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(No availability) 11 Day Silence Retreat in Montbel, Ariège
France Wellness Retreat
When northern Europe is still in winterly spheres, here at the feet of the Pyrenees spring is already fully starting and temperatures can be rising pleasantly. A perfect time to take a break and turn your attention while you are outside in nature.
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- 10 days of silence
- 1 optional yoga class per day
- Daily optional meditation session
- Pratyahara and concentration
- Pranayama, breathwork, and energy practices
- Stunning natural surroundings
- 10 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
10 days with instruction in English
Accommodation
You will sleep in one of La Borde Blanque's spacious and most charming private or double rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The garden surrounding the house has big shady trees and a wide lawn, leading to the lake. The private lakeside consists of comfortable grass and is surrounded by trees, offering complete privacy. The water is clean and pure and delightful to swim in.
Program
This silence retreat provides you the opportunity to spend 10 days in silence, surrounded by nature, within the secluded setting of a beautiful center for yoga, meditation, and healing, La Borde Blanque. During this retreat, they offer daily two sessions of yoga asanas and meditation. During these classes, the teacher will be speaking in order to give instructions. All meditations will be guided for the first few minutes followed by a progressive time span of silent meditation during the 10 days.
After the morning meditation, there is an optional sharing round in which you are invited to share your inner experiences of your meditation and yoga asana practice so that the teacher can guide you and give you feedback. This is the only moment of the day of sharing within the group, and again, also this session is optional. In addition, there is the opportunity to have an individual session with either Elleke or Pieter if there is a need for support.
All meals take place in silence and are being offered as a buffet so that you have the option to sit at the dining table and eat together in silence or take your meal out in nature or whenever you want to eat in your private space. All activities are optional in this retreat.
Elements in the yoga and meditation classes
1. Yoga asanas and relaxation
La Borde Blanque is a Raja Yoga School. Raja yoga is one of the oldest and most complete forms of yoga, where the asanas (physical practices) are considered to be a preparation for meditation. Although they offer various modern styles, their approach is a mindful way of practicing yoga. This means a quiet, attentive, and meditative approach. Remaining in an asana can sometimes be intense and powerful. Yet they will also introduce dynamic Vinyasa flow series and be mindful in action. Everyone can participate at his or her level and there is plenty of room for personal variations and modifications.
2. Pranayama
Breath and energy practices.
3. Pratyahara, concentration, and meditation
To withdraw the senses and the attention within towards focus and you will take progressive steps into meditation.
Instructors
Elleke Van Kraalingen
Elleke's journey in yoga and meditation began when she was a child. In her early teenage years, she spontaneously started to meditate, following an inner guideline and set off on the path of yoga. Yoga and meditation became a way of life. For more than 35 years now she has been teaching the ancient form of Raja Yoga with love and passion and for 25 years she has been training yoga teachers. In your daily life at La Borde Blanque lies an invitation and challenge to practice the yoga way of life, each day, every minute.
Location
This retreat will take place in Mirepoix, Ariège, France. The area has a long and moving history. Amongst other things, you will find prehistoric caves with carvings and stalactites and stalagmites. Apart from that, the Celts also left their traces, as well as the Romans with their thermal baths. La Borde Blanque is an authentic French country estate situated on the crest of a hill with a magnificent view over the Pyrenees and surrounding countryside.
The location offers various opportunities to be together as well as to withdraw for some private space, both indoors and outdoors. It has a private lakeside beach on the beautiful Lac de Montbel and is on the other side defined by forest and the river Hers. The property has a natural spring and bathes in the peace and serenity of the French countryside. You will find them on the border of the Aude and Ariège departments.
Distances
- Carcassonne - 50 minutes
- Mediterranean sea - 1.5 hours
- Toulouse - 1.5 hours
- Montpellier - 2.5 hours
- Barcelona - 4 hours
Food
You will be served three delicious vegetarian meals per day, prepared with love and care, as well as coffee, tea, and snacks included in the price.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Things to do (optional)
The unique environment of Borde Blanque offers a wide range of activities. During your free time, you can make beautiful walks along the rivers, through the hills, forests, and mountains with stunning views. La Borde Blanque is directly situated on the lakeside with its private beach, where it is lovely to swim in crystal clear water. There are facilities in the nearby area to go horse riding, canoeing, or rafting. You can taste the culture of France during a visit to colorful local markets. The area has a long and moving history, which you will find back in the old Cathar castles and picturesque medieval villages.
What's included
- Activities
- 10 nights accommodation
- 3 delicious vegetarian meals per day
- Coffee, tea, and snacks
What's not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Additional activites
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer not provided
Barcelona–El Prat Airport
185 km away from your destination
Transfer not provided
Toulouse–Blagnac Airport
90 km away from your destination
Transfer not provided
Carcassonne Airport
38 km away from your destination
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
