JOIE DE VIVRE
The Joy of Living Retreat with Lydia Dallas Aldrich & Simone Topel
FRANCE
12 - 17th May, 2026
Over 6 restorative days in the rolling hills of South West France, we invite you to slow down, savor the beauty in every moment, and return to the simple joys of living.
Our carefully curated itinerary blends movement with rest, adventure and play. Expect to deepen your practice in Pilates and Yoga with a variety of classes — from Classical Pilates to Sculpt, Power Vinyasa to Yoga Nidra — all taught in small groups with plenty of personalised support. You’ll discover practices that go beyond movement: breathwork to reset your nervous system, contrast therapy to reawaken your body, and a soul-nourishing manifestation workshop to dream bigger.
You’ll explore the richness of French countryside life through tasty meals made with local seasonal produce, a hands-on cooking class, local wine-tasting, and a nature hike. Most importantly, there will be plenty of space to rest and be free — whether that means reading by the pool, jumping on the trampoline, or enjoying an outdoor movie night with the crew.
Every part of this journey is designed to restore your body, awaken your creativity, and reconnect with yourself. We know you’ll return home from this retreat both physically STRONGER and energetically lighter, with new soul-aligned friendships and the unmistakable feeling of joie de vivre — the joy of living well. We can’t wait to share the magic of this special place with you!
// Simone & Lydia
This retreat is for you if
You’re craving genuine connection and soul-nourishing friendships with like-minded people.
You need space to rest deeply and slow down.
You want to come back to the joy of living: eating well, moving your body, laughing often, and rediscovering the simple pleasures of life.
You love movement and want to deepen your Pilates + Yoga practice in small, supportive classes with personalised guidance.
You’re ready to reignite your spark — creativity, play, and possibility — and let your inner child out to explore.
You long to feel more connected to yourself — away from the distractions of city life — to tune back into your body, your intuition, and your inner voice.
You’re seeking clarity and direction, ready to reconnect and move forward with confidence.
You’re curious about culture — experiencing food, wine and traditions of the region, and carrying that inspiration home.
You want to learn simple, lasting tools and rituals you can weave into your everyday life.
5 nights & 6 days accommodation at our charming countryside retreat home
All of your meals prepared by our private chef — nourishing, seasonal dishes made from local produce, with wholesome brunches, dinners, and delicious snacks to fuel your days
Welcome Circle to unite the group and step into our retreat portal
Daily Yoga AND Pilates Classes - small and personal, with hands-on guidance to help you refine your form, deepen your practice, and take your practice to the next level
Contrast Therapy Workshop — learn the science and practice of hot–cold exposure to reset your nervous system, boost energy, and build resilience.
Cooking Class — discover the joy of French cooking with seasonal produce and techniques you can bring home.
Evening practices — nightly Yin, Yoga Nidra, or guided meditations to soothe your body and anchor calm before sleep.
Manifestation Workshop to help you release what’s blocking you and step into your highest expression
Group hikes through the countryside — time in nature to move, breathe, and soak in the beauty of spring in South West France.
Wine tasting — an afternoon at a nearby vineyard, sampling the region’s finest wines while learning about French terroir and tradition.
Visit to the local market & vintage shops — wander through colourful stalls, taste local delicacies, and soak in the charm of French village life.
Movie night under the stars — a cosy evening to unwind together after a long day.
Unstructured time to recharge — float in one of two swimming pools, borrow one of the books from the library, sweat it out in the wood-burning sauna, jump on the trampoline, journal in the garden, or wander the grounds
*Travel costs & additional non-programmed activities are not included. At checkout you can choose to add-on airport transfers for those who would like it.
