The Provence Nature Retreat

Embracing Nature & Wellness in Rural Provence

22nd - 26th April 2023

Welcome to Provence!

Clear your mind, uncurl your shoulders and feel the weight of the outside world drift away as you immerse yourself in the soothing surrounds of nature...

Just imagine...inhaling the scent of sun-warmed lavender; watching the sun set over leafy vineyards; enjoying a pool-side yoga session with a backdrop of pine-forested hills; experiencing a French cooking class at a perfect Provençal chateau; exploring picturesque hilltop villages with camera & warm croissant in hand. Picture yourself boating through a breath-taking gorge on the bluest waters you've ever seen; melting into a meditation at the top of a mountain... or perhaps the simplest of all Provençal pleasures - browsing the local market (straw basket in hand), picking out the tastiest breads, cheeses & charcuterie for your al fresco lunch.

You dream of experiencing all this in the gloriously clean fresh air, in unspoilt Provence, with wonderful new-found friends.

As evening falls you raise a glass to the star-filled Provençal sky and finally you feel like you again... reconnecting with the natural world around you, re-awakening that deep sense of calm you've craved for years but had almost forgotten could be yours.

It's all here waiting for you

Find your Happiness

and Learn to Put it First

This is Cotignac...

There's no better place than rural Provence to immerse yourself in nature. Here you'll experience five magical days where you'll slow down, reflect and reconnect with what truly inspires you…

This beautiful Provençal hill village is the perfect place to live like a local and soak up the French way of life. Nestled deep in the heart of Provence and surrounded by olive groves, pine forests and glorious vineyards, this uniquely unspoiled landscape will be the backdrop to your healing journey. And with an abundance of boulangeries, cafés, fine restaurants and pretty cobbled streets to wander, you'll be experiencing just how beautiful & inspiring life can be when you open your heart to nature and adventure.

Here we create time for what truly matters.

Refueling, reflecting and reviving your love for life

… "a trip to Provence? I barely have time for a trip to the supermarket! How do I make time for a retreat?"

You have a wishlist of "that would be nice someday" experiences. A list that even you aren't sure you'll ever get to.

You suspect that trying to be all things to all people is ultimately costing you yourself.

I know this for sure, because I've been there.

Going on a nature retreat is a way to invest in your own value and self-care. It’s a necessary and healing way to honour your life and your sense of self-worth. It's an ideal way to press the reset button, re-evaluating your priorities and reigniting your connection with what makes you truly tick.

Life is short,

and we're already halfway through

"What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

_{- Mary Oliver}

It's time to stop dreaming and watching everyone else live a life that nourishes them and make it happen for yourself.

Welcome to The Provence Nature Retreat

Your restorative journey begins in rural Provence. Here, you'll disconnect from the chaos of the day-to-day and practise the art of slow living.

Let me take care of all the details...

Each step of your journey is thoughtfully curated to allow you to get the most out of your immersive nature experience in this unforgettable region of France.

This is a journey of personal discovery where you'll reconnect with what you truly want, and kickstart your journey towards a life of intention.

You're in the right place,

I'm so glad you found us ♡

During our 5 days together you will:

Push the boundaries of your comfort zone by exploring wild places such as the stunning Gorges du Verdon (known as the Grand Canyon of France)
Immerse yourself in a different (très French) way of life by learning to cook healthy & natural Provençal recipes with a top local chef
Discover exceptional new places you never knew existed in some of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages'
Try on for size the Provençal outdoors way of life - spending your days under clear blue skies, deeply immersed in the natural world
Indulge your taste buds with organic & biodynamic wines and healthy gourmet meals
Experience the magic of dining under the stars
Wake up your senses by breathing the freshest mountain air and swimming in the clearest lakes

Plus LOTS more...

(Read on for the full itinerary!)

Where you'll stay...

From the moment you arrive at La Bergerie you'll feel right at home:

For the next five days & four nights this secluded rustic French hideaway is yours to share with like-minded souls looking to recharge, refresh and reconnect.

Hidden away in the Provençal countryside, La Bergerie sits in a meadow filled with scented lavender, olive trees and pines.

An abundance of quiet sitting spaces are yours to discover... perhaps in a hammock around the large pool or in a deck chair under the shade of mature olive trees. Your private Provençal estate is a secluded sanctuary set in acres of breath-taking countryside, with beautiful mountain views and happy wildlife making regular appearances.

