What to Expect at a Wellness Retreat in France: A Day in the Life of a Zenaa Retreat

Picture this: it’s late September in Gascony, the summer crowds are long gone, and the rolling hills have turned soft and golden. You’re staying in a beautifully restored chateau, with nowhere to be and nothing to prove - the whole day stretching ahead, unhurried and entirely your own.

If you’ve never been on a wellness retreat, it’s hard to picture what the days actually hold. “What does a typical day look like?” is the question we’re asked most at Zenaa Retreats - so here’s a walk through it. No two days are quite the same, but each is shaped around the same intention: to move your body, nourish your mind, reconnect with yourself, and savour the little luxuries of rural French living.

A Magical Setting to Call Home

Our home for the retreat is a stunning, beautifully restored chateau, set within rolling rural vistas with views to the horizon. In your downtime, find a quiet corner in the grounds, read in the sun, or take a dip in the salt-water pool. There’s also a Renaissance-style plunge pool and an outdoor massage area, where the last of your tensions drift away in the warm breeze.

A Gentle Start to the Morning

Mornings begin quietly. No blaring alarms, no rushed commute - just the soft pace of countryside living. Wake early for a coffee overlooking the valley, journal by the pool, or enjoy a few uninterrupted moments before the group gathers for yoga.

We practise in a spectacular converted barn studio: rustic stone walls, exposed beams, and double-height glass doors that open onto nature. Sessions awaken the body and mind, leaving you refreshed rather than exhausted - and they’re suitable for all levels, whether you practise every week or haven’t stepped on a mat in years. Beginners are always welcome, with plenty of guidance and modifications throughout.

Long, Leisurely Mealtimes

After morning movement comes a favourite part of the day: breakfast. Meals here are a special time - wholesome, nourishing food prepared by our private chef, shared around long tables filled with stories, laughter, and second helpings.

We take a balanced, fad-free approach: no juice cleanses, no pressure. Just long, leisurely mealtimes and incredible seasonal dishes to be savoured.

Slow Afternoons & Space to Breathe

One of the most special things about a wellness retreat in France is the spaciousness of the day. Unlike a packed sightseeing holiday, retreat life gives you something rare: time that’s simply your own. Afternoons are left intentionally open - read beside the pool, take a guided walk through the rural vistas, or do nothing at all.

Making Memories Beyond the Mat

Some of the most memorable moments happen entirely off the mat. Together, we’ll wander the stalls of a traditional French market, take guided walks through the countryside, and head into the nearby town for an intimate dinner.

At Zenaa, it’s all about balance: movement and stillness, nourishment and joy, connection and solitude.

Evenings Made for Connection

As evening arrives, the pace softens. Gentle yoga, mindfulness, or meditation before dinner helps everyone transition into a calm evening under skies full of stars. Then comes another shared meal - good food, a glass of local wine, real conversation.

Connection is at our core. It’s during these times that strangers become friends: no distractions, shared experiences, and the time to properly talk and listen.

Is a Wellness Retreat Right for You?

Many guests arrive nervous - especially if they’re travelling solo or new to yoga - but that uncertainty quickly melts away. Zenaa Retreats are for the “yoga curious,” the seasoned yogis, the burnt-out professionals, the busy parents, and anyone craving a pause from everyday life. Solo travellers are warmly welcomed - come alone, or with a friend or partner - and the atmosphere is relaxed, inclusive, and judgement-free.

Come with an open mind, and you’ll leave with laughter, stories, and a whole gaggle of new friends.

A Retreat That Stays With You

The most surprising thing about a wellness retreat isn’t the schedule - it’s how different you feel afterwards. Guests leave lighter, calmer, more energised, and more connected to themselves than they’ve been in months. Not from one dramatic transformation, but the accumulation of simple things done well: nourishing food, meaningful connection, movement, nature, rest, and space to breathe.

If you’re dreaming of sun-drenched mornings, chateau views, restorative yoga, incredible food, and a week that lets you properly exhale, our France Retreat is waiting for you.

Your Questions Answered

Where is the Zenaa France wellness retreat held?

The retreat takes place in Mauroux, Gascony, in South-West France, at a beautifully restored chateau set within rolling rural hills. The venue features a salt-water swimming pool, a Renaissance-style plunge pool, private grounds, an open-air massage space, and a converted barn studio for yoga.

How long is the France retreat, and when does it run?

The France Wellness Retreat runs for five nights, from Wednesday 30 September to Monday 5 October 2026 - widely considered the most beautiful time to visit Gascony, when the summer crowds have left and the landscape turns golden.

What’s the nearest airport, and which flights do you suggest?

The nearest airport is Toulouse (TLS), roughly a 90-minute drive from the chateau. Most of our guests travel on one of two suggested flights: British Airways from London Heathrow (LHR), or easyJet from Bristol (BRS). Booking one of these means you’ll arrive alongside the rest of the group, and we can arrange a shared airport transfer from Toulouse for a small additional cost.

Do I need to be good at yoga to come?

Not at all. Classes are suitable for complete beginners through to seasoned yogis, with guidance and modifications offered throughout. You simply need a willingness to slow down and give yourself permission to enjoy.

Can I come to the France retreat on my own?

Yes - solo travellers are warmly welcomed, and many of our guests travel alone. With single-occupancy rooms and an intentionally small group, it’s easy to feel at home from the moment you arrive.