Gardoussel Retreat offers themed
Ayurveda and yoga holidays, writing workshops, gîtes
and unstructured residential stays. Set in the lush Cévennes
mountains of the Languedoc region, Gardoussel ('guardian of
the birds') is a magical oasis of calm in one of the most beautiful
and untouched parts of France. A place of stunning simplicity
and incredible natural beauty where guests can truly relax
without the distractions of TV, crowds or traffic.
Secluded yet within easy access
to pretty villages, it offers the perfect opportunity to tune
into nature and to ourselves. Served with delicious, home-made,
organic vegetarian meals.
“The only time I’ve
been away and enjoyed the food.”
“Enjoyed a wonderful
week. Obviously a lot of time, effort and energy has gone into
making it such a beautiful and comfortable environment.”
"One of the most peaceful
and beautiful places I have had the privilege to visit."
Surrounded by glorious pine and holm oak forests,
Gardoussel is a picturesque hamlet set in 45 acres of private meadow
and woodland in the heart of the Mediterranean mountains, 1 hour
from Nimes and 2 hours from Montpellier.
“A simply wonderful area to explore.
The walks up the mountains and down the valley were superb
adventures full of rewards; views, chestnuts, rushing water – a
true paradise.”
During events, guests are accommodated in our gîtes
(holiday apartments) and independent, en-suite bedrooms.
'Highly Recommended': The Good
Retreat Guide (5th edition) by Stafford Whiteaker.
'A beautiful setting... very peaceful... comments from guests
are full of praise for this place'
Our two beautiful, independent gîtes, sleeping
4-6 people each, are also available for weekly rentals for those
who want to do their own thing at Gardoussel.
"Please do not alter the simplicity
of a very special place. A big, big thankyou."
All our guests are welcome to make use of our workshop
spaces which include an indoor loft, two outdoor yoga decks and
a 'boma' seated fire pit.
"I have learned
so much that I can use for my everyday life in the city. They'll
keep me calm and peaceful and spirited. The most important is
that I'm more focussed and relaxed now, able to see things more
clearly. My body and soul are ready for a new way of living."
On-site therapies include Ayurvedic massage, Swedish
massage, Ayurvedic consultations, yoga classes, craniosacral therapy,
acupuncture and Ayurvedic cookery lessons. For the more enegetic,
the local area offers a wide variety of hiking trails, river bathing,
mountain biking, donkey rental, tennis, a local Sunday market...
or simply explore the hills behind the hamlet or relax in a hammock
in our peaceful gardens & grounds.
Ayurveda Events
Gardoussel Retreat regularly hosts Ayurveda
courses, Ayurveda workshops, Ayurveda correpondence courses and
Ayuryoga (Ayurvedic yoga) trainings organised by the European
Institute of Vedic Studies (www.atreya.com). Please see their
website for details of all their activities in Europe including
England, Switzerland, and France.
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