La Bergerie ('The Sheepfold') is a simple and charmingly characterful century-old stone farmhouse offering three comfortable bedrooms and three bathrooms laid out over two floors. The simple farmhouse has everything you need for a cosy and enjoyable stay, including airconditioning in all bedrooms and a welcoming communal lounge/kitchen space.

What you'll eat...

The world famous food & wine of Provence is something we'll be enjoying lots of:

From al fresco market-sourced lunches to fine country-house dining we'll be sampling the very best Provence has to offer, all with a focus on the freshest local ingredients and flavours. We'll be enjoying dishes such as Ratauoille, Moules Frites, and Poisson du jour... often accompanied by tasty tapenades and locally made fragrant oils and sauces. Pure heaven!

This region of France is of course also known for its world class rosé wine, much of which is produced in the hillside vineyards around Cotignac. Rest assured we'll have plenty of opportunities to appreciate these exceptional local wines, alongside some outstanding French cheese and charcuterie.

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Your Itinerary...

Day 1:

Welcome to Provence!

Today is all about easing in to Provençal life and getting to know each other and our beautiful new surroundings...

Meet at Marseille Airport at the pre-designated meeting point at 9am and be whisked away to your retreat in the hills
Stop off in a Cotignac cafe on our way through the village - soaking up some of that fabulous French charm
Check-in at La Bergerie
Enjoy a leisurely deli-style lunch on the terrace at La Bergerie, followed by a game of Petanque
Explore caves and narrow cobbled streets in the historic village of Cotignac
Celebrate your arrival with new-found friends at a beautiful welcome dinner in one of the village's loveliest restaurants

Day 2:

Yoga, Waterfalls and a Village in the Sky!

Today we harness the energy of yoga & cascading waterfalls and gaze at grand vistas from a village high up in the sky...

Start the day with an early morning yoga session by the pool
Refuel with a Continental breakfast at La Bergerie
Enjoy a morning stroll beside the wonderful waterfalls at Sillans-la-Cascade
Hunt for vintage French treasures at a traditional local Brocante market
Explore one of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages' - Tourtour, known as 'The village in the Sky'
Eat as the French do for lunch - a simple baguette with delicious fresh fillings - at one of Tourtour's lovely cafés
Relax in to an afternoon of down time at La Bergerie where you're free to read, walk, meditate and swim in our private pool
Dress up in your favourite Spring outfit for a magical dinner at one of Provence's most beautiful & atmospheric restaurants

Day 3:

Canyons, Lakes and Mountain Villages!

Today we're heading for an exceptional village in the nearby foothills of the Provençal Alps, and experiencing the rugged beauty of the 'Grand Canyon of France'...

Start with a Continental Breakfast at La Bergerie
Experience a private boat trip along the blue waters of the Verdon river as it carves its way through the magnificent Gorges du Verdon
Tuck in to a rustic provencal picnic lunch on the banks of the Verdon river
Enjoy some free time to explore magnificent Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, officially one of France's most beautiful villages!
Marvel at the beauty of the village from high above - on a gentle group hike up to the historic 12th Century Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir
Revel in a fine Provençal dinner in picturesque Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Day 4:

Let's Get Cooking!

Today we're delving into the very heart of Provençal life - its fabulous food & wine...

Start with a Continental breakfast at La Bergerie
Ease into your foodie day with an early morning stroll around Cotignac's authentic Provençal produce market
Continue with a private cooking class with a top chef at a world-renowned local chateau, followed by a light lunch (sampling the dishes you've prepared) - accompanied by a selection of the chateau's exceptional wines
Relax in to an afternoon of down time at La Bergerie where you're free to read, walk, meditate and swim in our private pool
Enjoy a BBQ Dinner on the terrace at La Bergerie, prepared & enjoyed as a group, using fresh locally sourced market produce
Share stories and dreams around the firepit into the evening

Day 5:

A Mediterranean Fishing Village & Final Farewells!

Today we're soaking up our last few rays of Mediterranean sunshine on the French Riviera...

Share a Continental breakfast at La Bergerie
Check-out of your room and depart for our last day of fun together
Start the day on the right path by melting into a meditation on a mountain-top
Enjoy a morning of independent exploration in the Mediterranean harbour village of Cassis
Meet for a lovely group lunch at a pretty harbour-front restaurant
Say our final Au Revoirs at Marseille airport 3pm - 4pm

All that's missing is you...

