France is well-known for its fairytale castles, cobblestone streets, and fantastic food. Thanks to the unique culture and incredible scenery, France has become a popular spot for yoga retreats. Whether you want to stay near Paris, in Provence or the Beaujolais, you will definitely find the perfect retreat for you in this country. In fact, France is a top destination for travelers who want to experience something unique, rejuvenate and unwind in the countryside. If you’re one of them, read on to discover 10 of the best yoga retreats in France in 2023.
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Why choose France for your next yoga retreat
If you are planning your next yoga retreat, France should be one of the top countries on your list. There are many reasons to choose France for your next experience, here are just a few:
France is a top tourist destination
Known for its legendary landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, France is one of the top destinations in the world. With its picturesque villages, amazing fashion, and vibrant cities, France is a country you will fall in love with.
Paris is one of the reasons you should visit France. Even though your yoga retreat will probably not be right in the city, you could take some time to visit and explore Paris. The romantic city of light has stunning architecture and an array of beautiful boutiques.
Try to learn some basic French before you go to France because most French people don’t speak good English.
Sun, sea, and mountains
France has everything, from sandy beaches to snow-covered mountains and vast countryside. Lucky for you, most yoga retreats in France take place in the most beautiful parts of the country.
Between the Mont Blanc, the Loire Valley, and the beautiful beaches of Saint Tropez, France has something for everyone. Over 70% of France is countryside, and most of it is stunning and peaceful.
France is home to quite a few natural wonders and is definitely a fantastic destination for a relaxing yoga holiday. It will also give you the opportunity to explore lesser-known places.
Perfect location
France is perfectly located in Europe. It shares borders with 8 different countries including Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. From France, you can easily access some of the most beautiful European countries.
You can also easily reach great Britain by train or ferry. This is probably one reason why over 10 million Brits visit France each year;
If you are just passing through France on your way to another country, taking a short yoga break is a great idea.
Art, history, and culture
France has a lot of history. Everywhere you go you’ll see traces of it. It is home to numerous historical sites, battle sites, stunning castles, and old churches. In fact, France counts more than 35 UNESCO world heritage list sites.
You can learn more about the history of the country in the countless museums and art galleries that attract many tourists each year.
If your yoga retreat doesn’t include all meals, you can enjoy the famous gastronomy at local restaurants. Try the local cheese, wine, baguette, and enjoy the experience.
10 Unforgettable Yoga Retreats In France in 2023
Now that you have plenty of good reasons to travel to France, let’s find out which yoga retreats are the best. I chose the retreats based on my own experience, customer reviews, and value for money.
1. 4 Day Holistic Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Basque Country – Acolyte
Credit: Acolyte
Located in the heart of the Basque country, Villa Bide Berri is a beautiful place for a yoga retreat. This fantastic retreat includes two daily yoga sessions, breathing techniques, and meditation classes. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced yogi, this retreat caters to all levels.
Afternoons are free for you to enjoy the Basque Country and participate in activities such as hiking, exploring the area, and even surfing. Note that surfing lessons are not included in the price of the retreat, but are available at an additional cost.
As for accommodation, you will be staying in a shared villa with other retreat participants. Also, you will be served one delicious meal each day and have access to drinks. They actually offer unlimited drinks service which includes detox juices, healing smoothies, and herbal teas. Overall, this retreat is perfect for individuals who want to rejuvenate in the French countryside in the company of like-minded people.
2. 3 Days Yoga, Adventure, Art and Meditation in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence – Le Payanet
Credit: Le Payanet
This 3-day yoga retreat organized by Le Payanet is one of the best yoga retreats in France. It takes place in the beautiful region of the Apes de Haute Provence. This amazing yoga retreat includes daily Hatha yoga sessions, morning meditations, and excursions.
The goal of this retreat is to truly experience a life-changing journey and to immerse yourself in traditional spiritual principles. To help you accomplish your goal, you will also participate in extracurricular activities including mandala creation. The place also has a sauna that you can enjoy in your free time.
If you really want to learn more about yoga and relax in a beautiful French region you’ll love this short yoga retreat in France.
3. 8 Days Aerial Circus Arts, Pilates, Yoga, and Choreography Retreat in France – Château de Goas
Credit: Château de Goas
Are you looking for a unique yoga retreat in France? Try this 8-day aerial circus arts, pilates, yoga, and choreography retreat organized by Château de Goas.
This amazing retreat takes place in the French countryside and is perfect for adventure travelers. You will be staying in a stunning castle, where you’ll get to enjoy the pool, explore beautiful local markets, and try French cuisine.
Highlights of this retreat include daily pilates and aerial circus arts classes, Hatha yoga classes, and unique excursions. It truly is a fantastic retreat where you’ll learn to fly in hammocks, flip on aerial hoops, and discover your inner circus artist.
4. 7-Day Yoga Retreat in Mindfulness with Walking, Cooking and Culture in Provence – The Frog’s House
Credit: The Frog’s House
If you dream of visiting the South of France, head to the Frog’s House in the beautiful village of Saint Jeannet. The goal of this one-week retreat is to help you live in the present moment and be in contact with your body and mind.
Highlights of this experience include daily yoga sessions, meditation, workshops, and hiking trips to local areas. You’ll even get to swim in a local canyon. This retreat is great for individuals who want to unwind and enjoy cultural activities.
