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yoga retreat
south of france
20-27.9

A yoga holiday in the south of France…

 

With the background of enchanting hills of The Province Le Tarn, you'll feel as if you're entering a fairy tale.

 

Found among vineyards and rivers, green hills, and beautiful groves, Jacques's idyllic Farm house/chateau is at the foot hill of the medieval town, Cordes Sur Ciel, elected the most beautiful village in the country.

 

We'll practice yoga twice daily. We will experience sound healing and heart-opening communication with animals (horses), with ourselves, and with each other. We will connect to nature and to silence, and enjoy workshops with experts in the fields of wellness and health.

 

And of course, we'll enjoy all that the south of France has to offer!

We'll nourish our bodies with a fresh, organic products sourced at the farm next door and enjoy a creative vegetarian menu. We'll visit local farmer's markets, picturesque rural towns, and vineyards that will be at peak harvest season during our retreat.We will enjoy serene picnic on river banks and We'll also experience culture and art, and visit the historical town-Albi, birth town of artist Toulouse Lutrec.

We won't forget we're on vacation, and we won't wake up too early,  leave enough time  to enjoy the pool, the surrounding, the sun, the silence and the distance.

THE PLAN

WELLNESS

We will start most days with a morning practice of meditation, pranayma and soft movement.

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Two  Hatha yoga sessions during the day

  •  Yin practice- soft yoga, pranayama and therapy.

  • Yang practice-  more physically demanding,  based on Hatha Sigh Yoga technique, that blends vinyasa with iyengar influences and  mindfulness.

 

We will encourage Journaling, an observational writing practice that will accompany us and the various processes and insights we will experience during the retreat (of your choice).

 

We will try to keep quiet time each day until after the first yoga class at 11:00.

In addition to yoga practice, there will also be inspiring workshops and lectures with guest experts  of body therapies and eastern philosophies, astrology, healthy French vegetarian cooking, sound healing-sound bath.

VISITS

Within walking distance,  we can find a magical horse sanctuary,  a therapeutic center for horses that cultivates a unique and sensitive method of communication and riding. We will be lucky to meet Geisha, Rambo and others. from personal experience - this is a heart opening and sense hightening encounter. 

 

Half an hour from La Cabeque is the hometown of the great French artist - Toulouse-Lautrec, we will visit the museum named after him where you can find the largest collection of his works, located in the historic city of Albi,  built on the two sides of La Tarn river and beautiful by its  own rights.

 

Eight minutes from the paradise we will call Home, we will reach the picturesque Cords Sur Ciel - in French - strings over the sky. A medieval town that sometimes looks like it actually hovers over the clouds.

 

We will visit local farmers markets, magical rural towns, enjoy picnics on the river banks, valleys and lakes.

 

Half an hour drive we will reach Gaillac wine region. September is the harvest season and we will be able to enjoy the beautiful vineyards,  ripe vines and who will desire, also wine tastings. 

(Approved by high yogic authority).

MORE DETAILS ABOUT DAY TRIPS

LOCATION

 South of France, in the province of Tarn-e-Gronn, the region of Occitanie (formerly called Midi-Pyrenees).

 

La Cabeque, Jacques home, is located in a small town called Vindrac Alayrac, an 8-minute drive from  the famouse mediaval town, Cords Sur Ciel  (strings above the sky). 

1 hour  drive from Toulouse

30 minutes from Albi (the birth town of toulouse lutrec.)

30 minutes from the wine country - Gaillac

3 hours drive from Bordeaux

and to the Mediterranean coast

2 hours to the Pyrenees

 

The whole area has an ancient and fascinating history that is revealed in the medieval  buildings and architecture,  especially of the Templers and the cathars. They were among the Order of the Crusader warriors, who gained fame at the beginning of the current millennium thanks to the book and film The Da Vinci Code.

 

 

 

 

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FOOD

3 meals a day,ֿ

light breakfast -juice, fruits seeds and nuts.

vegetarian buffet for lunch  (because buffet is a french word)

creative vegetarian dinner inspired by french cuisine.

 


The menu is creative  vegetarian. Balanced and based on  yogi nutrition philosophy.

The fresh organic productes will be sourced at the local organic farm.

 vegan options, gluten-free, grains free etc...We will use almost no eggs,  but local   cheeses will visit us

(when in France...).

 

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THE TEACHER

About the teacher

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Shai Cabili has been teaching yoga in the past 10 years, since 2011 , and has been an avid practitioner since 2005.

 

She visited India for the first time in 2010 and returned in 2011 to complete a teacher training with Vijay Amar in Dharamsalla.

Since then she has returned to India five additional times, and  even taught and led a yoga studio in the Himalayas.

As well as, 3 years in London and retreats, workshops and groups, in Mexico, Europe (France, Germany) in the United States and the middle east.

In the years following the completion of the teachers training course, which included Hatha and Ashtanga lessons, she was drawn to the Iyengar technique and delved into the study of an accurate and in-depth alignment, with many reoccurring visits to Sharat's ashram and Usha Devi's center in Rishikesh.

