RETREAT DATES: September 16th to, September 20th, 2024 (Monday afternoon to Friday afternoon)
WHERE: Maillane (near Avignon and St-Rémy-de-Provence, in the Alpilles region of Provence (exact retreat location shared upon registration).
ABOUT THE HOUSE: The Provencal Mas is a spacious and beautiful home nestled in the heart of the stunning Alpilles Natural Park. Ideal for nature lovers and those seeking wide open spaces, it offers an immersive experience in a serene environment. Surrounded by fields and olive trees, the Mas proudly faces ancient plane trees shading the terrace.
This two-century-old Provencal farmhouse, perfect for countryside enthusiasts, has been completely renovated. The living rooms and kitchens open onto a beautiful terrace overlooking the garden with a table for over 20 people.
This location is a peaceful haven for enjoying the joys of Provencal countryside. The surrounding landscape is stunning, with numerous hiking trails accessible from the house.
The geographical location is ideal, with the famed village of Saint Rémy de Provence with its cafés, restaurants, and Roman ruins being just a 10-minute drive. You’ll be just a few minutes more to Avignon and close to exceptional natural sites like Baux de Provence and the famous Ocres of Roussillon.
Arles and Avignon are 25 minutes by car, and Marseille, the beaches of Saintes Maries de la Mer and Aix en Provence are all about an hour away.
The property features loungers around a beautiful pool, with options to sit in the shade of umbrellas, in the sun, or journaling under the shade of plane trees.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: From speaking with past participants (and living in Paris ourselves) we would like to recommend that you land in Paris and enjoy the city for a day or the weekend before joining us in Provence. This is a fantastic way to see the beauty of the City of Light before you take the high speed train from Paris to Avignon TGV from the Gare de Lyon.
This is a beautiful way to arrive in style in a high speed train that gives you stunning views of France in just 2.5 hours, without any airport hassles and long taxi lines. If you wish, you can head back to Paris via train after our retreat or this time, go home from the Marseille airport, an hour's drive from the retreat house.
TRAVEL INFORMATION: While more information will be provided upon registration, here are some basics about getting here.
AIR: The closest major airport is Marseille, approximately an hour from Maillane by car or taxi.
TRAIN: The closest TGV station (France’s super-fast bullet train) is the Avignon TGV station. There are a number of daily fast trains (TGV) from the PARIS-GARE DE LYON station to AVIGNON TGV. The trip takes less than 2.5 hours. Please note that the Avignon-Centre station is in the center of Avignon, whereas the Avignon-TGV station is 6 km from the town center.
All major rental car agencies can be found at the Auignon TGV train station. For best rates, it is advisable to reserve your car from the U.S. securing a fixed rate in advance.
Rome2Rio helps you discover how to get anywhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car: https://www.rome2rio.com/
Rail Europe can book your TGV reservations with train ticket delivery in the U.S. : https://www.raileurope.fr/
For train information including online ticketing: https://www.sncf.com/en