Ashtanga and walking in the south of France

3–10 May 2024

The place
We will be staying at Domaine de Mournac, a beautifully restored 12th-century stone-built coach house, set in over 15 acres of woodland and vines, in the stunning Aude department of south-west France. The Domaine has a beautiful and spacious yoga studio, an outdoor practice space, a dining room and outdoor dining terrace, two living rooms and a heated swimming pool. It is located just south of Carcassonne, in beautiful countryside, close to the Pyrenees and the Spanish border.

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The practice

This is an opportunity to concentrate on your practice in a small group, with support and guidance from a knowledgeable and experienced teacher. We will be practising ashtanga vinyasa yoga Mysore style, which means you will get a lot of personal attention and a practice tailored to you. As always in Mysore practice, beginners are welcome, and you are welcome to do as much or as little as you like. All classes are completely optional. On a couple of days (perhaps when a long walk is planned for later) we may do a still yoga morning practice. We'll work this out together depending on the group's needs.

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The walks

There will be a professionally guided walk most days. Some will be shorter distances (couple of hours) and others will be more substantial. The local landscape includes woodlands, vineyards, abbeys, Cathar castles and mountains to explore. There is also the possibility of a trip to the local town on market day. All walks are optional – you are free to join in or hang out with a good book at the Domaine.

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The food

Delicious vegetarian meals, including some locally grown produce and eggs from the Domaine's own chickens, will be prepared for us by a professional chef. Fruit and herbal teas will be available before practice. There will be a substantial brunch after practice, a light packed lunch, and dinner at 7pm.
 

Rooms
The Domaine has a range of beautifully restored double, twin and triple rooms. If you'd like to be closer to nature, it's also possible to glamp. (The bell tents are comfortable, with beds, and situated in their own spot in private woodland.) All accommodation in the house is shared; however the retreat centre is spacious, with lots of indoor and outdoor space where you can be quiet and alone. Single glamping tents are available. See all the accommodation here.

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Typical schedule

8.30–10.30am: Mysore practice.
11am: Brunch.
Afternoon: Guided walk or trip to market day in the local town.

7pm: Dinner.

10pm–8.30am: Quiet time.

Getting there
The nearest main station is Carcassonne, and the local station is Couiza-Montazel.
The nearest airport is Carcassonne (a 45-minute drive away). Toulouse airport is a 90-minute drive away.
Nearer the time, we will co-ordinate trains, flights, car sharing and so on for those who would like to travel together.

 

Costs
Double / twin

Early bird (deposit paid by 31 August 2023): £1,295 per person / Booked thereafter: £1,495.

Triple

Early bird (deposit paid by 31 August 2023): £995 per person / Booked thereafter: £1,195.

Glamping (twin / double)

Early bird (deposit paid by 31 August 2023): £995 per person / Booked thereafter: £1,195.

 

Glamping (single)
Early bird (deposit paid by 31 August 2023): £1,295 / Booked thereafter: £1,495.

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Payment in full is due by 31 December 2023. Payment plans can be arranged.

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All rooms are en suite. The tents have their own personal eco toilet (clean and easy to use) and a shared shower block. The fee includes all yoga, walks, meals and board. It does not include travel.

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Booking and enquiries
Contact me if you have any questions and for a booking form. A £300 non-refundable deposit is payable on booking. See the Domaine de Mournac website for more information about the house and local area.