Some Previous Retreat Locations

 


 
   

 

Tourné
In the foothills of the French Pyrenees

                               


The house is situated in Cathar country, where direct access to the divine was understood and practiced. It is poised on the edge of the Artillac river which flows at the same pace and temperature all year round.

Thousands of acres of forest surround the house as do the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains which can be seen from the hills.
























           




































Tranquility and the raw energy of river, mountain and forest combine elegantly. The nearest village is a 20 minute walk. it has a bakery and a restaurant. wild flowers grow in abundance, walking in every direction is possible.

Wild boar and deer are abundant; lynx or Pyrenean wild cats have been spotted in the garden. Birds of prey are abundant-three types of kite, owls, falcons and more are common sights. the area is rich in natural grace.

  


















       
   






















There are many quiet areas in the gardens and the river provides perfect refreshment in the heat of the summer.
      





















   















 
The House at Tourné was built in the mid 1800's in local stone-much red marble and quartz from the local quarries which also supplied the marble for the Palais de Versailles. The house is known locally as the chateau. It is a comfortable spacious house of large proportions.
 
Renovations and improvements have been carried out giving a further stone studio of 17 by 10 metres to complement studio 1. In addition to a library in the upper atrium of the house there is a meditation room, a lounge and a dining room.





 






















Currently the house can very comfortably provide excellent facilities for 24 people. There are four bathrooms and all of the shared bedrooms are spacious. There are a couple of single rooms available for a supplementary fee.
    

   



































         




     
All food is cooked in house. many of the vegetables will come from the organic vegetable garden. Organic meat and freshly caught river trout are available.




         
























The major towns of St Girons and Foix are 20 and 25 minutes ride from the house. These have lively markets and famous local sites including the Cathar Castle at Foix and the Bishop's Palace at St Lizier. The local village, Castelanau Durban is a twenty minute walk and offers a bakery, a restaurant and two bars. It is a very quiet, traditional French village.




















   
     

Additional Information

Taxis to St Girons and Foix towns cost approximately Euros 25 and 45 respectively.

Tourne is a mobile free zone - for health reasons. The nearest place for a signal is about 200 metres downhill.

Shoe free zone in practice rooms and in the house.

Evenings will be free time for personal practice, quiet time or evening strolls.

Additional nights on the Friday evening preceding your course and at the end are possible.