THE TRAVEL YOGI
France Yoga Adventure
Trip in One Word: Pleasure
What You’ll Experience in France
During this yoga retreat in France, you’ll spend your days wandering through medieval villages and soaking up French culture as the locals do. Imagine fresh pastries in sunny marketplaces, strolling through charming villages, sommelier wine tastings, and so much delicious food. You’ll quickly align with the pace of “slow” French country-living and find real pleasure in each moment.
How You’ll Experience France
Based in stunning Provence, you’ll experience bio-dynamic wines, farm-to-table meals, culture, stunning medieval castles and local market days. You’ll get the skinny on the amazing organic and biodynamic wine scene—-and even bottle your unique wine blend on a vineyard. Your days in the French countryside will be balanced with yoga at our unique (and lux) gitê home-away-from-home. Let leisure soak into your bones on this yoga retreat in France.
How You’ll Feel When You Return Home
Culture-soaked and happy, return home from this yoga retreat in France relaxed, inspired to build up your culinary skills and with a full-bodied (that wine education will come in handy) taste for life. Come back enlivened by new friends and great conversations you’ll remember for years to come.
Yoga Retreat in France Details
Avignon
Saint-Rêmy
châteauneuf-du-pape
Upcoming Dates
Alessia Adler
Alessia Adler
You are Beautiful, You are POWERFUL, You are Unique.” is the mantra I end all my yoga classes with. It is a simple and empowering message we don’t tell ourselves often enough.
For over 20 years, I have been teaching and practicing yoga and fitness worldwide, including in Italy, Brazil, Spain, Morocco and all over the US. For me, yoga has been a way to connect the mind and body on a deeper level. My passion is to create fun and empowering classes open to all ages, experience and fitness levels. My teaching style weaves authentic stories into practice and meditation to help foster connection and community with the students.
Beyond yoga, I am certified as a Personal Trainer, a nutrition coach, and a stretch therapist. Helping people become the best versions of themselves brings me joy. When I’m not teaching yoga, my hobbies include hiking, paddle boarding, skiing, traveling, concerts and spending time with my dog, friends and family.
Melissa Barron
Melissa Barron
Melissa Barron is a huge fan of the transformative power of yoga, and she loves nothing more than showing her students how amazing this practice can be! Melissa’s warmth and encouragement (mixed with a healthy dose of southern charm) inspires students of all ages and abilities. Her popular classes are always uplifting, playful, challenging and thoughtfully designed with proper alignment and safety in mind. Melissa also believes that music can deeply affect the class mood and energy level, so she’s quite popular for curating the perfect playlist for each class!
Melissa began her yoga journey in 2005 with Bikram Yoga and used it to offset the physical strain from marathon and half-marathon running. After a knee osteotomy sidelined all running in 2011, Melissa immersed herself in Vinyasa-style yoga and never looked back. “I used to think I was fit when I could run 26 miles, but yoga transformed my body and mind in ways I could never imagine”, she says of her new-found commitment to the practice. “Seeing my body transform and doing things in my 30s and 40s that I could only dream of in my teens as a gymnast was so inspiring, and it continues to inspire me each day!”
Based in sunny Orlando, Florida, Melissa completed her RYT200 in 2017 and currently teaches at Orlando Power Yoga, the largest and most beloved studio in central Florida. Melissa has committed herself to practicing and studying with other wonderful teachers at workshops and retreats all over the world; she brings this knowledge to her studio classes, arm-balancing workshops, corporate yoga instruction and yoga retreats.
Get ready for adventure and prepare to smile, sweat and groove on an upcoming retreat with Melissa!
Jess Gumkowski
Jess Gumkowski
Jess Gumkowski is a mindset coach, author, yoga instructor, retreat adventure leader, and co-founder of YogiTriathlete, a holistic performance coaching company. With over two decades of experience in yoga, Ayurveda, and endurance sports, Jess integrates ancient wisdom with modern insights to guide individuals toward greater ease, resilience, and self-mastery.
Her journey began as a sports and orthopedic massage therapist, but she quickly realized that true transformation goes beyond the physical. Through yoga, mindfulness, and endurance training, Jess discovered the power of presence and the profound connection between movement and mental freedom. Whether leading retreat adventures, coaching athletes, or hosting her Awake Athlete Podcast, she helps others cultivate clarity and connection in both adventure and stillness.
From dynamic flows to deep relaxation, from exploring wild landscapes to embracing the unknown, her guidance calms the nervous system and awakens the soul. Whether on the mat, on the trail, or mid-air over turquoise waters, Jess inspires others to live with purpose, awareness, and an open heart.
Debbi Murphy
Debbi Murphy
Exploring the mind-body connection is Debbi’s life work. After years in academia researching and teaching subjects that elevated one or the other half of that equation (doctorate in exercise science, master’s degree in counseling psychology), she turned her attention to the study of yoga – a perfect nexus of both.
