment.
Saturday – Arrival
Arrive from mid-afternoon. Settle in, unpack slowly, and ease into the calm. We gather in the early evening for a welcome apéro and relaxed dinner.
Sunday to Friday
Each day begins with a leisurely breakfast (9–10 am) and follows the rhythm of French meal times with lunch (12:30–2 pm) and a shared evening meal (7.30pm)
There’s no fixed agenda — just space to breathe, rest and reconnect with yourself.
Throughout the week, we gently offer optional outings, such as:
* Short drive away - Abbaye Notre-Dame de Boquen, 12th Century silent Abbey in the forest
* A coastal trip for a sensory beach walk or cold swim
* A visit to a local food market
Creative sessions with nearby artists are also available for those who feel inspired (additional cost).
Saturday – Departure
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and allow time for slow departures.
Saturday – Arrival
Arrive from mid-afternoon. Settle in, unpack slowly, and ease into the calm. We gather in the early evening for a welcome apéro and relaxed dinner.
Sunday to Friday
Each day begins with a leisurely breakfast (9–10 am) and follows the rhythm of French meal times with lunch (12:30–2 pm) and a shared evening meal (7.30pm)
There’s no fixed agenda — just space to breathe, rest and reconnect with yourself.
Throughout the week, we gently offer optional outings, such as:
* Short drive away - Abbaye Notre-Dame de Boquen, 12th Century silent Abbey in the forest
* A coastal trip for a sensory beach walk or cold swim
* A visit to a local food market
Creative sessions with nearby artists are also available for those who feel inspired (additional cost).
Saturday – Departure
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and allow time for slow departures.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Just Be , 12 Kerillan d'en Bas, Le Mené, France
Directions
By Train: From Paris, Rennes, Nantes, or Brest → take the train to Lamballe (≈3 hrs from Paris). We can arrange a local driver pick-up from the station.
By Air: Nearest airports are Rennes (~1h15), Brest (~1h30), and Nantes (~2h). Car rental is also an easy option.
By Ferry: From the UK/Ireland: Saint-Malo (1 hr drive), Roscoff (2 hrs), Caen or Cherbourg (2–3 hrs). Car rental or taxi recommended.
Parking: Free parking available onsite.
By Air: Nearest airports are Rennes (~1h15), Brest (~1h30), and Nantes (~2h). Car rental is also an easy option.
By Ferry: From the UK/Ireland: Saint-Malo (1 hr drive), Roscoff (2 hrs), Caen or Cherbourg (2–3 hrs). Car rental or taxi recommended.
Parking: Free parking available onsite.
Accommodation
Each female guest has their own private bedroom, each thoughtfully designed for single occupancy with a comfortable double or queen-sized bed. Every room includes a bedside table, a cozy chair, and a wardrobe for your belongings. To enhance your comfort, we provide basic toiletries, soft cotton dressing gowns, and slippers — making your stay feel like a restful home away from home.
Garden Room en suite & private terrace
Oak Room
Skylight Room
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
Tucked away in a serene Breton village, our charming granite farmhouse—with its warm oak beams and lovingly restored by French artisans—blends timeless beauty with modern comfort. Wrapped in 2.5 acres of whispering trees, a gentle stream, and a peaceful valley, it’s a haven for quiet reflection. Just 40 minutes from the wild, untouched Brittany coast, and surrounded by forests and lakes, it invites you to wander, breathe, and simply be.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
We serve traditional French-style meals at set times, following a seasonal menu based on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Our menu features a variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes.
What's Included
- All-Inclusive Women's Sanctuary
- 7 nights private accommodation (double room, single occupancy)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with wine included at dinner
- Complimentary tea, coffee, water and snacks
- Gentle hosting and a supportive environment
- Maximum of three women only per week
- Free Wi-Fi and private parking
- Access to communal lounge, terrace and land around the property
- Optional gentle outings to local places of interest
What's Not Included
- Art or gilding classes, start at €85
- Pick-up and drop off at Lamballe Armor train station, nearest train station to property
- Additional drinks outside the complimentary selection are available for purchase.