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THE VILLAGE YOGA STUDIO
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“Wild truths and golden grains…this is work of lyrical magic and tender beauty. Erin’s words spin a finely-webbed dance around her exquisite illustrations.”
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Carolyn Hillyer, author & illustrator of the Weavers’ Oracle
Retreat Description, Inclusions, Itinerary, & Booking Details
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"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
~ Mary Oliver
South of France:
Sanctuary of the Sacred Feminine Retreat
August 2nd - 9th, 2025
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.
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