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A week of yoga, deep rest and
renewal at the Alive Centre at Couzedoux in the South West of France (near
the Dordogne and just across the valley from Collonges-la-Rouge... designated
one of the most beautiful villages in France. The local countryside
is wooded hills cut through by stunning river gorges.
17th
- 24th May 2008£385
including full board & tuition
(not incl travel)
there are also single occupancy options
for a supplement of £60 for the week
(subject to availability)
The
Alive centre is a rather special place near
Brive, the Dordogne and Limoges (about 2 hours north of Toulouse)
that has been developed by Jenny Quinne and Kate Reeves as a place for people
to come and enrich their lives. There is lovely countryside all around
and beautiful local villages to explore (Kate will be happy to give
you some ideas and perhaps guide and excursion or two). There is
a lovely converted barn where the yoga will take place, some gardens and
a swimming pool. All food will be provided on site, 3 meals a day
(including a lovely French breakfast provided from the local village by
Jenny, vegetarian lunches and evening meals provided by a wonderful
travelling chef).
Accommodation is mostly in a very comfortable and beatuiful old guest house, La Vigne Grande, run by Gabrielle Di Gianni. It is a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from the Alive centre. All the rooms are twins each with their own ensuite bathroom, and La Vigne Grande also has its own swimming pool. There is one double and two twin rooms available at the Alive Centre too upstairs in the barn studio, so you can stay on site if you prefer. Accommodation is shared unless you book a room to yourself for a supplement of £60 for the week (all options are subject to availability).
About ...
the CourseThe program on these yoga retreats is designed to give you a direct experience of a range of beneficial yoga practises, and is appropriate for anyone wishing to develop depth in their yoga. Whether you have just started or are a long term practitioner, the principles behind the deepening process are the same. My teaching style is quite informal, inviting you to enjoy and explore your own direct experience, but I also try to equip you with the information that will keep your practice safe as well as progressive. The main emphasis will be on developing freedom and balanced support in posture, as well as finding calm support from the breath (some breathing work will be incorporated). And there will be plenty of time to look at specific issues that you may be interested in. There will also be opportunities to explore deep relaxation & meditation techniques, and possibly some voice work if there is interest (I like to chant a little to end sessions - i find it a very effective means of helping people to relax at a very profound level).
There will be 2 yoga classes a day starting on the Sunday, and I like to make sure there is a little time after the morning sessions for some one to one help. There will be a day off in the middle of the course for exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside, visiting historic villages, or just resting around the pool if you prefer (Kate Reeves has said she would be happy to lead a guided tor if people are interested).
Getting there ...
... is easy. Easyjet do regular flights to Toulouse from Gatwick., Flybe(Birmingham and Bristol), BMI (Manchester), BA (Gatwick) and Aer Lingus Dublin) all have flights to Toulouse. The budget airlines bring out their 2008 schedule around Christmas - book early for very cheap seats.
Once at Toulouse, it is straight forward to get a cross country train to Brive-La-Gaillarde. (If everyone comes on the same flight I might be meeting you at Toulouse, so we can all travel together). I can organise pick up from the station for a nominal charge (to cover petrol).
If you fancy going on the train the whole way (slow but scenic!) just let us know your estimated time of arrival to organise being picked up.
Additional Information ... 
The cost (£385) includes full board, (twin bedded rooms), course fees and food, from arrival on Saturday 17th to departure on Saturday 24th May 2008. The price does not include travel costs. All you need to bring is a yoga mat, comfortable clothes, possibly some shoes for walking and a beach towel for beside the pool. If you prefer SINGLE occupation, you can have a room to yourself for a supplement of £60 (subject to availability). To book you need to email me first to check availability and then send me a deposit of £150 (plus any single supplement) to secure your place. You can get full booking information here. |