The retreat includes daily breakfast and lunch, but you’ll have to cook your own dinner or head to one of the local restaurants. As for accommodation, you can expect to stay in a room with single or double occupancy. If the retreat’s house is full, you can still join the retreat and stay in one of the hotels nearby.
5. 4 Days Tao Yoga, Qigong & Meditation Retreat in Ariège, Southern France – Tao Meditation
Credit: Tao Meditation
This beautiful yoga, Qigong, and meditation retreat organized by Tao Meditation is one of the most amazing yoga retreats in France. Whether you want to reduce stress or improve energy levels, this retreat will help you reach your goals.
This package includes two daily yoga sessions for all skill levels, daily breakfast and dinner, and a personal meeting to determine your program. This retreat offers a balance of activities, tailored to your individual needs and experience.
The accommodation you’ll be staying in is a beautiful Maison de Maître. You’ll have your own private room with views of the valley and your own bathroom. Set in nature, this retreat is the perfect opportunity to see wildlife, and enjoy beautiful night skies filled with stars.
6. 4 Days Yoga Retreat in a Castle with Spa, Walks, Meditation, and Oils in Celon, Indre – Celonia
Credit: Celonia
Perfect for beginners, this short retreat will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a gentle yoga practice and introduce you to the benefits of meditation. With Celonia, you will learn to focus on self-care and leave your stress behind.
Highlights of the retreat include daily yoga and meditation classes, balneotherapy, one massage, and a guided hike in the area. You’ll learn to deeply relax, breathe gently, and rejuvenate.
As for accommodation, you will be staying in a private room in a beautiful castle. On top of that, you’ll be able to enjoy the hot tub, spa, and sauna on the property. There’s nothing better than a dip in a jacuzzi after a day of yoga.
7. 4 Day Tao Yoga and Forest Walking Meditation Retreat in Saint-Girons, Ariège – Tao Meditation
Credi: Tao Meditation
Do you want to relax and rejuvenate in a natural environment in the French Pyrénées? Then, this retreat held by Tao Meditation has just what you need. This retreat is perfect for travelers who want to really deepen their yoga practice and enjoy gentle forest walks every day.
Your program includes daily yoga classes, forest walking meditation sessions, and three meals daily. You will be taught Hatha yoga, which is perfect for beginners. On top of that, you’ll also get to experience in-river meditation.
This retreat is set in a secluded river valley in the foothills of the Ariège Pyrénées mountains. You will get to stay in a spacious room in the Manor house or in the adjoining cottage. This amazing experience is definitely not to miss this year!
8. 3 Days Hatha Yoga And Meditation In Saint-Just-d’Avray, Beaujolais – Hridaya Yoga France
Credit: Hridaya Yoga France
If you’re looking for a transformative yoga retreat, try this 3 days yoga and meditation retreat in the Rain Just d’Avray. Located in the beautiful Beaujolais region, this retreat offers an amazing yoga and meditation holiday package.
Highlights of this retreat include five hours of meditation, six hours of yoga, and spiritual workshops. This retreat takes place in a beautiful traditional French castle. This is the perfect retreat for those who want to learn more about French history while relaxing.
You will be taught Hatha yoga, and the yoga sessions will be taught in french. In the morning, you will enjoy meditation classes before breakfast. You will have free time in the afternoon to explore the surrounding, read a book or discuss with other participants of the retreat.
This retreat includes vegetarian and vegan meals. They also cater to gluten-free and lactose intolerant participants.
9. 8 Day Connecting and Coaching with Horses, Meditation and Yoga Retreat in Montbel, France – La Borde Blanque
Credit: La Borde Blanque
Do you love yoga and horses? Then, you’ll love this amazing yoga retreat in Montbel. This retreat is an invitation for those who love yoga, nature, and those who would like to learn from horses.
The goal of this retreat is to connect with horses and communicate with them on a subtle level. Yoga and meditation sessions will help you do that, and will also improve your horse riding skills.
As for food, you’ll be served three vegetarian meals daily. You’ll be staying in an authentic French country farmhouse. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the private lakeside beach, and swim in the Lac de Montbel.
10. 6 Day Yoga Retreat in Nouvelle-Aquitaine – Samantha Romagnoli
Credit: Samantha Romagnoli
Last on our list of the best yoga retreats in France is a 6 day yoga holiday in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Here, you can relax, learn new skills and enjoy some peace and quiet. This retreat is all about balance, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
The program includes daily yoga and meditation classes, early morning walks, and free time to visit the local attractions. One of the main benefits of this retreat is that it is taught in English. It’s the perfect getaway for a relaxing and healthy vacation.
As for accommodation, you will be staying in a double room in a stunning modern villa with a large outdoor swimming pool. This retreat is perfect for individuals willing to press pause and enjoy some quiet time in France.
Bottom line
France is definitely one of the best countries in Europe to go on a yoga retreat. Whether you want to deepen your yoga practice, learn breathing techniques, or enjoy a relaxing moment, you’ll surely find the right retreat for you. For a unique experience, try a pilates and yoga retreat or an adventurous kitesurf and yoga retreat. Have you ever been to a yoga retreat in France? Let me know in the comments below!
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