Mont Blanc Retreat
Reset your body, mind and spirit with six days of Alpine-fueled relaxation and adventure.
7-12 June 2020
Les Contamines-Montjoies, FR
Our adaptive retreat is open to all,
beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.
Strengthen your body, season your mind, soothe your soul and
delight your senses, amidst some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.
Osteo Yoga.
The Osteo Yoga experience is the convergence of Osteopathy and Yoga. Through postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), cleaning (kryas), and visualization / concentration, the practice allows you to access flow and optimal states of wellbeing, performance and creativity. Each course has a different theme.
Meditation.
Come home to yourself. Our mindfulness meditation sessions are an invitation to reconnect, to develop a softer, kinder relationship to yourself. While doing so, you’ll also learn how to manage strong emotions, improve your focus, boost your creativity, support your nervous system, and access your inner calm.
Trail.
Our experienced local guides will be selecting an array of trails to hike or run, based on fitness levels and your desired pace - you can test your athletic limits with energetic trail runs, or opt for a more peaceful (though still invigorating!) stroll in the mountains. You’ll be guaranteed spectacular views either way.
Our first retreat took place 29 September - 4 October, 2019. We’re thrilled to be heading back to Les Contamines-Montjoie, with a grand new practice space and many delightful surprises for our participants.
French + English
Instruction
Our trio of instructors - Samuel Urtado, Rachelle Tersigni and Jenni Dawes - originally hail from France, Canada and Australia, respectively, each building upon their 10 years + of practice with international study and extensive travel.
The primary language of the retreat will be French, however participants are advised to have basic competence in both French and English for an optimal retreat experience, as certain sessions will be presented in English.
Our Retreat Home
Wake up to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, enjoy crisp clean air in every moment, and delight in the peace and quiet. A dedicated chef will be on hand to create three delicious meals per day, with an additional menu of snacks and beverages available to enjoy in the garden during free time.
Our retreat takes place in a stunning location next to Mont Blanc (the highest peak in Western Europe), in the highest nature reserve in France, noted for its ecological variety. Les Contamines-Montjoie is a postcard-pretty, easily walkable village, in which lies our cosy lodging, Le Gai Soleil, privatised for the occasion.
Program
An 8 minute stroll from our hotel lies our formidable practice space: over 230m² for us to explore and unwind in during our yoga and meditation practices, and the perfect space to cut loose during our creative expression sessions.
A standard day includes:
Rise around 7am for a walking meditation (15 min), followed by the day’s first yoga practice (1h30) to awaken the senses. Coffee, tea and fruit available for those who need a boost first-thing.
Breakfast following the practice
Hike/trail run, free time or activity of choice, depending on the day.
Lunch (typically a picnic out in nature)
Continuation of hike/trail run, or free time
Second yoga practice (1 hour), typically in restorative or yin style
Guided meditation (30min)
Dinner
Cosy up in the lounge area, or head off for a good night’s sleep
Activities
Optional activities during the retreat include:
A visit to a nearby thermal spa facility, where 17 varieties of sauna, steam rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, salt rooms and luminotherapy await to help ease tired muscles
Horse riding
Paragliding
Via ferrata
Let us know your interests when booking, and we’ll provide an array of suggestions for activities in the area.
You can also simply relax in the garden on a sun chair and take in the view; cosy up in the comfy lounge area with a cup of tea and explore a range of creative activities; take a stroll through the delightful village or down to the river…
The retreat includes:
5 nights accommodation
We’ll have renowned Le Gai Soleil, nestled in the heart of the Alps, all to ourselves for the retreat. We have single, double and triple share options available to suit your budget.
2 x daily yoga practices
A longer, more energetic practice in the morning to kickstart your day, book-ended by a slower, softer flow to stretch and soothe muscles put to task in the day’s activities.
Daily nature adventures
Hike, trail run or select an optional activity, all taking place in our stunning location in the heart of the Alps.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Three hearty, delicious meals each day, prepared with love by Le Gai Soleil’s talented chef, using local produce. Vegetarian options will be offered at every meal, and we are also able to cater to any allergies.
2 x daily meditations
Start the day with a clear head, with a short meditation to bring you into the early morning yoga practice, and conclude each full day of experiences with a 30 minute guided meditation to deepen your retreat experience.
Daily creative activities
Connect to your inner artist with a range of multi-sensory experiences.
Join us for the adventure
Pure happiness, this last yoga retreat!
“Two yoga practices per day, one in the morning and an even sweeter one in the evening (yin yoga, meditation or workshops). During the day, magnificent hikes to appreciate the calm and the beauty of the landscapes within the Mont Blanc massif, outside peak periods. A lot of joy and good humor punctuated this stay, thanks to competent teachers and the particularly warm welcome from Gai Soleil.”
— Odile, 2019 retreat participant
