ASHTANGA YOGA SUMMER RETREAT
French Pyrenees
7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS ASHTANGA YOGA SUMMER RETREAT
with BELA LIPAT - SYC AUTHORIZED ASHTANGA TEACHER,
9 - 15 June 2026
Join us for a week-long retreat in the mountains of southern France, dedicated to the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, meditation, and self-exploration. Step away from daily routines and into a steady rhythm of breath, movement, and quiet reflection. Mornings are held in noble silence, a formal practice of Mouna. Then, we open the day with meditation, chanting, pranayama, and Mysore-style asana practice. Afternoon workshops and philosophy sessions offer time for deeper study, while evenings close with Yoga Nidra, a restful space to integrate the day’s experience and return to inner stillness.
The Practice
This retreat is dedicated to the traditional Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga method, as taught by R. Sharath Jois of the Sharath Yoga Center in Mysore, India. Each morning begins in silence with meditation and pranayama, followed by Mysore-style Ashtanga, where students practice at their own pace with personalized guidance and support from the teacher.
New or beginner students will be closely monitored to develop confidence in self-practice. All participants receive ongoing support in building strength, refining technique, and deepening their understanding of the practice.
The week concludes with a led Primary Series class, where the teacher guides the group through the sequence using the traditional Sanskrit Vinyasa count. Afternoon sessions alternate between technique and alignment workshops, philosophy discussions, and two Yin Yoga classes designed to balance and restore.
Please bring your own yoga mat and practice towel or rug. All levels are welcome.
Note: Mysore style practice is the traditional way of learning Ashtanga (teacher to student). Mysore classes mean the student practices at their own pace and progress through the asanas as and when they are ready. The teacher will go around the class offering one-on-one attention to each student and adjust when necessary. Instruction in English.
All levels are welcome.
Retreat Setting
Our retreat takes place in a beautifully restored 15th-century Catalan farmhouse, nestled high in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. Surrounded by forests, meadows, and open skies, it offers an atmosphere of peace and spaciousness — an ideal environment for practice and renewal. Built with traditional stone and reclaimed wood, the farmhouse embodies sustainability and simplicity, drawing power from renewable energy and nourished by its own organic gardens . Meals are vegetarian, freshly prepared with ingredients from the land and nearby farms.
Between sessions, students are invited to rest, swim in the 12 x 6 m pool, unwind in the sauna or hot tub, or explore the nearby walking paths and mountain views. This secluded mountain refuge blends the warmth of rustic charm with mindful living — a place where silence, practice, and nature come together effortlessly.
Group Activity
Included in your retreat package are 3 guided hikes — one following forest trails down to a river and natural swimming pool, and two shorter hikes to panoramic viewpoints. These offer a chance to encounter the Pyrenean landscape and connect deeply with the elements.
Included in your retreat package:
- Room of your choice Single or Twin-share -
2 Vegetarian Meals/day (brunch & dinner), coffee and tea
- Daily use of hot tub, sauna, and pool
- All yoga/meditation/pranayama/philosophy/and afternoon workshops
3 Group Activities: 2 -1 hour hikes to viewpoints
1 3-hour hike down to the river and swim in natural pools
Triple-share available and depends on availability
Non-practicing friends or partners are welcome. Please inquire for rates.
Sample Daily Schedule
6:30 - 9:30 - Meditation, Pranayama, and Asana practice
10:00 - Brunch & free time or group activity
16:00 - 18:00 - Yin/Technique/Philosophy on alternate days
18:30 - Dinner
20:30 - Yoga Nidra
Rooms
All accommodation options are offered in three stone gîtes — Carlit, Canigou, and Cerise — combining tradition and modern comfort, each with its own character and charm. All rooms include shower and hand towels, face cloths, bathrobes, professionally laundered bed linen, and artisanal hand soaps and shower gel.
Rates below are per person, inclusive of 6 nights accommodation, 6 days of vegetarian meals, 3 guided group hikes, and all yoga sessions.
Early-bird rates available until January 31, 2026.
