Terroir & Gastronomie 5th - 12th June 2027

‘Cooking is the landscape in a pan.’ ‍ ‍ - Josep Pla

In French, terroir refers to the blend of soil, vegetation, climate and human influences that gives a region, its foods and wines, their unique character.

Take a gastronomic journey through the Languedoc, from bijou vineyards in celebrated Faugeres and St Chinian, to the coast and lagoon of Thau, whilst resting and digesting surrounded by the mountains and river-valley of the Haut Languedoc natural park . 

Over a week in early summer,  savour delicious, organic seasonal produce, (in 2024 Occitanie was named as the foremost region for organic food in France).

Enjoy outings such as shopping at markets, eating at the fantastic Auberge de Madale with its seven-course tasting menu, taking a boat out on the lagoon of Thau and trying its famous mussels and oysters and meeting local growers and winemakers.

There will be the opportunity to harvest fresh vegetables and fruit from Lisa’s permaculture garden, create meals with Jonathan - a passionate self-taught chef of 30 years experience - lounge by the pool, and dine al fresco overlooking the magnificent Caroux mountain.

Cost: from €750 - covers our meals and accommodation, and transport during the course. 

Outings and purchases: we recommend budgeting a minimum of 250€.

For travel and other practical information, see Groundwork:

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  • Enjoy outings such as shopping at markets, eating at the fantastic Auberge de Madale with its seven-course tasting menu, taking a boat out on the lagoon of Thau and trying its famous mussels and oysters and meeting local growers and winemakers.

    There will be the opportunity to harvest fresh vegetables and fruit from Lisa’s permaculture garden, create meals with Jonathan - a passionate self-taught chef of 30 years experience and dine al fresco overlooking the magnificent Caroux mountain.

    The pool will be open so you will have time to lounge or if you want to be more active there are cycle tracks, local hiking trails and wild swimming from our doorstep.

    • 7 nights’ accommodation in our home in Colombières-sur-Orb

    • 5 days of optional outings and activities around the theme of French food and land ; 1 day of rest

    • Ample time in nature, wild swimming and space for rest or by the pool

    • breakfast starter-pack provided plus three other home-cooked meals during the retreat, otherwise self-catering or eating out

    • Optional add-ons (available to book separately): extra nights’ accommodation, individual wellbeing treatments (massage, reflexology, coaching, etc.)

    • Arrival: from 15:00 on 5th June

    • Departure: by 12:00 on 12th June

      Travel:

      • 50 mins from Béziers (train or airport, Ryanair)

      • 90 mins from Montpellier (airport, Easyjet)

      • Pick-ups available (€55 from Béziers, €80 from Montpellier)

      • TGV trains to Béziers or Montpellier, then local train or bus to Bédarieux

      • Driving from SE England takes one long day or two easy days with a stop

    • Not included: travel, insurance, meals taken outside the retreat, personal purchases

    • Extra nights: subject to availability (Studio €45–64 per night, Gîte €58–69 per night)

    • Treatments: €55–75 per hour. Options include Lomi-lomi massage, reflexology, Indian head massage, Reiki, cycle awareness coaching, Feldenkrais