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THE VILLAGE YOGA STUDIO
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RETREAT DESCRIPTION: 

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The South of France is a living narrative of the Sacred Feminine – from the Neolithics, Celts, Egyptians, Greco-Romans, and Indo-Europeans, to the Kabbalists, Gnostics, Cathars, Templars, and Troubadours. This landscape of converging spiritual ley lines and mystical pathways devoted to the Goddess in her many forms and faces holds a wisdom ancient to all women. As you journey through her sanctuaries throughout the sun-soaked Languedoc on this small-group (maximum 12 women) retreat, you will visit:

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*the Mediterranean town and beach of Gruissan, seated along the storied route of female saints, mystics, and masters from the East

 

*the Pyrenees and their 16,000-year-old cave paintings of Neolithic shamanesses amid the stalagmites of the Grotte de Bedeilhac

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*the sanctum cave chapels of Gorge de Galamus and Notre-Dame de Vals amongst the scenic vineyards, sunflower fields, and olive groves of the Occitanie

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*the canyon waterfalls of Minerve, named in antiquity after the Roman goddess whose shrine once stood there long before becoming a Cathar stronghold 

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*the 3500BCE Celtic megalith of Dolmen des Fades and the “upside-down” mountain of Bugarach, both fabled for their fairy lore

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*the ancient thermal baths and holy well of Rennes-les-Bains, legendary for its connection to the Egyptian goddess Isis and Druidic deity Danu

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*the French “Market Day” of Mirepoix under the mythological watch of the village’s cathedral and colonnade gargoyles – from harpy to handmaiden

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*the temenos of Alet-les-Bains, home to the Grail mysteries, the long-ago temple of goddess Diana, andone of the country’s Black Madonnas

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Other highlights include an optional half-day trip to the fortress city of Carcassonne (additional)

 

 

INCLUSIONS:

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*pick-up and drop-off at the airport in Toulouse

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*shared luxury accommodations at Hotel Le Monastere (lemonastereadventures.com), a restored 14th century monastery in Limoux

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*gourmet breakfasts and 6 multi-course dinners that include selections of the finest local wines, including a local Blanquette tasting

 

*all transportation, entry fees, and on-location guided tours and teachings

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*morning meditations (mats provided) designed around the “Sacred Feminine” connection of each day’s excursion location

 

*daily on-site, all-levels Gentle Yoga and Qigong 

 

*an Opening and Closing Ceremony, as well as a mid-week Gathering, for sharing and “gifting” that which will deepen our “Sacred Feminine” practice

 

*a “Sanctuary of the Sacred Feminine” guidebook exploring the history and symbology of women's wisdom in the South of France and beyond

 

Please Note:

*flight fees are extra 

*lunches (and one dinner meal) are not included

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ITINERARY ~ DAY-AT-A-GLANCE:

 

7:50am-8:00am ~ Morning Gathering, Terrace  

(discussion and meditation on the Sacred Feminine)

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8:00am-8:45am ~ Breakfast

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Morning/Lunch/Afternoon ~ Daily Excursion (9am-5pm - visit to local Sacred Feminine site with picnic lunch; includes on-site Gentle Yoga/Qigong)

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Late Afternoon ~ Return to Le Monastere

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7:00pm – Dinner ~ Le Monastere, in Limoux, or with hosts on-location

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Evening ~ Free time or occasional special event

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For full-week itinerary, please click here.

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BOOKING DETAILS:

 

Cost: $3250 CAD

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*$500 deposit (credit card or cheque made payable to Le Monastere Adventures) required upon registration

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*$250 fee (etransfer or cheque made payable to Erin Holtz Braeckman) required 6 months (February 2025) prior to trip

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*$2500 remainder (credit card or cheque made payable to Le Monastere Adventures) required 2 months (June 2025) before arrival

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Contact retreat leader Erin Holtz Braeckman at villageyogastudio@hotmail.com with inquiries or to register.