Aquitaine - Why we love the South West of France

We have been running BayFitness Retreats in the South West of France for 8 years now. For us it’s a perfect balance of action and relaxation, of the ocean and the mountains, of beauty and serenity. An endless amount of options to connect with nature , connect with locals and to reset the mind, body and soul.

Fields of Joy

When we first started the retreat we were searching for a beach side property but being 12km from the beach has been perfect. An area of calm, beautiful endless corn fields, peaceful hikes and cycle rides with views of the pyrenees, old french farmyards with friendly faced cows and very few tourists around. Perfect for breath work, meditation, recovery and to have our own space still only 20 minutes from the sea and the action.

The beaches

This area of France is very unique as the beaches run all the way from Bordeaux into Spain. This wild Atlantic coast offers many opportunities to have golden beaches to ourselves for sunset yoga, beach hikes, sea swims, beach fitness sessions, surf sessions and relaxation time.

The Pyrennes

Incredible hikes through the midi pyrenees with breathtaking views and endless fresh air. There are some stunning tranquil hikes on our doorstep with field, countryside, and pyrenees views. We also take a 45 minute drive into the mountains one day where we hike for 2/3 hours.

The People

We have met some great people and made some good friends over the last few years. Characters who live life to the full, love their food, and make the most of the local environment. Often I spend my mornings before everybody wakes up for their morning juice and yoga chatting to locals and reading the paper in the boulangerie.

The Food

We are very fortunate on our retreats to use two of the best chefs I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. In May we have a local French culinary wizard named Vincent who knows all the best local places to source fresh, local and beautiful food. In September we have a gastronome retreat on the second week with Simon Browne who we met when working for the artist Damien Hurst. A big lover of France he spends his days joining in with activities then sourcing local food, making his own bread, pasta, sushi and creating incredible taster menus which everybody loves very much.

Weather

For us May and September are perfect months to run the retreat. We are usually blessed with sunshine for the majority of the week and even when we’re not and it rains we have great opportunities to work out, do yoga, meditate and relax at the luxury villa.

The House

The house is special. A unique space designed by architects surrounded by cornfields in a beautiful rural French Village. Lot’s of areas to find your own space, a yoga room, a pool room, a large garden, a heated pool, large separate TV room, ensuite room options with private terraces and walk in dressing rooms, a pétanque court, a table tennis table, an outdoor cooking and eating space and much more. See Alternative Aquitaine for more details on le Vignau.

A new world

My favourite aspect of reboot France is the opportunity to gain a new perspective. Space to step back from the continuous stimulation of the world and learn to connect, reboot, nourish and learn physical and mental tools to take back with you into the world.

This dates of this years Reboot France Retreats are:

9-16 May, 19-26 September

26 September - 3rd October Reboot Gastronome.