PASSPORT & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• EU & UK citizens: No visa required for travel to France. A valid passport or national ID card is sufficient.

• U.S., Canada, Australia & other non-EU citizens: A valid passport is required. No visa is needed for tourist stays under 90 days.

• Other nationalities: Please check with your local embassy for requirements specific to your citizenship.

• Important: Passports should have at least 6 months’ validity from your arrival date. We also recommend saving a digital copy or photo of your passport in your email or cloud storage in case it’s lost.

FLIGHTS & GROUND TRANSPORTATION

We recommend flying into Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS). If arriving on retreat start day, please plan your flight to land no later than early afternoon on May 12 so you can join the group transfer.

• Group transfers: We’ll be offering 1–2 scheduled airport pickups at approximately 2:00pm on arrival day and return transfers leaving the property around 11:00am on May 17.

• If your flight times fall outside these windows, just let us know and we can connect you with a transfer service. Alternatively, rental cars are available at the airport. If you prefer to explore the region more freely, here is a link to a discounted rate for car hire with Sixt, courtesy of our venue. 

• All official retreat activities taking place offsite are fully arranged and transportation is provided, so you won’t need a car unless you’d like one for personal exploring.

Closer to the retreat, we’ll create a group chat so guests can coordinate travel plans, share rides if desired, and connect before arrival. If you plan to arrive early or stay longer, we’re happy to suggest nearby towns and accommodations. Just reach out and we’ll help you map it out!

IN CASE OF TROUBLES ON DAY OF TRAVEL

If you experience any flight delays or last-minute travel issues on the day of your arrival, please contact your Retreat Leader directly on the following number:

Simone Topel
Number: +34 625967691

PACKING LIST SUGGESTIONS

To help you feel comfortable, prepared, and able to fully relax into the experience, we recommend packing:

• Clothing & Footwear

  • Activewear for Pilates, yoga, and walks

  • Casual outfits for workshops and downtime

  • One nicer outfit for a special dinner evening

  • Trainers/sneakers suitable for walking in nature

  • Lightweight long trousers for walking through fields

  • Cozy layer (jumper, fleece, or scarf) for cooler mornings/evenings

  • Rain jacket (spring showers can be sudden)

  • Sleepwear

  Sun & Outdoor Essentials

  • Sun hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen + after-sun care

  • Mosquito repellent and bite cream if you’re sensitive to bites

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Small daypack for outings

  Toiletries & Personal Care

  • Toiletries

  • Hair ties or headbands

  • Your favorite conditioner (shampoo and body wash are provided)

  • Any required medications

  • Antihistamines if you have allergies or hay fever

  Practical Items

  • Travel adapter for France (Type C or F plug, 230V)

  • Phone chargers and cables

  • Journal and pen

  • A book or relaxing hobby (drawing, knitting, music, etc.)

  • Optional comfort items: eye mask, ear plugs

  Travel Documents (Important)

  • Passport with at least 6 months validity

  • Travel insurance

THINGS YOU DO NOT NEED TO BRING:

The venue will provide bath and pool towels, shampoo, bodywash and hairdryers, but if you prefer to bring to bring your own, of course feel free! They do offer a washing machine which you can pay €10 to use if you need.

ABOUT OUR RETREAT HOME 

Our retreat home is a countryside estate in southwest France, surrounded by fields, gardens, and woodland. Most of our time will be spent onsite enjoying the space, with a few planned offsite outings already included in the itinerary.

The property is designed for both connection and downtime, with plenty available for you to enjoy during free time. You’ll find:

• Two swimming pools

• Wood-burning sauna

• Bicycles for exploring nearby paths

• Board games, puzzles, and a library of books

• Table tennis and pétanque

• A trampoline

• Outdoor lounge areas and quiet corners for reading or journaling

There’s a relaxed, home-away-from-home feeling here, so during open time you can be as social or as private as you like.

Address: 673 Rte d’Encarion, 32380 Mauroux, France

LOCATION AND TIME ZONE 

Mauroux is in Central European Time (CEST), GMT+2 in May. This is the same as most of mainland Europe, and one hour ahead of the UK.

CLIMATE

May in southwest France is one of the loveliest times of year. The countryside is green and in bloom, and temperatures are typically warm and pleasant with fresh mornings and evenings. You can expect:

• Daytime temperatures around 68-72°F

• Evenings around 57-61°F

• Mostly sunny days with occasional light spring showers

We recommend bringing layers so you can stay comfortable throughout the day, especially for morning sessions or relaxed evenings outside. A light jacket and a rain layer are helpful just in case.

SAFETY

The retreat takes place in a quiet rural area that feels peaceful and secluded. As with traveling anywhere, we recommend staying mindful of your belongings in public spaces such as airports or markets, and being respectful of local customs and surroundings. If this is your first time traveling internationally, just use the same awareness you would when visiting any new place. We’re always here if you need support or guidance during your stay.

FOOD & WATER

All meals are included, and made fresh each day by our private chef. All dietary restrictions that have been shared with us in advance will be accommodated. Clean drinking water will be available on property. Please remember to bring a reusable water bottle for hikes and any trips offsite!  

INTERNET / TELEPHONE SERVICE

There will be wifi available at the house, but we would also like to encourage you to disconnect as much as possible. Remember to get any international plans you may need if you would like to have calling/text/data during your trip. I personally like GoMo World for easy and affordable eSims. You can get 10% off with this referral link here. 

*Please note that some excursions may take place in areas with limited reception.  

INSURANCE

Held Retreats is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical expenses, and lost baggage.

MONEY

Everything on the retreat schedule is covered, however you may want some euros for shopping when we visit the market, or to do any extra activities during your free time. Some places will of course accept card, though it can be helpful to have local currency just in case. There are ATMs at the airport and in some of the bigger towns.

We hope this fully prepares you for an exciting trip to come!  We are so excited to welcome you to France. 

If you have questions before your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out at any time.