What’s Included
The Itinerary
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3-5pm Settle In & Property Tour
5-6pm Contemporary Pilates Flow
6-7pm Welcome Circle
7:30-9:30pm Dinner
9:30pm Evening Practice - Yoga Nidra
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9-10am Vinyasa & Breathwork
10:30-11:30am Brunch
11h30-1:30pm Free Time
1:30pm-3pm Contrast Therapy Workshop
3-4pm Snacks & Free Time
4-5 pm Classical Pilates
6-7:30pm Cooking Class
7:30-9:30pm Dinner
9:30pm Evening Practice - Yin Yoga
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9-10am Pilates Sculpt
10:30-11:30am Brunch
12-3pm Hike
3-6pm Snacks & Free Time
6-7:30pm Manifesting Your Dreams Workshop
7:30-9:30pm Dinner
9:30pm Evening Practice - Guided Meditation
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9-10am Ass & Abs Pilates
10:30-11:30am Brunch
11:30am-2pm Free Time
2-3pm Optional Hike
3-5pm Snacks & Free Time
5-7pm Wine Tasting
7:30-8:30pm Dinner
9pm Movie Night
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9-10am Power Vinyasa
10:30-11:30am Brunch
12-4pm Local Market Visit
4-5pm Free Time
5-6pm Arms & Abs Pilates
7:30-9:30pm Dinner
9:30pm Final Evening Practice - Yin
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9-10am Core Connection + Vinyasa
10-11am Breakfast
11-12pm Closing Circle
12pm Goodbyes & Check-Out
Please note that the schedule is subject to changes and we will make tweaks to customise the schedule to our retreat guests.
Our Retreat Home
Set in South West France, just an hour outside of Toulouse, our retreat takes place in a region known for it’s stunning nature and timeless charm. Here, the pace of life slows down and moves to the rhythm of nature.
Our private retreat home rests on sixteen acres of woods, rewilded meadows, and flowering gardens. From every corner, you’ll find sweeping views of rolling countryside, hilltop villages, and the horizon stretching endlessly beyond.
The beautifully restored stone houses preserve their original character and timeless French charm, seamlessly blended with modern comforts and thoughtfully curated interiors filled with locally sourced vintage treasures. The property has two pools, as well as a library full of books, boardgames, bicycles, ping-pong, hammocks and a wood-burning sauna.
This is a place to come home to yourself — to rest, reconnect, and remember what it means to truly live well.
Pricing & Rooms Available
EARLYBIRD PRICING
Triple Occupancy: 3 beds (Ensuite)
$3,189 USD
Double Occupancy: 2 beds (Ensuite)
$3,479 per person
Single Occupancy: 1 bed (Ensuite)
$3,881 per person
Book your spot before December 14th to enjoy early bird pricing — with limited spaces and high interest, we recommend securing your place early.
A $600 deposit confirms your spot on the retreat. Payment plans are available.
Meet Your Hosts
Lydia Dallas Aldrich
is a New York City–based Pilates instructor loved for her thoughtful blend of classical technique and contemporary strength training. Originally from Kentucky, Lydia grew up immersed in dance and sports before earning her BA in Fashion Design. After seven years working in New York’s fashion industry, she decided to make her Pilates side-hustle her full-time and hasn’t looked back. She blends both classical and contemporary methods into her classes, focusing on full-body strength and control. Regardless of your skill level or experience, you are sure to leave her classes feeling stronger and more empowered than when you stepped onto your mat.
Lydia has been teaching Pilates in New York City for five years, specializing in Mat Pilates, Reformer / Apparatus Pilates, and Sculpt classes. She currently teaches at Fuze House, and teaches private and small-group classes for clients seeking personalized attention and lasting results.
Simone Topel
Simone is a passionate facilitator of transformation through movement, mindfulness, and deep inner work. With over 650 hours of training and 1,000 yoga classes taught, she’s led students everywhere from Barcelona’s beaches to corporate HQs like Meta, BMW, and PwC.
As a ICF-certified coach and speaker, Simone weaves together the wisdom of the body, mind, and spirit — shaped by her time studying yoga and Buddhism in Asia and her training in ontological coaching. She coaches 1:1 clients globally on a variety of areas, most often self worth, confidence, career and entrepreneurship and relationships.
She is the Founder of Held Retreats and has led retreats accross Spain, France, Morocco & Portugal; facilitating retreat spaces has become one of her biggest joys as she’s discovered it is the perfect way to blend her different gifts.
What people are saying about our retreats
Getting There
We recommend flying into Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS), the closest international airport, located about an hour’s drive from our retreat home.
If you’re coming from within Europe, another great option is the Toulouse Matabiau train station, which connects easily to Paris and other major cities.
From either the airport or train station, you have a few options:
Group Transfers: For added ease and peace of mind, when booking your spot you can choose to add-on a group transfer from the airport or train station directly to the retreat — and back again at the end of your stay. We’ll take care of the logistics so you can arrive ready to unwind and depart with ease. The total cost is $91 for both journeys to and from the retreat.
Car Rental: If you’d like to explore the area before or after the retreat, renting a car at the airport is a great option. (You won’t need a car during the retreat itself.)