Rates (Early-Bird / Regular)
Gîte Carlit
Completed in 2018, this bright and spacious gîte was built from timber sourced and crafted on the property. Located on the top floor, with the best views and right next to the Yoga Shala, it offers some of the most beautiful mountain views on the estate and includes two ensuite bedrooms - Masterbedroom and Family - with a large open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area. The breakfast terrace catches the morning sun and leads by a short forest path to a private sky terrace with a hot tub, comfortable seating, and wide views of the Vallespir mountains. A secluded hammock spot above the terrace provides a quiet place to rest and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Gîte Carlit Masterbedroom
Top floor near the yoga studio, offering the best mountain views. Double room with queen bed and private bathroom. Shared terrace with one other bedroom, Gîte Carlit Masterbedroom. Only qeen bed available.
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Single occupancy: Early-bird €1,570 + 14% VAT (€220) = €1,790 / €1,720 + 14% VAT (€240) = €1,960
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Twin-share / Couple (per person): Early-bird €1,180 + 14% VAT (€165) = €1,345 / €1,330 + 14% VAT (€186) = €1,516
Gîte Carlit Family Room
Spacious room with private ensuite bathroom. Can be arranged as a triple (3 singles), twin, or a large super king double.
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Single occupancy: Early-bird €1,570 + 14% VAT (€220) = €1,790 / €1,720 + 14% VAT (€240) = €1,960
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Twin-share / Couple (per person): Early-bird €1,180 + 14% VAT (€165) = €1,345 / €1,330 + 14% VAT (€186) = €1,516
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Triple-share (per person): Early-bird €1,090 + 14% VAT (€155) = €1,245 / €1,240 + 14% VAT (€175) = €1,415
Gîte Canigou
Built in 2016, this spacious gîte includes three bedrooms, Azur, Olive, and Pivoine. The latter two bedrooms share a bathrooms. This Gite has a large open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area. South-facing and filled with light, it opens to panoramic views of the Vallespir mountains and the distant Mediterranean.
The terrace is furnished for outdoor dining and quiet relaxation and features a private hot tub surrounded by wide mountain views — a peaceful space to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
Azur Bedroom
Primary bedroom on the first floor near the dining area and the main and biggest hot tub. Ensuite bathroom and sofa; beds can be arranged as twins or one large super king.
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Single occupancy: Early-bird €1,570 + 14% VAT (€220) = €1,790 / €1,720 + 14% VAT (€240) = €1,960
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Twin-share / Couple (per person): Early-bird €1,180 + 14% VAT (€165) = €1,345 / €1,330 + 14% VAT (€186) = €1,516
Olive Bedroom (shared bathroom with Pivoine bedroom)
Located in Gîte Canigou, near the dining area. Twin or super king double.
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Single occupancy: Early-bird €1,420 + 14% VAT (€200) = €1,620 / €1,570 + 14% VAT (€220) = €1,790
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Twin-share (per person): Early-bird €1,090 + 14% VAT (€155) = €1,245 / €1,240 + 14% VAT (€175) = €1,415
Pivoine Bedroom (shared bathroom with Olive bedroom)
Located in Gîte Canigou, near the dining area. Twin or super king double.
