Yoga and hiking retreat in the scenic Normandy.

Wednesday, April 24 – Sunday, April 28, 2024

Start the summer with an adventurous yoga and hiking retreat in the scenic Normandy.

Imagine yourself living in the deep, tranquil forest, on a magical castle with a view of a piece of paradise. Envision how you feel it deeply in both body and soul.

This experience can be yours when we gather a group of wonderful people at the fantastic Chateau Du Gue Aux Birches in Normandy. Specifically, in Bagnoles de l`Orne. Over four days, we immerse ourselves in yoga both morning and evening, are introduced to breathing techniques, and guided through meditations.

But we will also venture out to experience nature. And it will be with a Danish hiking guide who has lived in the area for many years and therefore has extensive local knowledge.

The program offers you many possibilities, but you decide your activity level. There will be plenty of time for yourself, where you can retreat and digest the many impressions.

You arrive at Chateau Du Gue Aux Birches on Wednesday, April 24, and depart on Sunday, April 28, 2024. Don't wait too long to put your name on one of the 14 spots.

We look forward to meeting you.

THE YOGA

You can participate, whether you are accustomed to practicing yoga or are completely new to the yoga mat.

Our experienced instructor, Lise, has a warm-hearted and passionate approach to her yoga practice, focusing on creating balance for each individual, both physically and mentally. Lise is a certified yoga teacher and teaches in Danish.

A greeting from Lise:

"I am dedicated to creating balance for each individual - both physically and mentally. There is always room for you in my yoga classes, and I strive to meet everyone at eye level on our respective levels." 

Lise Stenbæk from Stenbæk Yoga (Yoga Instructor)
Lillan Gyldenvang - The organizer

THE ORGANIZER

Lillan Gyldenvang – yoga enthusiast, adventurous spirit, and passionate about organizing experiences in Normandy.

The trip is carefully selected because everything must meet Lillan's high standards of exclusivity, luxury, wellness, tranquility, and, of course, beautiful surroundings.

Lillan lives and breathes to create the best setting for this retreat and will do everything to provide you with the best experience. It is also Lillan who takes care of all the practical aspects of the yoga/hiking trip, and she will be at the castle throughout the entire stay.

Chateau Du Gue Aux Birche

Chateau Du Gue Aux Birches was built in 1908, with 1,200 square meters spread over five floors, situated on a hill just outside the town of Bagnoles de l’Orne, with an extensive natural park spanning 13 hectares.

In 2016, the castle was purchased by Klaus Bentin and Søren Rasmussen, who, after busy careers in politics and finance, chose to settle down as 'chateau hosts.'

The castle has been modernized and elegantly furnished with period-appropriate furniture. It serves as the daily residence for Klaus and Søren but is also operated as a high-end bed and breakfast (B&B).

From the castle windows, there is a wonderful view of a nature park filled with biodiversity. The park features diverse flowers and wild nature that aids the area's insects and animals in finding food and habitats. The nearest neighbor is the Andaines Forest.

Søren Rasmussen and Klaus Bentin

THE ORGANIZER

The prices are based on shared (double rooms and range between 5,600 DKK and 7,000 DKK per person. The rooms vary in size and view, so the allocation is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The price includes 4 nights in a shared double room, full board and banquet dinner, yoga, and guided hikes.

The price excludes travel expenses. The sooner you book, the more affordable it is; check www.momondo.dk for the best prices. It is also possible to drive yourself.

Here is an overview of the rooms:

- Suite - Albert Christpohle - Price per person 7.000 DKK / 940 EUR (sold out)

- Suite - Alexandre Dumas suite - Price per person 7.000 DKK / 940 EUR (sold out)

- Superior room - Marie Laurencin - Price per person 6.550 DKK / 879 EUR

- Superior room - Paul Féval - Price per person 6.550 DKK /879 EUR

- Superior room - Sophie Hermance de Lepinay - Price per person 6.550 DKK / 879 EUR

- Superior room without bath - Denmark * Price per person 5.600 DKK / 751 EUR

- Superior room without bath - Germany * Price per person 5.600 DKK / 751 EUR

- Superior room without bath - Canada * Price per person 5,600 DKK /571 EUR (sold out)

  * Bathroom and toilet are in the corridor.

