Gentle yoga in southern France

Join gentle yoga teacher Chris Holt in one of the most beautiful and unspoilt regions of south-west France for six nights and five days of quiet relaxation and gentle, therapeutic yoga, 11-17 September 2011.

Over the course of the week, she will guide students in using breath, meditation and gentle postures to improve their ability to move their bodies without experiencing pain. There will be particular emphasis on freeing shoulders, hips and spine. By increasing physical ease, students experience an inner quiet in which to tune into their own intuition and wisdom.

Retreat centre Les Aleis, in Aveyron north of Toulouse, is set in eight acres of beautiful countryside with a river running through it – and its own swimming pool. A yoga studio and gîtes have been created in the stone barns of an old farm five miles from Najac - “one of the most beautiful villages in France”.

Each day will start with yoga, followed by a hearty brunch. All meals will be organic, vegetarian food, home-cooked by the host, Lucy. The middle of the day will be free for rest, reading, a swim in the pool, or walk etc. There will also be optional extras, such as trips to one of the medieval towns in the region, pottery or massage.

In the early evening before dinner there will be a further yoga session – perhaps in the semi-open-air studio, which overlooks the herb garden, pasture and magnificent oak trees.

There are twin and double bedrooms in two adjoining gîtes in a traditional stone barn. These can accommodate 10 people sharing four bathrooms. Each gîte has an open-plan kitchen and living room with exposed beams. There are wood burning stoves and radiators throughout, enclosed gardens and outside dining areas with hammocks, deckchairs etc.

For more information visit: yogawithchris.co.uk