Category: Events & retreats
Escape to L’Eyssalle
Exclusive Wellness Retreat in Bergerac, France 5 nights, May 27th to June 1st, 2025
Relish every moment as we unlock tranquility and rejuvenation at ‘Leysalles‘ a stunning converted farmhouse nestled in the heart of Bergerac’s rolling vineyards.
From May 27th to June 1st, 2025, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while enjoying the serenity of a private historical converted barn, an inviting swimming pool, and breathtaking surroundings.
With only 8 exclusive places available, this intimate retreat promises a personalised, peaceful escape time together to share the joy of rejuvenating the mind, body and soul through daily yoga practice, meditation, rest , relaxation and presentations on living well with Ayurveda.
What awaits you:
- Daily onsite yoga, guided meditation, yoga nidra and tree bathing for deep relaxation
- Invigorating hikes through private woods and cycling through picturesque landscapes
- Exciting activities like kayaking, SUP boarding, and wine tasting at Leysalles, vineyards
- Nourishing farm-to-table meals, freshly prepared from local organic ingredients
- Historical, nutritional, and wellness presentations tailored to your interests
- Stunning views ,sunsets, sunrises, cosiness and beautiful surroundings to immerse yourself in
- Large private swimming pool
- Library
This retreat offers the perfect balance of activity and relaxation, giving you the freedom to create your ideal schedule.
Whether you seek adventure or stillness, Leysalles has it all.
The Venue
Bienvenue à L’Eyssalles! Yoga between the vines.
Nestled in breathtaking Bergerac rolling vines and countryside, this exceptional converted Farmhouse estate L’Eyssalle offers the perfect blend of tranquility and comfort, creating an ideal setting for relaxation, rejuvenation, and mindful practice.
With accommodation for up to 8 guests, the estate boasts 4 beautifully appointed twin bedrooms. The open-plan kitchen and living room, with its grand baronial fireplace, provides a welcoming communal space to gather, share meals, or simply unwind after a day of activities, yoga and meditation.
Guests can enjoy peaceful moments in the sitting room/library or reconnect with nature in the estate’s stunning three-acre garden, complete with a large swimming pool and scenic views of the surrounding vineyards and woodlands. For those seeking more active relaxation, country walks, cycling , tennis and a variety of water based activities are also available.
Perfect for yoga, wellness, or holistic retreats, the property’s serene environment fosters reflection and renewal. The vast indoor and outdoor spaces provide ample room for yoga practice, group activities, presentations and peaceful meditation sessions.
Whether you come to immerse yourself in yoga, reconnect with nature, or simply relax, this exclusive, intimate venue offers everything you need for a truly transformative retreat experience.
Available May & October, it’s a peaceful retreat perfect for couples, friends and solo travellers.
The Retreat
L’Eyssalle offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy. Whether you’re a foodie drawn to the region’s superb restaurants, markets, and wines, or simply looking to relax, there’s something for everyone.
As well as the included daily yoga, meditation and yoga nidra offerings guests can unwind by the large pool, play tennis, sunbathe in the gardens, or enjoy quiet moments in the library.
Opportunities to visit nearby, Issigeac Sunday market and Bergerac’s restaurants are highlights, while local wines, like Monbazillac, and the scenic walk to Chateau Jaubertie offer a taste of the area’s charm.
For active guests, there’s golf at Chateau de Vigiers, canoeing on the Dordogne, hiking along the valley’s trails, and even go-karting in Bergerac.
L’Eyssalle provides a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure combined with optional presentations covering topics such as wellness, Ayurveda, nutrition, cookery, local history and wine tasting.
The final itinerary will be bespoke for each retreat depending on the guests interests and preferences.
The Food
L’Eyssalle’s resident owner, Josie will be catering especially for us. Well known for her fabulous feasts and personal touch, Josie sources local, organic ingredients wherever possible, if she hasn’t actually grown them herself!
Her food both looks and tastes delicious: wholesome dishes that are satisfying and very tasty. Lunch and supper will be prepared for us, breakfast is self-serve.
All food and drink will be vegetarian / vegan.L’Eyssalle will do their best to accommodate additional dietary requirements such as gluten-free, with sufficient notice – so please make sure you request this when booking.
Yoga
Yoga sessions will be suitable for all levels, from beginners to seasoned yogis, and held in the Group Room – a lovely large space with a gentle, restful vibe. If the weather is kind, we may even move outside! The morning class will be more energising, with the later yoga session being softer and mostly mat-based. Meditation sessions will be offered in the morning and afternoon. Chakra meditation and Yoga Nidra are guided sessions designed to fully relax the mind body and soul. Drop–in sessions for consultation on your own practice will be available during the retreat.
Presentations
Each wellbeing presentation will explore various aspects of Ayurveda, designed to deepen your understanding of this holistic approach to wellbeing.
