The southwest of France is probably one of the best places in Europe for a retreat! I know I’m not very objective as I live here, but let’s just look at the facts. The stunning landscapes, historic villages with their weekly markets, amazing food, and world-renowned wine, should I continue?
Luckily, there are quite a few great retreats in the Bordeaux region. So whether you’re a foodie who wishes to embark on an in-depth discovery of the gastronomy of the region. Or a tired mom who needs a relaxing time without cooking. Or maybe you just want to get into meditation but do it in a very beautiful relaxing setting. This region has something for everyone!

If you’re looking for a great way to start the next year, take a break from your daily routine and reconnect with yourself. Here’s my list of all the best gastronomic and yoga retreats in the Southwest of France (the Bordeaux region).
Gastronomy and wine retreats in Bordeaux and the southwest of France
7 Day Gastronomada – a Culinary and Wine Experience in Bordeaux Region
The Gatronomada retreat is all about gastronomical experiences in beautiful settings. During 7 days you get to enjoy a culinary tour, guided market tours, a meal at a 2 Michelin-star restaurant, and more. One of the most magical experiences of this retreat is the Cruise on the Garonne River with a private chef.
This is a perfect retreat for those looking for a culinary vacation in the Bordeaux region in a small intimate group (up to 8 participants)

Family vibe
Hosted by Telmo & Eva, this retreat’s accommodation is at the ecolodge of Susanna – Telmo’s mother, which is located 25 minutes from Bordeaux. It is a charming guest house that combines luxury and ecology, a mix particularly liked by the French.
To sum it up
Discover the southwest of France through the taste buds with the help of a wide variety of fine culinary experiences. The schedule sounds busy but offers room for flexibility and customization for you to have time to travel and enjoy the good life of Bordeaux!
The next retreat is about to take place very soon in December 2023, so hurry up and book it here.
8 Day Spa, Cycling, and Wine Tasting Holiday in Lot-et-Garonne
This delightful retreat takes place in the small village of Moncrabeau in the Lot et Garonne department. You will be staying in the heart of rural southwestern France, just a 1.5-hour drive from Bordeaux. 8 days of sports activities (cycling, canoeing, and more) and culinary experiences in a picturesque setting. Add to that some spa treatments alongside a glass of wine from the region’s best wineries. And what else do you need really?

The program includes several visits to local markets, which is one of my favorite activities. It’s a great way to get to know the local culture and discover the unique flavors and views of the region.
During the retreat, you’ll be staying at a beautiful 150-year-old farmhouse with an open-plan traditional kitchen where you can share meals. And did I mention that there’s also a pool, where you can relax after your sports activities?
In conclusion
A good departure from the routine, an opportunity to move your body but also to rest well, and to experience particularly beautiful and delicious experiences.
The next retreat is in March, book the sports and food retreat here.
8-Day Intensive Cooking Course with a Michelin-Star Trained Chef
This is yet another fabulous gastronomic retreat taking place in the same farmhouse (Baron-Figuès) in Moncrabeau. It’s an 8-day journey to elevate your cooking skills through daily cooking workshops with the Michelin-Star Trained Chef, Jerome.
This retreat is taking place in the heart of Gascony, a region famed for its agricultural richness, which makes it a perfect destination for a cooking retreat. You will be creating fish and meat dishes, sauces, pastries, and desserts using the best local produce this region has to offer. Jerome will guide you to choose the right ingredients, teach you cooking techniques, and equally important, the presentation itself (it’s a French chef after all).

During the week, you will have the chance to eat gourmet dinners with the best local ingredients, visit the village markets, and try wine and Armagnac from the region.
In conclusion,
If there’s one thing the French are particularly good at, it’s living the good life. They love eating good food, sipping good wine, and taking long vacations, lots of them. So besides learning how to cook, which is the primary focus of this retreat, you can see it as an introduction to the French way of life.
The next retreat starts on March 15, you can book it here.
Yoga and spiritual retreats in the southwest of France
Beginners Zen Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Dordogne
This yoga and meditation retreat takes place in the heart of the Dordogne countryside, about 25 minutes away from the white city of Perigueux (130km from Bordeaux). The goal of the 4-day retreat, guided by Valerie, is to help you unwind and renew your energy for the year.
Just take a look at this relaxing program: a morning meditation session, followed by yoga practice and a daily guided forest walk. Nutrition-wise, this retreat offers a daily vegetarian brunch and dinner.
You’ll be staying in a traditional farmhouse with a stunning view of the Dronne Valley in northern Dordogne. You can also choose to spend a beautiful afternoon canoeing along the river or receive a spa treatment. It is a safe and cultivating space for you to re-discover yourself.

Good to know
The yoga practices here are of a zen type: it is a practice of consciousness and slow movements that provide an opportunity to go deeper and become stronger. You don’t have to be an experienced YOGI to go on this magical journey, this retreat is actually best for beginners.
A Weekend of Slowing Down
It sounds a little counterintuitive, but the truth is that most of us could benefit from learning how to slow down, and it’s much harder than we think. This retreat will allow you to put aside the stress and noise of the outside world and take time for self-discovery and rejuvenation.
So if you need to fill your cup, this is the retreat for you! The next opening is in April 2024, book it here.
Boutique Yoga Holiday in a château near Bordeaux
The Boutique Yoga Holiday is a 5-day retreat in the countryside of Bordeaux (about 100km from the city). The program brilliantly combines yoga and meditation sessions with other delights this region has to offer. You will enjoy wine tasting, a cacao ceremony under the stars, a day in Bordeaux, and more. As a bonus, you even have a private jacuzzi to enjoy at the end of the busy day.
“It’s all about YOU” they say about this retreat, which I think is a message most of us forget in our daunting daily routines. We all need a break sometimes to recharge, clear our thoughts and just be in the present. And that’s exactly why one needs a retreat!
Sleeping in a Châteaux is something to experience at least once in your life!
You’ll stay in the beautiful Château de Grenier. The 17th Century Château is nestled in the heart of the South-West of France, about one hour away from Bordeaux. It’s a wonderful way to explore the gastronomy, the vineyards, and the rich heritage of southwestern France.
The next Boutique yoga retreat will take place on April 2-6, book your place here.
7 Day Family and Postnatal Fitness Retreat
This Fitness Retreat is the perfect break after the arrival of a new baby to the family. True, it is mainly us moms who need a break. I mean, we’re in desperate need of physical and mental recovery after giving birth. But recognizing that fathers also need some self-care time, this retreat’s plan is suitable for the entire family. It will allow you to simply- take a break and breathe together.

Stunning location
You’ll be staying in Manoir La Croix, a beautiful 18th-century family manor house, located near Limoge (about 3 hour’s drive from Bordeaux). Prepare yourself for breathtaking landscapes of fields, meadows, and orchards providing a calming setting both for you and the little ones
So what’s the plan?
Get back in shape, feel better, eat better, relax! From mindfulness workshops to massage treatments, fitness workouts with personal trainers, and excellent meals (that you didn’t have to cook!). This is a great opportunity for new parents to take good care of themselves!
So if you’re waiting for a cute baby to join the family soon, you can book the retreat now as the next one will be taking place in June 2024.
Hope you treat yourself to a magical retreat in the Southwest of France 🙂
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
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*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