Retreats

“As important as it is to have a plan for doing work, it is perhaps more important to have a plan for rest, relaxation, self-care, and sleep.”

-Akiroq Brost

It’s a story of miracles, the way Jonathan and I came to own the house in France. (It’s one worth sharing over a typical French meal under the broad leaves of the mulberry tree of a sultry summer evening, or by the log fire in the grips of winter.)

Situated in the peaceful village of Colombieres-sur-Orb [link to google maps location], at the foot of the Caroux mountain and nestled within the idyllic Orb River Valley, it is located in the Haut Laungedoc National Park- so Nature reigns supreme.

Our welcoming home has a large garden that not only looks beautiful (It’s Lisa’s living canvas!) but also provides us with seasonal fruit and vegetables for our table and there are numerous spots where you can eat meals al fresco.

It even has a pool.

When we are there, we stay upstairs but for YOU we have converted the downstairs space.

It’s almost too good to be true. But it is – and we would love to share it with you.

There are two ways you can visit: either by booking on to one of our rare Mini-Retreats, or coming for a longer Holiday Retreat.

CycleWise retreats are unfortunately not available until September 2024, so watch this space.

Accommodation

We have converted the downstairs space into a comfortable, neat two bedroom apartment - one double bed and two single beds. (There is also a fold-out couch in the lounge for an extra person.)

The bathroom is spacious and designed to accommodate people with mobility challenges.

There is also a fully equipped kitchen as part of an open plan lounge-diner and several outdoor eating spaces as well as the pool in summertime.

How to Get Here

By Plane:

We are about 50 minutes drive from Beziers airport (Ryanair), or 90 minutes from Montpellier airport (Easyjet). Tickets are often reasonable if booked in advance.

We can advise you about best routes, and provide pick-ups and drop-offs for an additional cost of 45 Euros from Beziers, if you don’t want to hire a car.

By Train:

There are regular TGV services to Montpellier and Beziers, and from there a local train to our nearby town Bedarieux several times a day, where we can pick you up

By Car:

You can reach Colombieres-sur-Orb from South-East England in one very long’s day’s drive, or in two comfortably, with a night’s stop-off half-way. The roads are rarely busy, well-maintained and the second half of the drive is breath-taking in its scenery. Please be aware that many French autoroutes charge tolls.

Things To Do

You can walk or cycle from our doorstep into woods and vineyards along an old, converted railway. There are various companies that hire out bikes, and one even hires out electric bikes.
A short drive will take you to hiking routes in nearby gorges or mountains, with stunning vistas and ancient trails.

There’s wild swimming in stunning nearby gorges, various delightful spots along the river and the Mediterranean and its beaches are one hour’s drive away.

Golf, horse-riding, climbing, canoeing and fishing are also available close by.
For sightseeing enthusiasts, you can visit the nearby medieval villages of Olargues and Roquebrun. Further afield you can go to the ,cities of Montpellier, Beziers or Sete, or explore the artistic town of Pezenas.

For food and wine enthusiasts, sample the excellent local Faugeres and St Chinian wines, or eat out at the many outstanding restaurants (some within walking distance from ours). There’s an abundance of local markets and organic produce to enjoy.

When we are there you have the added bonus of letting us take care of you by selecting one (or more) of the treatments and/or classes we have on offer. At a small cost, we can also provide you with a delectable two or three course meal on arrival (Jonathan loves to cook and does it very well!).