Going on Retreat in France

There are many organized retreats available in France although the majority of these are still Christianity based, particularly Roman Catholic. But there are a rapidly growing number of retreats and places for renewal, self-development, healing, and spirtiual guidance. These have an emphasis on self-development and learning new skills but can include therapeutic approaches which fall into the psychotherapy area of health treatment. Some examples which are based in traditional approaches are herbal medicine and permaculture. With the great increase in English language residents in France, there are new centres for yoga and healing retreats opening all the time. Many of these are advertised in British magazines and newspapers or under gites on the net. Most do not have year-round programmes but offer workshops and specific courses, usually during the sunshine months so swimming, walking, and other activities can be offered.

Buddhism

Buddhism is the most rapidly expanding religion in France today with over five million people claiming interest in this spiritual path. Many Buddhist retreat places are modern and purpose-built. For those keen on discovering and learning more about Buddhist teachings and retreats, the choice of places to go in France is big. One of the most popular is Plum Village, founded by the Vietnamese monk and best-selling author, Thich Nhat Hanh. [See our Spirituality Books section]]

Christian

Many of the Christian religious communities and the lay people associated with them have modern guesthouse facilities, which are often striking in design and concept and very comfortable. On the other hand, many of the oldest monasteries are big places, originally built to house many monks or nuns and, consequently, they can look wonderful but forbidding. Many of these rambling places have refurbished guest rooms, which are very comfortable. Retreat programmes often combine traditional Christian themes with modern spiritual modalities, using the arts, crafts, and aspects of meditation, singing and inventive approaches to opening the heart.

Mind-Body-Spirit – Alternative Spirituality

Facilities and programmes have increased in France by leaps and bounds with a continuing expansion of courses, workshops, training and retreats. These programmes are often exciting, enabling, and positive in terms of de-stressing, exploration of new horizons, self-improvement, and for discovering the inner person. Many are now being run by English languages speakers.

Disabled

The French are working hard everywhere to bring access to the disabled but, in general, the level of awareness of such need does not seem as high among the general population as in Britain. But progress is being made so it is always worthwhile discussing your requirements.

For the disabled, there is a site worth contacting:

Office Chretein des Personnes Handicapées 
Tel: +33(0)1-53-69-44-30
www.och.asso.fr