Joie de Vivre: Nature Therapy Tour in Dordogne, France
Joie de Vivre: Nature Therapy Tour in Dordogne, France
EXPLORE
The fabulous region of Dordogne is packed with outdoor activities, world-famous vineyards, medieval villages, historical sites, restaurants and music. We will be visiting a handful of the UNESCO World Heritage villages of this region, such as St. Emilion, Issigeac, Domme, and Beynac (the film location of the 2000 film Chocolat). Enjoy a group canoe ride through a nature preserve in the Dordogne River (the cleanest river in France), wine and cheese tastings, local cuisine, and so much more. Include lots of extra room in your luggage for all the glorious wines you’ll want to bring home!
REJUVENATE
Our chateau is our home base for the week — no shifting from one accommodation to the next. We encourage you to slow down and discover joie de vivre with us. All evenings, as well as at least three half-days, are spent on the estate. Enjoy the heated salt-water pool, or treat yourself to a professional massage in our private treatment room (this is an add-on service, and must be scheduled in advance).
Take time alone when you need to – wander the rolling hills, read a book by the pool, take a nap in your luxurious suite. Whatever feels right to you. Want to stay back from one of the day trips? Go ahead! This is YOUR time to relax, to enjoy.
Join in group activities, both planned and spontaneous — we provide two guided Forest & Nature Therapy walks, a French taste meditation, optional leisurely nature walks, a Horticultural Therapy session, wine tasting on-property with a local sommelier, a local chef serving fresh local cuisine, and lots of leisure time. Many other surprises await!
The Estate
Built between the 1580 and 1608 by a French noble family in a land ceded by King Henry IV of France, this authentic chateau has lived through an amazing history, such as being the centre of the resistance in Southern France during WWII, and boosting a library and dining room built by the same artisans that worked on the Petit Trianon of Versailles. Stories abound within these historic walls!
The chateau’s exquisite interior has a collection of antiques with original modern artwork, whilst outdoors, you’ll enjoy the heated swimming pool, a hard-surface tennis court, an array of indoor and outdoors entertainments, a beautiful park and 100 acres of protected woodlands and gardens which are the essence of stillness and seclusion for this perfect wellness getaway.
Return Refreshed and our guests have exclusive use of this property during our stay. Away from the tourist crowds, we will enjoy an authentic, relaxed French country experience together.
What's Included
-
Airport/Train Transfershared coach from Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) or Bergerac Train Station
-
AccomodationPrivate or Shared suites in an authentically restored 17th-Century Chateau
-
MealsFresh, biodynamic farm to table meals provided, mostly on-property by our private French chef: 7 buffet breakfasts, 3 two-course plated lunches, 3 afternoon teas, 7 three-course plated dinners
-
Forest & Nature TherapyTwo guided Forest & Nature Therapy group walks on the chateau’s estate, led by an ANFT-certified guide
-
Horticultural TherapyOne guided Horticultural Therapy group experience with a certified guide
-
Visits to local villagesVisit at least 3 UNESCO World Heritage villages in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Explore with the group or at your leisure.
-
Wine TastingOne wine tasting experience with a local sommelier at the chateau
-
Chateau History TalkOne evening with the chateau’s owners, sharing the rich history of the chateau, estate, and region
-
Half-Day Canoe tripOn the Dordogne River, France’s cleanest river
-
A Special DonationFor each guest who joins us, one cedar will be planted on the Estate property, bolstering local efforts in reforestation of the region
-
Airfare
-
Travel Insurance