Need help figuring out flights, connections, or how to extend your stay? We’re happy to support you. This part of France is stunning, and many guests choose to spend extra time exploring before or after the retreat.
You’ll leave this retreat not just rested, but deeply recharged — your body alive with energy, your heart full, and your mind clear. The softness of the mornings, the joy of shared meals, and the long, sun-drenched afternoons will remind you what it feels like to truly live — unhurried, connected, and inspired.
If you’re ready to step out of autopilot, to rediscover your spark, and to feel that effortless sense of joie de vivre pulsing through you again — this is your invitation. Come unwind, reconnect, and return home glowing — lighter, freer, and utterly alive.
Follow the link below to secure your spot. Payment plans are available to accommodate different needs. $600 deposit reserves your spot.
*EARLY BIRD pricing ends December 14th*
As this is an intimate retreat, spaces are very limited and early booking is highly recommended. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@heldretreats.com - we’d love to hear from you!
Ready to retreat with us?
Book a Call
Interested in attending, but want to chat through your questions with us first? Book a call to learn more about Joie de Vivre.
Here to Help
Questions for us? We’d love to support you!
Fill out the adjacent form or contact us on:
Instagram @heldretreats or by email at hello@heldretreats.com
FAQs
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Not at all, most of our guests actually come solo and meeting new like-minded people becomes one of their retreat highlights. Time and time again, we've seen people arrive as strangers and leave as close friends. Past guests have stayed in touch for years, travelled together, celebrated birthdays, and even started business collaborations!
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Absolutely! We accommodate allergies, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and most other common needs, and work with the most incredible chefs to provide everyone with nourishing, beautiful meals on each of our retreats.
When you book your spot, you’ll be asked to share any dietary requirements or allergies so please share your needs with us so we can let the chef know.
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Check-in is from 3pm on arrival day and check-out is at 11am on departure day.
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Here’s what’s not included:
✈️ Flights to and from France
🚐 Transportation to the retreat villa (unless add-on purchased at checkout)
💆 Additional spa treatments or excursions not included in the itinerary, such as massages (available to book on-site)
🧳 Travel insurance (highly recommended for peace of mind) -
Below are descriptions of our classes and workshops to give you an idea of what you can expect in each!
Contemporary Pilates Flow
A creative take on Pilates, blending classical foundations with modern variations. Expect smooth transitions, playful sequencing, and a full-body flow that leaves you feeling both strong and centered.Classical Pilates
Back to the roots of Joseph Pilates’ original method. Focus on precision, alignment, and mindful movement that strengthens the core and improves posture.Pilates Sculpt
A dynamic, energising class that adds light props and playful variations to build strength and tone. Perfect if you want to challenge yourself and keep things fresh.Ass & Abs / Arms & Abs Pilates
Targeted, fun, and fiery. These shorter sessions focus on the muscles we often want to strengthen most, giving you a satisfying burn and noticeable results.Core Connection
A short but powerful sequence to wake up and deeply engage your core, creating stability and strength that supports every other practice.Vinyasa Flow
An uplifting yoga practice where breath and movement weave together in creative sequences. Builds strength, flexibility, and presence.Power Vinyasa
A more dynamic version of vinyasa that will challenge your body and energise your mind — great for building stamina and leaving you with a post-practice glow.Rocket Yoga
Playful, powerful, and a little unconventional. Rocket yoga combines traditional Ashtanga with creative freedom, encouraging exploration and fun as you build strength and flexibility.Yin Yoga
Slow, restorative, and grounding. Poses are held for longer periods to release tension, increase mobility, and calm the nervous system.Yoga Nidra
Also known as “yogic sleep,” this deeply relaxing guided meditation takes you into a state between wakefulness and sleep, supporting profound rest and integration.Guided Meditation
A calming evening practice to quiet the mind, reconnect with yourself, and prepare for deep, restorative sleep.Contrast Therapy Workshop
Discover the revitalising power of hot–cold exposure. Learn how alternating between heat and cold helps regulate your nervous system, boost circulation, and increase resilience — then experience it yourself in a safe, supportive setting.Manifesting Your Dreams Workshop
A guided process of reflection, journaling, and intention-setting. Clarify what you truly want, release limiting beliefs, and create a vision you can carry forward into your life after the retreat.
For any other questions you might have, please take a look at our general list of FAQ’s.