BONUS INFO

The castle is located near the town of Bagnoles de l'Orne, famous for its hydrotherapy baths that date back to the Middle Ages.

A legend from days of old tells of Seigneur Hugues de Tessé, who believed his horse, Rapide, was nearing the end of its life. Therefore, Seigneur Hugues decided to leave the horse in the Andaines Forest.

To his great astonishment, after some time, the horse returned home stronger, more beautiful, and full of vitality. Seigneur Hugues welcomed Rapide back, and on their ride through the forest, the horse led his master to the waters of Bagnoles, where he too drank and rejuvenated.

Even though it's just an old tale, let's hope there's some truth to it. We can certainly promise fantastic nature, delightful food and wine, and plenty of wonderful yoga sessions and hikes in the area.

THE PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

Mark your calendar Wednesday, April 24 – Sunday, April 28, 2024

Arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

From Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, you will travel to Gare Montparnasse.

From there, take the train towards Granville and alight in Briouze, where we can pick you up; this train journey takes approximately 2 hours.

The program begins around 9:00 PM, once everyone has arrived.

Bubbles and a light dish will be served, enjoyed together, and prepared by the castle's hosts.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

From 8 AM - Fruit and tea.

8 AM – 9 AM - Morning yoga (approximately 1 ½ hours).

10 AM - Lovely breakfast with the best local ingredients.

11 AM – 2 PM - Hiking.

From 2 PM - On your own.

5 PM - 6 PM - Yoga/Meditation (approximately 1 hour).

7:30 PM - Aperitif on the balcony.

8 PM - Dinner.

> You have the option to purchase additional massages/body therapy.

Sunday

Check-out and a communal conclusion during breakfast.

You will be driven to the train station for your journey to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What about payment?

Upon registration, a deposit of DKK 1,500 is required via mobile pay 24258914 – please specify in the message field "Yoga in France + your name." The remaining payment should be transferred on the last day of the retreat.

Do I need to bring my own yoga equipment?

Yoga equipment is provided for everyone at the castle. However, feel free to bring your own if you are more comfortable with it.

What should I pack in my suitcase?

Pack clothing suitable for yoga. The instructor, Lise, recommends clothing in soft materials without uncomfortable seams or zippers. Think in layers so you can stay warm regardless of the intensity of the yoga.

What kind of food will we eat?

The castle hosts exclusively use local ingredients from Normandy in their cooking. You will have ample opportunity to taste the finest French delicacies. However, vegetarian options will be available for all meals if you prefer. All meals are communal – family style.

Can I endure both yoga and hiking for 4 days?

Yoga sessions will be tailored to the day's program and include various types of yoga and meditations. Remember, there is no obligation, so if your yoga body calls for sleep, that should be your top priority, and you will receive full understanding from everyone. The same goes for the hikes.

If you have any injuries, chronic pain, illnesses, or other "issues" that you think we should be aware of and accommodate, please inform the organizer before departure.

Who can participate?

Anyone can join. Many enjoy traveling with a friend, parent, sibling, child, partner, or colleague since accommodation is in double rooms.

DO YOU HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS OR DO YOU NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?

Write or call us, and we will do everything we can to assist you.

Reach out to us on Messenger or mobile at +45 5219 7998, or email us at yogaretreat.gueaubiches@gmail.com.

Download the brochure here

Download here

Follow our everyday life at @chateaudugueauxbiches

Marie Laurencin - Booking

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Paul Feval - calendar

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Sophie Herminde - calendar

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Alexandre Dumas - calendar

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Albert Christophle - calendar

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