Holistic Retreats in the Charente, France
This is more than a holiday, it’s an experience! With time to just chill, time to spend exploring the local area or even learn about a holistic therapy or two, this is something you’ll remember for a lifetime, and should you participate in the learning, the knowledge you’ll gain will help you, your family and friends moving forward.
Nestled in stunning French countryside, you’ll spend a week in the lushest surroundings, with rivers, lakes and historic chateaux all close by. Each of the three guest rooms get to choose a holistic subject they would like to explore for a day, the other guests are welcome to join in or not as they want! If you and/or your fellow guest choose not to take part in the learning that’s absolutely fine; there is plenty to do and see locally to keep you and them occupied!
Week long retreats run Saturday to Saturday in March, April, September and October. You’ll arrive from 4.30pm on Saturday afternoon spending the first evening getting to know your host and fellow guests/students over welcome drinks and dinner. During your stay there are 3 learning days (each room will choose which holistic subject they wish to explore on the Sunday) and 3 or more days (depending on whether you join either of the other days chosen by your fellow guests) to yourselves with set times for meals, there are also on-the-go options.
All meals, snacks and drinks (including wine and beer) are included in the price of your holiday, as are towels, bathrobes and linen. During the week everyone will also be offered an inclusive therapy session of their choice
Breakfast is very informal, basically a help yourself to the brekkie of your choice: fresh pâtissiers, fruit, cereals and other delights will be available from 8.00-9.30am. Lunch is at 1.30pm and, weather permitting, is served in the courtyard. Dinner is at 7pm each evening. Learning days start at 10.00am, with mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks for tea and coffee, and the day finishes around 4.30/5.00pm.
On your free days you can either lunch at the house or take a picnic with you if you’re heading out for the day.
The following Saturday you’ll vacate your room by 10.00am, relaxed and ready for the journey home. All courses are tasters, an introduction to the subject and are aimed at the lay person, to enable them to have tools to use in their home with family and friends; however the courses are suitable for therapists wishing to add another modality to their tool kit. Reiki II is certified, enabling the trainee to become a Reiki practitioner. You will only be able to attend a Reiki Master course if you are already a Reiki practitioner with a minimum experience of two years working as a healer.
Course subjects you can choose from
Acupuncture and an introduction to Chinese medicine
Discover how a needle can be used to change the flow of energy around the body to improve health in so many ways. This course is designed to introduce you to the basics and maybe give you a taster to go on to study the subject in depth!
You will learn how to safely use the needles on yourself first, then you can move to family and friends. Discover the many benefits of this ancient and incredibly versatile holistic modality
Anatomy for the beginner
This vast subject needs to be studied over many weeks, and years, so I will be giving some basic information as we cover the other subjects that will be useful to what you are learning. You may want to learn more and I can help you discover how to make that happen!
An introduction to Aromatherapy
This covers how to safely use and blend oils at home for use on your family and friends; you’ll discover how they are made and what they can do.
Essential oils are the basis for so many everyday products and are used in medicine all around the world. Learn the basics on this course, it may leave you wanting to know more.
An introduction to Homeopathy
Learn about the history and principals of Homeopathy and how to use some of the basic remedies at home on family and friends, such as Arnica, Aconite and Apis.
Arnica is the great healer, widely used in helping bruising come out.
Aconite is fantastic for shock, and Apis, would you believe, is a great anti-histamine amongst other things.
Applied Kinesiology
On this course you’ll learn how muscle testing can help you understand your body’s limitations, allergies, intolerances and diseases. It’s a great way to talk to the body and get honest answers.
Massage
Here we explore massage for the individual and couples. You will learn the basics of a full body massage and how to “feel” the muscles and what needs help.
Even if your partner doesn’t fancy doing the study, they may want to be the “body” you practice on!
Mindfulness & Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
Using visualisation, guided meditation and NLP techniques, these few days will change the way you think and see your world.
If you are looking for transformational ways to de-stress or generally ‘change your mindset’ this course is for you.
Reflexology
In these sessions you’ll learn how to perform this amazing foot “massage” which accesses every part of the body, to enable you to safely perform it on family and friends to improve their health and wellbeing.
Reiki I and II.
Examine the history and the symbols as well as all you need to know to perfect your skills as a hands on (or off) healer.
This course teaches you how to become a Reiki practitioner, how to start your practice, all about the Chakras, and how universal energy moves through your hands to heal others.
At the end of the week you will receive your certificate and be ready to start your 21 days of reiki self healing.
Reiki Master.
This course is for those Reiki II practitioners, with at least 2 years hands on experience, who have decided they now wish to take the next step and become a teacher themselves.
On this course you will be given the final symbols, be taught how to attune others as well as how to write your own course books. At the end of the week you will receive your Reiki Master certificate and you will have joined your peers in the exciting world of teaching.
Upcoming Retreats
On this course you will be given the final
Upcoming Retreats
For information about upcoming retreats please see our dedicated website http://www.holistic-retreats-france.com, where you can find out more about the retreats and can book your place later in 2025 or spring 2026!