Key topics might include:
Understanding Doshas: (Vata, Pitta, Kapha),Agni and Ama: concepts of Agni (digestive fire) and Ama (toxins)
Ayurvedic Diet: Explore how to eat according to your Dosha for optimal health.
Daily Routines: Tips on establishing Ayurvedic habits to support overall wellbeing.
Additional presentations delivered by the very knowledgable host may include:
Wine Tasting: Explore local wines and their history.
Local History: Discover the rich history of the surrounding region.
Bee Keeping: An introduction to the art of beekeeping
.
These topics ( further options will also be avaliable ) are tailored to enrich your retreat experience as well as provide practical tools to enhance your health and wellbeing.
The Wellness Teacher
Julia is a qualified and experienced Ayurveda and Yoga Consultant as well as a holdig a part -time position as Wellbeing Lead in Education. Julia is committed to delivering informative practical and educational programmes that inspire the use of Ayurveda and Yoga principles in daily life. She is extremely passionate about practising and sharing the proven benefits that the synergies between the ancient traditions of Ayurveda and Yoga have on personal wellbeing.
By using Ayurveda and Yoga principles the body and mind are brought into balance; vitality can then develop. The individual is then able to perceive the true nature; this allows life to be lived more freely and spontaneously.
The Location
L’Eyssalle is located just 10 minutes from Bergerac, an ancient town along the scenic Dordogne River, known for its wine, food markets, and restaurants. It’s easily accessible, being only 10 minutes from Bergerac Airport, with direct flights from Southampton, Exeter, Stansted, and Leeds.
Bordeaux, a major transport hub, is 1.5 hours away, offering more flight options and easy car hire.
For those driving, it’s about an 8-9 hour journey from Dover to Calais. Portsmouth to Caen or St Malo 6/7 hours
Ground transport is provided in and around Bergerac.
The Venue
Escape to this serene and spacious haven for your yoga and wellness retreat. Nestled in breathtaking Bergerac rolling vines and countryside, this exceptionally converted Farmhouse estate L’Eyssalle offers the perfect blend of tranquility and comfort, creating an ideal setting for relaxation, rejuvenation, and mindful practice.
With accommodation for up to 8 guests, the estate boasts 4 beautifully appointed twin bedrooms. The open-plan kitchen and living room, with its grand baronial fireplace, provides a welcoming communal space to gather, share meals, or simply unwind after a day of activities, yoga and meditation.
Guests can enjoy peaceful moments in the sitting room/library or reconnect with nature in the estate’s stunning three-acre garden, complete with a large swimming pool and scenic views of the surrounding vineyards and woodlands. For those seeking more active relaxation, country walks, cycling , tennis and a variety of water based activities are also available.
Perfect for yoga, wellness, or holistic retreats, the property’s serene environment fosters reflection and renewal. The vast indoor and outdoor spaces provide ample room for yoga practice, group activities, presentations and peaceful meditation sessions.
Whether you come to immerse yourself in yoga, reconnect with nature, or simply relax, this exclusive, intimate venue offers everything you need for a truly transformative retreat experience.
Available May & October, it’s a peaceful retreat perfect for couples, friends and solo travellers.
Retreat Programme
Each retreat will offer a unique and tailored experience, designed to meet the preferences and interests of our guests. With a wide range of activities to choose from, no two retreats will be the same. Daily yoga, meditation, and yoga nidra sessions will be available, while other activities will be offered on an optional basis.
Some activities will be included, while others may incur an additional charge, depending on your selections. These details, along with the overall retreat programme, will be discussed and agreed upon at the welcome meeting. The season, guest interests, and available options will guide the creation of each bespoke retreat experience, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your needs and desires.
Yoga
Daily yoga sessions will cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced yogis, and will take place in the Group Room with a calming atmosphere. Weather permitting, sessions may also be held outdoors. Morning classes will be energising, while afternoon sessions will be softer and mat based. Meditation will be offered both morning and afternoon, with guided Chakra meditation and Yoga Nidra to deeply relax the mind, body, and soul.
Drop-in consultations for personal practice will also be available throughout the retreat.
Price
Deposit £375 secures place. Total Cost £750 per person. Based on minimum of five participants.
To view the brochure please click here.
Twin rooms and one Double bedded room available, accommodation will be confirmed by YVUK when booking is completed
Claire Wylde (verified owner) –
I had such a lovely, rejuvenating time on the recent May retreat.
Fantastic yoga and Ayurveda offerings, wonderful food, lovely accommodation. Beautiful people.
I felt truly uplifted on my return home. Would recommend to anyone.
