We welcome groups and teachers who wish to run their own courses or workshops at Gardoussel. We usually host several outside events during the summer months and others organized by the European Institute of Vedic Studies (EIVS) here in France.

We require a minimum of 8 paying participants to book the centre, and a minimum of 12 for exclusive booking of the whole of Gardoussel, though smaller groups are also possible, sharing the space with others.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in various units within Gardoussel:

• Gite Vert - 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, shower room, toilet, terrace
• La Pigeonnier - 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, shower room, toilet, terrace
• La Bergerie - 3 bedrooms, 3 toilet/shower rooms
• Le Nid - 2 bedrooms, 1 toilet/shower room

We can sleep up to 24 people in total. Accommodation is provided in our gites (holiday apartments) and independent bedrooms, most of them en-suite. Both our gîtes have twin bedrooms and a wood burning stove. Le Pigeonnier has a large living / dining area and kitchen, suitable for group indoor dining. The Gite Vert has an open hearth for cosy evenings curled up beside the fire. Two of our independent guest bedrooms have an additional mezzanine for extra bed space, the other three have their own en-suite toilet and shower room. Single rooms can be provided, depending on numbers.

Workspaces

"We have found the perfect setting for yoga. The church hall will never be quite so good again."

The Loft (50 m2)

The Loft makes an ideal yoga or bodywork studio. It has oak parquet flooring and is simply decorated, well ventilated, and equipped with a fire stove for use during colder weather. There is space for groups of up to 20-22 people seated or 12-14 people doing yoga or similar bodywork activities. Classroom tables and chairs are available, also yoga mats and some meditation cushions.

The Decks (110m2 and 60 m2)

Ideal for yoga practice and other body work. Situated under a tree canopy next to the river, our two decks (a smaller rectangular one and a larger octagonal deck) benefit from plenty of shade in the heat of the day.

Boma

A 7m-diameter circular enclosed fire-pit with seating around the central fireplace. Perfect for sundowners, intimate outdoor gatherings and breathing in the mountain views.

Meadows (15 acres)

Below the property, we have a long stretch of flat, grassy meadows offering an alternative space for group activities.

Forest (13 hectares)

During the heat of the day, the forest offer some much-welcomed, natural shade. There is a little stream that descends the mountainside behind the property which joins the Gardon river at the foot of the valley. Hammocks are suspended among the trees. More about workspaces

Meals

"As a connoisseur of retreats we were overjoyed to find excellent vegetarian food. In contrast to other venues we'd frequented, we were not desperate to return home to 'real' delicious vegetarian food; in fact we could have stayed here forever." Danny & Carol (Ayurveda UK)

Meals are normally provided as part of an exclusive booking, but groups wishing to self-cater can also be considered.

Breakfast is self-service and continental-style (breakfast cereals, toast, jams, juices, tea / coffee etc). Lunch and dinner are normally prepared by Frances and a second chef under the guidance of Alex and consist of delicious, fresh, home-made vegetarian meals inspired by Ayurvedic nutritional principles, adjusted to western foods and culture. Most of the ingredients we use are organic and grown in the local area.

Meals are served on a terrace overlooking the valley, or in the communal living/dining room when the weather is not suitable for eating outdoors.

Visitors are requested to assist at meal times by washing up and clearing away afterwards. More about meals

Extras

Group excursions to local markets or other attractions can be organized, with minibus hire if necessary. Massage and other therapies are available on-site. Evening activities can be arranged. Facilitators wishing to bring a group here should read our ‘Information for Facilitators’ document (email Sharon for details).