Joie de Vivre - France Retreat
Come Back to Joy · Women’s Retreat
12-17th May, 2026
You deserve six days that are entirely, unapologetically yours.
No experience needed
Come alone or with others
All levels welcome
Six days in the South of France, set in a private countryside home where the pace of life softens and everything feels a little lighter. Your days weave together Pilates and yoga, contrast therapy and workshops, with long meals, exploring local sights, and time in nature.
We have taken care of every detail so you don't have to think about a thing. All you need to do is show up and let it in.
This retreat is for every woman who has been waiting for her turn.
You are someone who gives a lot. To your work, your relationships, the people around you. And somewhere in the middle of all of that, the question of what you need has quietly moved to the bottom of the list.
This is for you if you are craving real connection, not the surface kind but the sort that comes from spending unhurried time with women who actually get it. If you want to deepen your movement practice, rediscover what makes you feel alive, and leave with more clarity, more energy and a quiet sense of yourself restored.
You do not need to be a yogi or a Pilates devotee. You do not need to come with a plan or a goal. You just need to be ready to give yourself this.
Your experience includes
✦ Five nights in a private countryside retreat home, South West France
✦ Group airport transfers to and from the retreat
✦ All meals prepared with fresh, seasonal local produce
✦ Daily yoga and Pilates in small, guided classes
✦ Breathwork, evening practices and meditation
✦ Contrast therapy workshop
✦ Manifestation workshop
✦ French cooking class
✦ Wine tasting at a local vineyard
✦ Guided walks and time in nature
✦ One restorative massage
✦ Visit to local markets and village shops
✦ Movie night under the stars
✦ Access to pool, sauna and outdoor spaces
✦ Time to rest, reset and simply enjoy the surroundings
Your Days
The schedule is a guide, not a rulebook. We will make small adjustments to fit our group as we settle in together.
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3–5pm Settle in and property tour
5–6pm Contemporary Pilates flow
6–7pm Welcome circle
7:30–9:30pm Dinner
9:30pm Evening practice, Yoga Nidra -
9–10am Vinyasa and Breathwork
10:30–11:30am Brunch
11:30am–2pm Free Time
2–3pm Contrast therapy workshop
3–4pm Snacks & Free Time
4–5pm Cooking class5:30pm Classical Pilates
6:30pm–7:30pm Free Time
7:30–9:30pm Dinner
9:30pm Evening practice, Yin yoga -
9–10am Pilates sculpt
10:30–11:30am Brunch
12–3pm Hike
3–6pm Snacks and free time
6–7:30pm Manifesting your dreams workshop
7:30–9:30pm Dinner
9:30pm Evening practice, guided meditation -
8:30–9:30am Breakfast
9:30–12:30pm Local market visit
12:30pm–3pm Free Time
3–4pm Ass and Abs Pilates
4–7:30pm Free Time
7:30–9:30pm Dinner
9:30pm Final evening practice, Yin yoga -
9–10am Power Vinyasa
10:30–11:30am Brunch
11:30am–2pm Free time
2–3pm Optional hike
3–4:30pm Snacks and free time
4:30pm–7pm Vineyard visit & wine tasting
7:30–8:30pm Dinner & Closing Circle
9pm Movie night -
9–10am Core connection and Vinyasa
10–11am Breakfast
11am Goodbyes and check outPlease note the schedule is subject to change and may be adjusted to best suit the group.
Each day has been shaped to hold you well. Enough structure to feel grounded, enough space to breathe.
Our Retreat Home
Set just outside Toulouse in the quiet heart of South West France, our private retreat home sits within rolling countryside, surrounded by woods, gardens and open sky. With two pools, a sauna and spaces to both gather and disappear into, it is the kind of place that slows you down the moment you arrive. Timeless French charm, everything taken care of, and the kind of stillness that lets you actually rest. Not just a beautiful place to stay. The backdrop to a week that will stay with you.
Your Investment
Secure your space with a deposit. Flexible payment plans available. We keep numbers intentionally small, just 15 guests, so every experience feels personal.
Triple Room
$3189
Twin Room
$3479
Private Queen
$3881
All rooms are private ensuite, designed for comfort and ease throughout your stay. Flights and additional extras are not included.
Bring a friend and receive $200 off each. Simply book together, add your friend's name and use code BFF200 at checkout.
Questions line: Any questions at all? We would love to hear from you at hello@heldretreats.com
Your Hosts
Simone TopelSimone is the founder of Held Retreats and the thread that holds it all together. An ICF-certified coach, yoga teacher and speaker, she has spent years helping people rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves and step into life more fully. Her yoga training spans over 650 hours across Rocket, Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa, with specialist training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Yoga for Depression. She has taught everywhere from the beaches of Barcelona to corporate offices at Meta and PwC.
As a coach, Simone works with people on the things that actually matter: self-worth, identity, relationships, career and the quiet feeling that something needs to change. She has designed and led wellness programmes for global organisations including BMW and Moët Hennessy, and her retreats have consistently turned strangers into lifelong friends.
What makes Simone different is not just what she knows. It is the way she shows up. Warm, direct, real. She creates a space where people feel genuinely seen, often for the first time in a long time.
Lydia Dallas AldrichLydia is a New York based Pilates instructor with a background in dance, fashion design and a genuine love for movement that goes far beyond the mat. She trained through Power Pilates and has since built a teaching practice that blends classical foundations with contemporary strength work, creating classes that are precise, energising and deeply good for your body.
She currently teaches hot Pilates and Sculpt at Fuze House and athletic reformer classes at Natural Pilates, alongside private sessions in studio and at home. Her approach is rooted in mindful movement and building the kind of strength that travels with you into everyday life. Whether you have been practising for years or have never set foot in a Pilates class, Lydia has a way of making you feel capable, challenged and genuinely looked after.
FAQs
A Few Things People Often Ask
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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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Retreat payments are non-refundable, however in the event you need to cancel, we will transfer your credit in full to another retreat as long as you do so more than 60 days before the retreat! If you need to cancel after that window, we may make exceptions if we are able to fill your spot.
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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. -
We recommend flying into Toulouse Blagnac Airport, around one hour from the retreat. From there, one group transfer is provided to and from the property, so your journey is simple and taken care of.
If you’re travelling within Europe, Toulouse Matabiau train station is also a convenient option with strong connections. Car hire is available if you’d like to explore the area before or after your stay, though it isn’t needed during the retreat. If you need help planning your journey or extending your trip, we’re happy to support.
For any other questions you might have, please take a look at our general list of FAQ’s or email us at hello@heldretreats.com
Book Your Place
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