Nature, Yoga, Tai Chi and a special Christmas hammam
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationVendée / Pays de la Loire
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions46.87 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Treat yourself to a rejuvenating break in the heart of the Vendée countryside , in a soothing setting conducive to inner reconnection . This stay, guided by experienced practitioners, alternates yoga sessions, the discovery of Chinese martial arts with... Gentle practices such as Qi Gong , Tai Chi and Zen version Kung Fu (accessible to all), gentle walks in the marshes , and time for deep relaxation , to rediscover harmony of body and mind .
Each day unfolds to a rhythm of mindful practices and moments of leisure, punctuated by healthy and delicious meals . To prolong the benefits, you can enjoy the hammam complemented by cold plunges in the pool , reading by the wood-burning stove , or relaxing massages . Here, everything is designed for your well-being , in a gentle atmosphere that respects your individual pace.
Immersed in a pristine natural environment , this stay invites you to slow down , savor the moment , and reconnect with what truly matters in all its simplicity . A haven of well-being , ideal for refocusing and enjoying some time just for yourself.
The highlights
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Immerse yourself in the Vendée countryside to reconnect with nature
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Healthy, delicious, organic, vegetarian cuisine adapted to all types of intolerances
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Hammam, swimming pool, massages and moments of deep relaxation
Photos
Sport
Level
Martial Arts
The expert's opinion
Yoga will be offered every morning and Chinese martial arts every afternoon. Our retreats are particularly suited to beginners and intermediate levels, but we also welcome advanced practitioners who wish to take some time for themselves.
With kindness and care, our teachers offer practices that emphasize self-awareness and simplicity, eliminating any notion of challenge or competition to allow you to move forward serenely on your path.
Please note: martial arts practices are gentle , with no fighting or falls , and are open to everyone regardless of physical condition. We can send you a demo video upon request so you can get a better idea :-)
In figures
Autre
- 2 average daily practices
Yoga
- Average duration/day: 2h
- 1 average daily practices
Martial Arts
- Average duration/day: 2h
Management
French
Maguy earned her Hatha yoga teacher certification in the tradition of Swami Sivananda at Meenaksi Ashram, near Madurai, India. Gentleness, attentiveness, and personalization are words often used by Maguy's students to describe her. She teaches yoga with kindness, encouraging everyone to listen to and respect themselves. For this Christmas retreat, inspired by Chinese martial arts, Maguy will offer Yin yoga and dragon dance practices.
Practicing Chinese martial arts (Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and Qi Gong) helps you to refocus and find your vital energy. In China, the three practices are part of a whole and are taught together.
Passionate about Chinese martial arts since childhood, Shaman introduces you to these disciplines with simplicity and generosity. A skilled teacher, she guides each person at their own pace in discovering these three practices:
- The proposed Kung Fu is inspired by 10 animals (dragon, tiger, eagle, snake, monkey, crane, leopard, phoenix, bear and praying mantis),
- QiGong is based on the principle of the 5 elements (wood, metal, fire, water and earth)
- Tai Chi, which guides you towards harmony of body and mind.
Program
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Arrival, introduction, and discovery of Chinese martial arts
- Activity Autre
- Number of practices per day 2
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Participants will arrive from 3:45 pm onwards, giving them time to settle in and get comfortable. At 4:15 pm, the team will welcome you for a presentation about the stay, an opportunity to get acquainted and discover the program for the coming days. Next, the first introductory session to Chinese martial arts will take place. The day will conclude with a friendly aperitif, followed by dinner at 7:30 pm.
Day 1 -
Yoga and Chinese martial arts
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 1h45 per day
- Number of practices per day 1
- Activity Martial Arts
- Duration of the activity 1h45 per day
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You begin your day gently with a light breakfast, followed by a yoga session from 9:00 to 10:45, guided by Maguy. After a full brunch served from 11:00, the afternoon is free for you to recharge at your own pace. You can enjoy the hammam, book a massage or treatment, relax by the pool, read, take a nap, or stroll around the grounds. In the late afternoon, from 4:30 to 6:15, Shaman will introduce you to Chinese martial arts, before you share a convivial dinner at 7:30.
Days 2 to 3 -
Yoga and departure
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Number of practices per day 1
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a morning snack, you'll meet Maguy for a final yoga session, followed by a debriefing session from 9:00 to 11:00. This is a chance to reflect on your experience and gently wrap things up. Brunch will be served between 11:00 and 13:00, before everyone prepares for departure.
Day 4
Accommodation
La Tambourinerie is a place nestled in a verdant setting in the Marais Poitevin. It's a tranquil spot where time stands still, inviting you to relax and unwind.
Access
Recommended route from Paris : TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Niort + bus from Niort to Fontenay-le-Comte PEMU - Purchase a full Paris/Fontenay-le-Comte ticket to guarantee connections. A free shuttle service to La Tambourinerie is available upon prior request .
Go to the starting point
Allow 3 hours by train from Paris (train + bus to Fontenay-le-Comte station) - Recommended route from Paris: TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Niort + bus from Niort to Fontenay le Comte PEMU - Buy the full Paris/Fontenay le Comte ticket to guarantee your connections.
Depending on your departure station, you can also arrive at the SNCF station in Luçon (85).
A link for carpooling between trainees is created for each stay; it can be sent to you upon request.
Price details
The price includes
- Snacks, lunches and dinners
- 3-bedroom dormitory accommodation Citronnelle
- Yoga and Chinese martial arts classes
- equipment for practicing yoga and Chinese martial arts
- Access to the unheated swimming pool (for cold baths) and the hammam
- Bed linen
- Bathroom linen
- Pool/hammam towel
- Organic soap and shampoo
- The shuttle bus from Luçon or Fontenay le Comte train stations
The price does not include
- Transportation to the venue (except for "shuttle" service from Fontenay le Comte or Luçon train stations, which requires prior request)
- cancellation insurance
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- For yoga classes, at the first session, each person will choose a mat, a zafu, a bolster and a blanket which will remain theirs for the entire duration of the stay.
- You can bring your own practice mat if you wish.
- Martial arts equipment will be provided on site
Equipment to bring
- No equipment needed
Clothing to bring
- Comfortable clothing for the activity
- Slippers or socks for added comfort in the cottage.
- Comfortable shoes for walking if you want to go for walks.
- Crocks or easy-to-slip-on shoes for getting to the practice room (and crossing the courtyard) - there are some available if needed
- A swimsuit (for the hammam and/or the swimming pool)
The Christel et Sébastien team
Christel and Sébastien have created a sanctuary dedicated to rejuvenation in the heart of southern Vendée. This establishment distinguishes itself through its intimate approach, welcoming small groups of no more than 10 people to guarantee a profound reconnection. Nestled between marshes and unspoiled nature, our partner agency offers a respite where time seems to stand still, paced by the gentle rhythm of life. A privileged and welcoming setting, ideal for those seeking serenity and absolute calm.