She discovered that the Iyengar method, which pays attention to fine details regarding body posture, has a tremendous contribution to the work with the mind and presence, equally and even greater than the miraculous benefit it has for healing and strengthening the body.

Today she mainly teaches Hatha Sigh Yoga - a method that combines Iyenagr inspired long poses that seek precision, while creating creative vinyasa sequences, lots of breathing, meditation and contemplation.

Her practice is very steeped in the Vipassana / Mindfulness meditation she has been practicing since 2005.

 

Shai also has a background in dance, theta healing, energey healing and acupuncture and is a very passionate student of astrology .

 

If you come to the course you will  understand ..

How can one forgive and explain almost anything in the world with the help of the stars ...

Testimonies:

THE PLACE
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The Place

Between evergreen hills, in a beatiful wine country , located

"La Cabèque".


The house was built in 1886 by the great grandfather of the current owner, Jacques, who enjoys hosting visitors from around the world.

The two dwarf donkeys, Cotton and Jafot, are the mascots of the place.

The Maison/chateau where we’ll reside is made of stone, with a classic French wooden floor, six bedrooms, two living rooms, three bathrooms, and a spacious, fully equipped, rustic French style kitchen.

The wide attic floor has been renovated into a  large yoga and meditation space.

Across the courtyard, we’ll find a two storey  converted farm house. In the first floor , a renovated workshop space and above it a luxurious dormitory with new showers and bathrooms attached.

The grounds include an outdoor yoga plaza and a swimming pool overlooking the peaceful landscape, resting area with 360 degree view of the hills , fields,The garden with olive and cypress trees, the oak meadow and the inspiring views of the town of Cords Sur-Ciel..


Each season adds its charm to the place, and this season, when the retreat is planned, we will enjoy a green and floral landscape, ripe vines combined with perfect weather, warm enough to dip in the pool.

The location, on the hill looking over the endless green, and peaceful architecture make this an ideal setting for a retreat, allowing for an opportunity to take a break from the intensity of everyday life and to cultivate more gentle listening to ourselves and nature.

Accomodation options are- shared room for 2 or 3 , fancy dormitory for six, bell tent glamping closer to nature. 

Schedule

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(horse sanctuary, nature walk, vineyard tour, museum...)

Meditation and Pranayama

Juice/Infusions/Fruits

Yoga

Free Time (pool, walk, rest)

Vegeterian Lunch Buffet(because it is a french word)

EXCRUSION/AFTERNOON ACTIVITY

Yoga

Dinner

Evening workshop

7:30 

8:30

9:30

11:00

12:30

14:00

18:00

20:00

21:00

(sound healing/yoga nidra/expressive movement/lecture...)

SCHEULE

Excursions

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Albi and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum

 

The city's Old Town complex has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site and for good reason.

Albi, perched on the banks of the Tarn River, is also known as the "Red City" due to the color of the bricks in the classic buildings, built in the 12th and 13th centuries.

A tour of the old town, a stroll through the alleys of the Castellano district, leads to Toulouse-Lautrec Street, named after the city most famouse celebrity, where you will also find his childhood home. 

. In order to see his works, one has to visit the Barbie Palace, known as the "Bishops' Palace", which now is home to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.

Barbie Palace, next to the city's cathedral, is reside in a huge structure built as a fortress during the struggle against the Cathars.

Over the years it served as a residence for the heads of the local church. The palace was recently renovated to a museum that allow the display of more than 1,000 works by Toulouse-Lautrec. 

In his Parisian years, he made his living mainly from painting the posters  for the famous,  Moulin Rouge cabaret.  As well as paintings of the dancers of that Moulin Rouge. Other then that  she drew many horses, family and friends. We will visit the old town, the museum and enjoy a serene afternoon in the cities terraces.

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GAILLAC

A historic wine region, rich in vineyards and wineries.  

100 wineries are spread over 33,000 acres and produce 22 million bottles of wine a year.

The meaning of the name in he ancient local language is -gaul- Fertile region.

One of the oldest wine-growing regions in France, the seeding of vines in the region began even earlier then the times of the Roman Empire.

The retreat  will take place  during the vintage (vaundage )period.

We will enjoy a guided vineyards and wineries  tour by  a local expert . whoever wants can enjoy some wine tasting.

As we are in France ..  and this is a local spiritual custom :)

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CORDES SUR CIEL

CORDES SUR CIEL

A picturesque medieval town, with a rich and fascinating history of the Cathar community.

The meaning of its name is strings above the sky, and the city is indeed full of music and hosts two large music festivals a year, and  often looks like it is hovering over the clouds.

The town is also home to many artists, galleries and museums. 

Is  located 8 minutes from the retreat, we will visit there  at the Saturday Farmers Market.

GAILLAC

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Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val

A picturesque medieval town  on the banks of the Avion River.

The town's charm attracts many artists and film directors, including the filming of Helen Mirren's "The Hundred Foot Journey".