Julia is truly a wise and beautiful soul Xx
Emma G (verified owner) –
Julia led a beautifully balanced, calm and nourishing retreat in the most wonderful location amidst nature and birdsong. Julia is a kind and welcoming soul, with great knowledge and wisdom, which she shares with magic. All of the elements of the retreat were interesting and enjoyable, learning lots along the way – the chanting, yoga asana, the Ayurveda principles and information regarding nutrition, meditation, the delicious Ayurveda based meals, and everything in between. We had an early morning sea dip at Lyme Regis, as well as visiting Bridport market. Such a welcome break from the everyday, with time to explore as well as kick back and relax. Thank you Julia, and the wonderful group 🙂
Sue B (verified owner) –
I spent have just spent a fabulous weekend here with my friends and made some lovely new ones. Julia is so warm and engaging and made us all feel immediately very welcome. I learned a lot (about Ayurveda, about my friends and about myself). I laughed and I cried (a lot)! I challenged myself with new yoga props and positions; enjoyed meditation and music sessions immensely; ate the most delicious and colourful, wholesome foods and to top it all, had the most invigorating sunrise swim at Lyme which I will never forget. If you want to step outside your busy world for a couple of days and give yourself permission to look after yourself for a change, then I would highly recommend that you treat yourself to this beautiful and tranquil retreat…so many thanks to the Bonhays Massive and Julia xx
Suzy Merrifield –
Another incredible retreat this weekend! Just an absolutely stunning location that gives you so much peace from a hectic life and allows you to relax and switch off. We were lucky enough to be able to fit in a gorgeous sunrise swim too! All activities are flexible and discussed to make the most of the weather and to benefit everyone. Julia’s knowledge of yoga and Ayurveda is fantastic with the combination of early energy enhancing practices and really nourishing relaxing evening practices. The food was incredible! It was my second retreat here and I will definitely be back for more, can’t wait!
Stu K (verified owner) –
Great weekend. Beautiful quiet location. Amazing food. Very knowledgeable instructor. I would recommend taking the time for yourself and giving it a try!
Jo Stevens (verified owner) –
Thank you for the most amazing weekend. Once again I underestimated the power of these things. I came along feeling like I needed a bit of a rest and left feeling more nourished, emotionally and physically, than I thought possible. My body and mind have had a fabulous clear out leaving me in a great place for a fresh start, that magical reset 😊
And I did a headstand!!! I did another yesterday too, it made me smile so much!!!
Andrea –
This was for me a repeat visit to Bonhays with a different group of strangers, now friends. The weekend opened with an invite to immerse in yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic knowledge and joy. All was great, we enjoyed all the afore mentioned plus delicious vegan meals cooked by the invited vegan chef. Julia is a wonderful guide through all things spiritual and a wonderful knowleadgeable advocate of all things Ayurvedic. The weekend was a beautiful experience 🙂
Tanya Hawkins –
Being on the retreat with Julia has the feeling of coming home. You are mixing with a group of people who you do not know but immediately you have a sense of family around you which is especially felt when you leave as you don’t want to. Julia is the perfect host in every way and lives and breathes Ayurveda. She makes the subject more easily understood and it makes complete sense to your wellbeing and longevity. The retreat setting although basic is an ideal environment and a sense of community is quickly formed to entice you in. The meals that Evie produces are amazing and this adds to the magic of the retreat. The yoga and meditation practice is very good and I really enjoyed the stretches to start the day. There was a lot of sharing within the group emotionally which help with the bonding of the group and made this special. I would not hesitate to go on another and hopefully rekindle friendships made. This is powerful stuff and once you attend you will again.
Pamela Granger –
I cannot recommend this retreat highly enough. I had never been before and wasn’t sure what to expect but I have to say it was wonderful. Julia had so much enthusiasm and love for teaching and passing on her knowledge that it was so inspiring. The retreat had a calmness about it that you couldn’t help but destress. Everything about this retreat is beautifully thought out. The food was absolutely delicious which was cooked by Evie the chef. A huge thank you Julia for such a peaceful and happy weekend.
Andrea Collins –
Have been away twice on the weekend retreats and they are a delightful experience. You can move through the weekend at your own pace, join in the programme (which I did) and this was under no pressure especially as a beginner. The setting is idyllic. It is wonderfully inclusive with those who enjoy the open space, being with yourself and others, and the amazing meals prepared by Evie the chef. The support and yoga/well-being was delivered by Julia but in a very short time you could feel the friendship and support of those all around you. I shall definitely book again. You see your life just a little bit differently at the close, and I think that makes it really worthwhile.
Lisa Tipper- Jones –
When I went on this retreat I had no idea what to expect. I just knew I needed a rest.
I cant tell you how inspired and rejuvenated I felt afterwards and came away with so many little nuggets of how to improve my own wellbeing , naturally and so effectively. Julia is so knowledgeable, lives, eats and breathes all she teaches and is so generous in sharing her gems of experience and wisdom. I now understand that wellbeing has to be a holistic approach ; a way of life. There isn’t any quick fix but there is a delightful journey of discovery to be had if you follow the guided path and light Julia offers so eloquently, without any judgement.
I highly recommend this 3 day retreat to anyone , any level. You will be so well looked after and be prepared to be amazed at the difference just 3 days can make. Thank you so much for enlightening me and my busy mind Julia. Cant wait for the next one.