Throughout her years in academia, Debbi studied with leading yoga masters to deepen her knowledge and hone her practice. Her alignment based, mindful flow style evolved from early work with Rodney Yee, Annie Carpenter and Shiva Rea. But the heart of her teaching comes from Erich Schiffmann, whose message of self-trust and the transformative power of yoga really resonated with her background.
Through more than 40 years of study and experience, including a dozen as creator and director of Shanti Yoga Teacher Training, Debbi found that the best approach to mind-body vitality is informed by both western science and the spirit of eastern yogic philosophy. Whether you’re attending her popular local classes (which won her the title of Boise’s Best), national conferences, or international retreats you can expect an artful blend of sound science, ancient wisdom, and mind-body-spirit integration woven together in the beautiful, juicy flow of the vinyasa tradition.
Debbi also shares her message online in various blogs and trainings. You’ll also find her informative and inspirational posts on her website, and her Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds.
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What's Included
- Yoga most mornings & each evening
- 7 nights chateau gîte-style yoga retreat accommodation
- Chef catered and locally sourced meals
- Wine tasting
- Sample the best of the region during an evening with a local sommelier
- Become a winemaker for a day at a local vineyard in the famous commune of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Teach your taste buds with a lunch food and wine pairing class
- Create, blend and bottle your own unique vino memories to bring home
- E-bike adventure to stunning and historic Les Baux-de-Provence
- Hands-on picking and distilling at a local organic essential oils distillery
- Lavender is the star of Provence but there is a plant for every season
- Avignon exploration day including a guided tour of the 14th century Palace of the Popes
- Olive, and locally-made olive oil, on a family farm in the Alpilles region
- Kayak down the Gardon River to the Roman-built Pont du Gard
- Stroll the market stalls on Wednesday morning in one of southern France’s best market towns of St. Remy
- Transfers (on arrival and departure days only) from the Avignon train station
What's Not Included
- International airfare to France/train tickets to Avignon
- Two lunches
- Additional excursions
- Alcohol (outside of the included wine at dinner and at tastings)
- Items of a personal nature/souvenirs
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Gratuities
Accommodations
France culture abounds in our historic 18th century farmhouse. On this yoga retreat in France, each gîte and guest room is its own private sanctuary. Rooms all have their own en suite bathrooms and room decor ranges from country chic to modern. Expect to revel in stylish comfort in your room and the natural beauty of the Alpilles the minute you walk out your door.
And while all rooms have their own charm, don’t expect to spend too much time indoors! Encased in a region of rolling hills and country roads, days can take the form of a stroll to the local village, some chill time by of the many pools and, of course, our immersive south of France explorations. Our location and accommodation leave nothing to want on our lux yoga retreat in France.
*Please note that European twin beds are slightly shorter and more narrow than U.S. twins.*
Itinerary
For this yoga retreat in France, schedules will vary slightly and final itineraries will go out to the travel crew about a month prior to departure. Our schedule below gives you an overall picture of what a weeklong wellness retreat in the gorgeous south of France will look like:
1
DAY ONE
- Midday arrival to Provence
- Transfers arranged from the Avignon TGV station (on arrival and departure days only)
- Check-in and soak up the general countryside splendor
- Evening de-travel and welcome yoga class
- Gourmet group welcome dinner
2
DAY TWO
- Morning coffee, tea and fruit available
- Wake up and refresh morning yoga
- Local specialties served for breakfast
- Hop on an e-bike for a countryside (and uphill) pedal to the ancient and stunning Les Baux-de-Provence
- Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France (for good reason), the view of the village, ancient and slightly less ancient, can be enjoyed as well as the view of the surrounding country from this mountaintop in the Alpilles
- Take in the natural and historical wonder of Les Baux and take time to stroll the streets, ruins and active churches, art exhibits and shops
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant in Les Baux
- Hop back on your e-bike for an at-your-speed ride back ‘home’
- There is time this afternoon to continue biking into Saint-Rémy, the nearby St Paul Asylum where Van Gough painted while in residence or to visit the Roman ‘Antiques’ (ruins and monuments) just outside the town
- Early evening yoga followed by a chef cooked delicious dinner
3
DAY THREE
- Early morning coffee, tea and fruit available
- Morning yoga class followed by breakfast
- Depart this morning for beautiful Avignon and scenic Rhône river
- Discover Avignon with a local guide beginning with the 14th century papal seat, and grandiose castle, known as the Palais des Papes
- With winding cobblestone streets, Rhône river views, multiple churches and charming shops, this afternoon is free to enjoy lunch and exploring this charming city center
- Head back for an early evening yoga class
- Pre dinner sommelier visit
- Enjoy an evening tasting and learning about some of the regions most delicious wines
- Delicious evening group dinner under the stars
4
DAY FOUR
- Morning yoga followed by breakfast
- Depart this morning for a local experience at a family-run organic essential oil distillery: a natural treat for senses and soul
- Learn the step-by-step process of organic cultivation and distillation of plants into essential oils