Your Nature Retreat Experience Includes:

5 days and 4 nights accommodation at La Bergerie, on a basis of double occupancy (2 single beds in each bedroom)

Transportation to and from Marseille airport, to the retreat accomodation location (22nd to 26th April 2023) in an air-conditioned vehicle
All transportation to the scheduled retreat events and excursions
Four continental breakfasts (consisting of fresh fruit, healthy cereal, fresh French pastries and coffee/tea/juice)
Five lunches and four evening meals in a selection of local Provençal restaurants, cafés and on the terrace at La Bergerie
One glass of wine provided with each lunch and dinner
Private Provençal cooking class with the head chef at a world renowned chateau hotel
An exclusive wine tasting experience
A private boat tour along the waters of the Gorges du Verdon
Free wi-fi connection at La Bergerie
Surprises, gifts and other wonderful extras

**This ALL-INCLUSIVE Five Day Adventure is just €2349 per person**

Catch the EarlyBird Price of €1999 ...available up until 14 November 2022 !

The following IS NOT included:

Your international round-trip flights (or overland travel costs) from your home to Marseille airport
Any necessary airport hotel bookings (note that you may need to arrive the evening before and book an overnight hotel to make the morning meet time on 22nd April 2023)
Any meals not listed
Alcoholic beverages not listed, laundry, incidentals, spa services, personal phone calls or other activities not explicitly mentioned
Souvenirs and shopping
Tips for drivers or services you choose outside of scheduled retreat activities
Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (which is highly recommended)
A trip to the lavender fields of Provence. April is unfortunately not lavender flowering season. You may wish to return in early July for this spectacle. La Bergerie is available for private rent during the summer months, via the link on my website which can be found at www.loveprovence.com

Meet Your Host

Bonjour, I'm Jo...

Possibly Provence's biggest fan, a country girl at heart, and owner of the beautiful farmhouse La Bergerie.

It's long been my dream to share the healing energy of La Bergerie with you, along with everything this spectacular region has to offer...especially the healing back-to-nature values of the Provençal way of life!

This is why I'm ecstatic you're joining me in the South of France, not only for the experience of a lifetime, but also for the rewards of investing in yourself, your growth, your personal development and moving finally towards those passions you've been dreaming about for so long - for fear that no one would "get you." Well, I do... and not only do I "get you" but I celebrate you!

Your dreams deserve your courage.

You'll return home a renewed woman. Your purpose and passion will be clear-sighted and you'll be better prepared to face the daily demands of life.

Know that I've been stuck too, right where you are. I was stressed, frustrated and constantly saying to myself, "there has to be more." My happiness ebbed and flowed and I was overwhelmed with the impossibility of making my dreams come true. In the past two years alone, I've suffered the pain of divorce, major surgery and a cancer scare - all of which nearly broke me.

But...there's always a way forward.

Through my experiences and by finally giving voice to my passions, I've crafted an approach to health and wellness that has changed the trajectory of my life. And if you let it, this approach can do the same for you.

Join me and other women just like you in Provence for the trip of a lifetime and a unique shared healing journey.

I literally can't wait to welcome you to La Bergerie!

What past guests are saying...

Eve. H

"The house and the surrounding area are simply fantastic. Very quiet, and we lacked nothing. Jo is a wonderful host, she genuinely has so much compassion. Highly recommended!"

Christina. J

"A perfect hideaway, surrounded by nature. Amongst olive trees and oaks, with a large pool & plenty of outdoor lounging areas to relax. The retreat was the perfect way to reconnect after a loss."

This experience is for you if you…

Are ready for reconnecting deeply with yourself and with nature in one of the most beautiful areas of the world.
Would love to go to Provence and share this adventure with other like-minded women.
Absolutely LOVE all things Provence and need a hefty dose of this magical place ASAP!
Crave new adventures and want to make fabulous new friends in the process.
Love the idea of a more personal, mind expanding experience than you could have elsewhere!
Do not want to stress and figure out everything to do on an epic trip like this.
Would love to be well-looked after AND have a fantastic adventure!

This is NOT for you if you…

Don't enjoy getting up close & personal with nature.
Are looking for a typical tourist trip to Provence that rattles through the guidebook sights.
Have a severe medical condition.
Cannot walk moderately & easily for up to an hour.
Do not want to have new experiences that might take you out of your comfort zone.
Expect luxury accommodation.
Don't like the idea of sharing a bedroom and bathroom with a fellow retreat guest.
Aren't up for having huge amounts of fun and meeting new besties.
Don't like Rosé wine or French cheese!

The Mid-Life Reset Retreat

Embracing Nature & Wellness in Rural Provence

Count me in! I need this Retreat!