Across the river sits the town of Moriko. It is a small settlement spread over a hillside in the shadow of the remains of a fortress built in the 13th century by the Knights of the Temple, from the Order of the Crusader Warriors. The town is planted inside the canyon. Its white cliffs are visible from the road and the glistening river meandering through them. Wandering the narrow alleys reveals courtyards, featuring artisan workshops. The town abounds in shops, a flea market, galleries and restaurants, and along the river there is a promenade with magical picnic corners. We will visit the town in its famous Sunday market which attracts sellers and buyers from all over the area.

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SAINT ANTONIN  NOBLE VAL

ALBI

וינדראק אלאיארק

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VINDRAC ALAYRAC-

The small town where we will stay, is actually a number of green hills with a scattering of farms, luxurious houses, chateaux and castles of art collectors  all over Europe. Walking distance from us is Erwin's wonderful horse sanctuary which together with Florence they shelter horses that need a new home for various reasons and give them a loving home. They have  a non-profit organisation called www.chevalaffaires.com

for the welfare of horses.

cultivating a  sensitive and new way of communication with horses and riding . Erwin Van Der Veele is an equine educator and specialist in rehabilitation using gentle and natural methods based on behavioural observation and respect for the nature of horses..  meeting the horses in the sanctuary is an exciting and mystical encounter. a walk  in the green valley sometimes reveals a galloping wild horse  that stops to say hello especially if you have in  your hand some fresh pears from the trees in the valley.

VINDRAC ALAYRAC

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LA TARN

La Tarn River

The Tarn is a 380 km long river in the Occitan region of southern France. It is the right tributary of the Garonne.

The Tarn passes in a roughly westerly direction, from its source at an altitude of 1,550 m on the Mont Loser in the Cavens Mountains, through the deep canals and canyons of the Du Tarn Channel. Via Causse du Larzac, to Moissac in Tarn-et-Garonne.

North of Millo, the many tarn streams carved a real canyon in the limestone plain. Great and varied sections await those who will discover them by walking the trails or the water. The calm and calm water is ideal for kayaking and boating while in the bubbling waterfalls extreme lovers enjoy water activities like rafting etc.

TRIPS IN THE AREA
CONTACT

contact

For more information and registration please contact us:

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INFO

transportation

FLIGHTS-

the nearest airport is Toulouse-Blagnac. 

You can also fly to any other airport in france and take the train or blablacar. very easy way is to bordeaux airport (2-3 houres away) the place is also well connected with trains from paris. 

 

TRAIN-

To Toulous (ONE HOUR  AWAY.)or to Vindrac-Alayrac (2 min drive from the retreat).

 

RIDESHARE-

we will try our best to connect  participants that come with a car to take riders , you can also cheack in the very active site in france: www.blablacar.fr

included

PRICE INCLUDE EVERYTHING!
(except flights)

Accomodation- all-inclusive- 7 nights , 8 days 

 

3 meals a day, fruits , drink and refreshment through out the day

 

2 yoga classes per day (total 14) and 4 meditation session in the week.  

 

Guest lecturers and experts workshops. 

 

Transportation to places of interest

 

Museum entrance fee

 

Vineyards entrance fee

 

Further surprises

 

Medical supervision. 

money

Prices varies, depending on accommodation

 starting from

990 euro

for registration 

 

Before 05/8/21 

*Contact us to hear about  all acomodation options. 

keep the date

20-27 of Septemebr

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

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Jennifer MacFarlane. photographer and CEO "Eloping is Fun". NYC. USA

I have been practicing yoga for over 20 years so I am very particular about who I practice with. There are two types of people in the yoga world, there are yoga teachers and there are yogis Shai is in the latter category. She has a very deep understanding of the practice and a very intuitive and unique way of teaching

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Emmy Deblois, yoga teacher and coordinator at Yoga de Gatineau, Canada

 "Shai’s class was the best one I have had in India so far! Travelling for 3 months now in India, I‘ve realized that Westernized yoga, in terms of anatomy and postures, suited me more than a traditional approach. In light of this, Shai guided us through an intelligent sequence that relaxed and refreshed our bodies. Mindful of her students needs and my neck injury, she was also able to suggest alternative postures. One of my favorite things is when the teacher explains the 3 sounds of Om before chanting it; she opened and closed the practice this way. Shai’s smile, soft voice and welcoming nature makes you feel at ease immediately. Her classes are suited for anyone ready to exhale bad stuff out and inhale the good stuff in;) "

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Frederico, Linguistic docotorant, Edinburgh

“Shai’s classes were a refreshing take on yoga style I had tried previously: iyengar, hatha and vinyasa. I found her focus on sighing and voicing our feelings a very powerful tool and a particularly effective one at achieving a sense of physical and emotional relief. In a way it pushed me to connect deeper with breathing and body sensations. On a lighter note, I felt that Shai was able to make people feel comfortable with her spontanuous humour and inviting the group to be silly and have fun with their own practice.”

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Natalie, Berlin

“Shai’s yoga classes are magical and magnificent. She takes her time and brings you to another perception of space and time. to a different world within yourself. those yoga classes are so rare and hard to find,  i feel so pleased to know her. The mix between mindfulness and yoga exercise are very important for me, and Shai is able to create an atmosphere where you can feel peaceful, fulfilled and joyful.”.

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