“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."

Surroundings

Surrounded by glorious pine and holm oak forests, Gardoussel is a picturesque hamlet in 45 acres set in the Mediterranean mountains, 1.5 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.”

"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." - Vivienne Tam, New York fashion designer.

Accommodation

Guests are accommodated in our gites (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'

Gîtes

We have 2 gîtes (holiday apartments) for rent for those who wish to stay with us on an independent basis. Full details on our gîtes page.

Groups & Workshops

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

We require a minimum of 12 paying participants for an exclusive booking of the centre, though smaller groups with an advance fixed number is possible, sharing space with others.

Meals

Delicious vegetarian lunches and dinners, inspired by Ayurvedic principles, are served on our terrace with stunning views across the valley or, in cooler weather, inside our communal lounge / dining room. We use mostly organic local produce and whole grains. Breakfasts are usually continental-style self-service.

Leisure & Therapy

Pamper yourself with a choice of therapies: Ayurvedic consultations or classes (see ayurveda offerings for more information), cooking lessons, yoga therapy, massage (Swedish or Ayurvedic styles), life counselling and craniosacral therapy. 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 our peaceful gardens & grounds.

Our Ethos

Gardoussel's predecessor, The Sun Centre, was founded in 2001 after we moved from Scotland to France to follow our dream of creating a space where people could let go, relax and learn or develop tools for self-awareness, in beautiful natural surroundings. Our interest and integration of various traditions and methods into our family life is the basis of the experience that we share with our visitors.

"Please do not alter the simplicity of a very special place. A big, big thankyou."

Travel

We are about 1 hr 30 mins from Nîmes and 1 hr 45 mins from Montpellier airports, and 2 hrs 30 mins from Avignon (closest TGV train stop for the south of France). See the travel page for details.

Families / Children

Families with children are welcome and can be catered for on most events. <more>

Ayurveda Events

Gardoussel Retreat regularly hosts Ayurveda events organised by the European Institute of Vedic Studies (www.atreya.com). Please see their website for details of Ayurveda trainings, workshops and correspondance courses offered in European countries including England, Switzerland, and France.

You may also like to consult Alex's informative Ayurveda website:-
www.practical-ayurveda.net

>>> Bring your group to Gardoussel Retreat (previously The Sun Centre) <<<

>>> New - Practical Ayurveda Corrospondance Course with Audio Lectures <<<