- Grab your gloves and a sickle and lend a hand in the seasonal harvest – lavender gets all the attention in Provence but various plants get harvested throughout the year to be transformed into oils
- Discover the chemical distillation process as you load up your harvest, stomp it down into the vat and watch the oil drip into creation
- Create your own essential oil mixture and enjoy the natural benefits and fruits of your labor
- Tuck into a well earned picnic lunch at the distillery among the fields
- After lunch head off to enjoy another major natural fruit of the region at a family-owned olive farm
- The Alpilles is a region famed for its olive oil production (sorry Italy)
- Stroll the farm, gain an appreciation for the process of organic, small batch olive oil production and enjoy a guided tasting of the regions second most famous creation
- Evening yoga back at ‘home’
- Head out tonight for dinner in the local village of Saint-Rémy
5
DAY FIVE
- Morning yoga class and wake-up breakfast
- The stalls and excitement of one of France’s best local markets awaits
- Meet up this morning with our local chef and stroll the amazing selection of fresh food, spices and oils
- Our chef will design a shopping list and help pick out the best local options for tonight’s dinner
- After the market ‘grocery shopping’, enjoy free time in Saint-Rémy to browse the stalls, enjoy the local art and talent and soak up all the weekly market goodness at your own pace
- Enjoy lunch on your own and head back ‘home’ at your leisure
- This evening is all about hands-on cultivation of culinary skills and the preparation of a local speciality for dinner
- Sit down to a dinner of your own creation
6
DAY SIX
- Morning paddle-ready yoga session followed by breakfast
- Pack your sunscreen as you head to the village of Collias and the Gardon river
- Hop in kayaks and paddle downstream enjoying the scenic beauty of the region
- Rounding the bend in the river the kayaking will finish up at the famous Pont du Gard
- Spend time walking on, touching and exploring this amazing Roman bridge before heading to the near by village of Remoulins for lunch
- Head back ‘home’ mid afternoon for a little leisure time before evening yoga
- Enjoy another dinner in the quaint village of Saint-Rémy and enjoy the evening atmosphere and local life
7
DAY SEVEN
- Morning yoga class and fresh breakfast
- Head to the famous Châteauneuf-de-Pape wine region
- Visit winery that has been producing in the region since the 17th century
- Explore the working winery’s cellar and vines and enjoy tastes of what makes this region so famous (cellar visits not available in Sept & Oct during the harvest and vinification season)
- Blend your own bottle of local wine under the expert tutelage of the domain’s winemaker
- Grab your bottles and head back for a final evening yoga session
- Enjoy a relaxing and delicious farewell dinner at ‘home’ as you say goodbye to new friends and Provence
8
DAY EIGHT
- Morning breakfast, hugs and goodbyes
- Transfer to the Avignon TGV station for the start of the journey home
TESTIMONIALS
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
Frequently Asked Questions
US citizens will need a passport to visit France, but no visa is required at this time. All passports will need to be valid for at least 3 months after your date of departure and have at least one blank page for entry stamps. Entry information can change so please visit the State Department’s website for current information. Nationals of all other countries should check travel requirements well in advance of their retreat.
Well, you have a few choices here… The easiest location to fly into is Paris (CDG). From the airport you can catch a high-speed TGV to Avignon where we will pick you up (on set arrival and departure days only). If you prefer to fly into the Nîmes or Marseille airport, please contact The Travel Yogi for a transfer quote.
Nope! The chateau is stocked with mats, blocks and straps. You only need to bring your own stuff if you’re particularly attached to personal gear.
Yes, there is wifi, for basic emailing.
The chateau has three beautiful pools that are available for chilling next to or jumping in anytime!
Yes. The food is locally sourced farm-to-table goodness. The chef can accommodate as long as we have at least 3 weeks notice.
You can wander through some additional castles to explore or gallop off through a vineyard, there is more than enough time to book these excursions when you arrive. There is so much to absorb that it’s best not to overbook yourself before arrival… see what you feel like when you reach the good life and don’t forget to book in some chill time. The only exception to this would be if you want to visit the caves of Lascaux or Font de Gaum. For those you’ll need to book a tour in advance as tickets go very quickly, especially in the summer season.
France is on plug type “E” and 230v. Anyone coming from a region with a different plug or voltage should pack their adaptor and/or converter.
France is on the Euro and while we suggest you get cash in Euros when you arrive, credit cards are also accepted.
Although we don’t recommend you book excursions ahead of time, you’ll want to think ahead a bit when it comes to packing. Treks and horseback riding will require close-toed shoes (ie, not flips or sandals) and a few pairs of long pants won’t go amiss. Your essentials will be your yoga clothes and bathing suit with the rest depending on your appetite for adventure; quick dry clothes for adventure activities will work best.
Yes! Of course. Once you’re booked you’ll receive an email with important logistical information and a link to your invoice. You can pay any amount at any time on the invoice up until the final payment date (also stated in your Welcome email after booking). You can use the invoice as a payment plan or leave it alone until the final due date. Remember that deposits are non-refundable so, on all trips, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.