-
Single occupancy: Early-bird €1,420 + 14% VAT (€200) = €1,620 / €1,570 + 14% VAT (€220) = €1,790
-
Twin-share / Couple (per person): Early-bird €1,090 + 14% VAT (€155) = €1,245 / €1,240 + 14% VAT (€175) = €1,415
Gîte Cerise and Gîte Noisette - Premium apartments
These two private, self-contained apartments occupy the ground floor of the main house and share a large south-facing terrace with expansive mountain views. Each 50 m² apartment features a twin or super king double bed with ensuite bathroom and a spacious open-plan living and dining area crafted from chestnut wood sourced from the surrounding forest. A sauna and cool plunge pool are located beside the apartments, offering quiet spaces for rest and renewal. Designed as premium retreat accommodations, both combine comfort, privacy, and simplicity — an ideal setting to unwind and reconnect with nature.Premium
Gîte Cerise (premium apartment)
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Single occupancy: Early-bird €1,720 + 14% VAT (€245) = €1,965 / €1,870 + 14% VAT (€260) = €2,130
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Twin-share / Couple (per person): Early-bird €1,240 + 14% VAT (€175) = €1,415 / €1,390 + 14% VAT (€195) = €1,585
Gîte Noisette (premium apartment)
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Single occupancy: Early-bird €1,720 + 14% VAT (€245) = €1,965 / €1,870 + 14% VAT (€260) = €2,130
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Twin-share / Couple (per person): Early-bird €1,240 + 14% VAT (€175) = €1,415 / €1,390 + 14% VAT (€195) = €1,585
Week Schedule
Tuesday, 9 June 2026
16.00 Check-in, Arrival at Retreat Center
17 - 18.00 Welcome - Welcome/Opening Circle
18.30 Dinner
Wednesday - Sunday, 10 - 14 June 2026
6.30 Meditation and Pranayama
7.30 Mysore Practice the rest of the week
(please finish your practice by 9.30)
9.45 Brunch and free time
15.00-16.00 Philosophy/ Q&A (Wednesday/Friday)
16 - 17.00 Technique/Alignment (Wednesday/Friday)
17.00-18.00 Yin Yoga (Thursday/Saturday)
18.30 Dinner
20:00 Yoga Nidra
Closing Circle (Sunday)
June 14th is a new moon, no Mysore morning class. We will do a Yin Flow class instead.
Monday, 15 June 2026
7 - 8:30 Led class
9.30 Brunch
Check-out/ Departure
by 16:00
Program times may change slightly.
Please arrive on time on the first day so as not to miss the Welcome - Opening Circle.
Please arrive at the retreat center by 4pm for check-in on the 9th of June.
If you arrive earlier, we cannot ensure that your room will be ready.
First session begins on 9 June at 17.00
Last session ends on 15 June with a Led Class, then brunch at 9:30
Check-out by 16:00
Notes:
- For solo travellers who would like to share a room, we will try to pair you with the same gender. In case there is no other solo traveller to pair with, you will have to pay for a single room.
- Option to share with a loved one or travelling companion at a reduced rate is available for all room types.
- Limited room arrangements, please sign-up early to book your desired room.
- Confirmation of booking depends on receipt of your deposit.
- Deposit to hold space (non-refundable) = €400
- Final balance due 60 days before retreat start. Due date on April 9, 2026.
- Please read our cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions page.
- Rooms are given in order of booking with deposit.
To book your spot, send us an email requesting which room you would like to book.
We will let you know if the room is available. Once the room is reserved with us,
to confirm your reservation, you may send your deposit of €400.
Bank transfer details will be provided upon registration
After sending your deposit, please send us an email to inform us,
and we will send you your invoice.
Not Included in Retreat Package: Airfare, Additional Activities & Excursions, Baggage Fees, Trip Insurance, Tips & Gratuities, and Airport Transfers.
To Register for the Retreat:
1. Send us an email to register
2. Wait for our e-mail confirmation with all payment instructions.
3. Submit your non-refundable deposit of €400 to reserve your space.
4. Full payment must be completed no later than April 9, 2026
If you would like to come with your partner / family member / friend who is not going to attend yoga classes, please feel free to do so. There will be some reduction of total payment amount for this person.
Please send us an email to inquire.
Please note: Consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs are not allowed during our stay.
Cigarette smoking is allowed only in the parking lot, not in view of other students.
A local tourist tax (Taxe de Séjour) of €1.30 per person, per night (total €7.80 for the week) is to be paid upon arrival. This small contribution supports the local commune and the upkeep of the surrounding area.
Getting here:
The nearest airports to the retreat venue:
Perpignan (50 mins)
Girona Spain (1 hour/heure)
Carcassonne (2 hours/heures)
Montpellier (2 hours/heures)
Barcelona Spain (2.5 hours/heures) then take the fast train to Figueres train station
In case there are enough students who would like to travel together, a group mini-bus or ride share can be arranged. Similarly, private pick-ups and returns can also be arranged. Transfer costs are separate from the retreat package and payable directly to the retreat venue.
I look forward to sharing this week of yoga and stillness with you in the French Pyrenees.
Yours in Yoga - Bela
