A six-day yoga retreat

On the Atlantic coast of France

ARCACHON BAY, FRANCE

June 25 – 30, 2027

Registration Open Sept 2026
GET ON THE INTEREST LIST!

Most of us live entirely in action: doing, achieving, moving to the next thing, rarely stopping long enough to feel what's underneath all that motion.

But we've all had glimpses of something else. Brief glimpses of Being in the silent gaps between thoughts or a spontaneous burst of pure bliss that arises from within. That feeling of full potentiality, free from limitation.

Yoga philosophy tells us that Being is our default state, our true nature, always there, yet overshadowed by the noise of the world and our chattering mind.

While Being may be who we truly are, it's not where we actually live. It has to be experienced, remembered, established on purpose.

Être is an invitation to quiet the noise and come home to what's underneath it.

Our practice becomes directed action toward experiencing and establishing Being — so that when you return to action, it rises from fullness, not noise.

"Established in being, perform action." — Bhagavad Gita


DATES:
FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2027
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2027

COST:
STARTING AT $2,990 / PERSON

WHERE:  
VILLA LA TOSCA | ARCACHON BAY
SOUTHWEST FRANCE



The Arcachon Bay

The Arcachon Bay isn't just a beautiful place to visit —

It's one of the most naturally restorative environments in Europe.

The Arcachon Bay has been known for centuries for its healing properties. The daily rhythm of the tides, the vast pine forests that stretch to the dunes, the ionized Atlantic air that fills the lungs differently here — this coastline asks something of you the moment you arrive.

It asks you to slow down.

The ocean doesn't rush. The tides complete their cycle without urgency. The pine trees have been standing here longer than any of us have been hurrying. There is a quality of stillness here that is unlike anywhere else — and this week, it is yours.

A Typical Day


  • 7:30 am Coffee, tea, quiet

  • 8:30 am Morning practice — this is the heart of the retreat, a two-hour practice consisting of storytelling, asana, pranayama, and long savasana.

  • 11:00 am Nourishing Brunch

  • 12–5 pm Free time — the beach, a nap, a paddleboard, electric bikes along the bay, the sauna and ice bath, a massage, or just nothing at all.

  • 5:00 pm Evening practice — a slower practice crafted to settle into Being. Expect philosophy discussions, storytelling, long holds and guided meditation.

  • 7:00 pm Dinner, together

Not a Vacation — A Journey

This is for you if:

Your practice has moved past chasing advanced postures, and you're ready to go deeper.

You're drawn to ancient stories and yoga philosophy— curious about what's beneath the surface of your practice, not just its form.

You'd choose small, beautifully curated, and family-run over big and impressive, every time.

You're willing to travel for it, because the place should serve the practice, not the other way around.

Villa La Tosca: Where the Garden Gate Opens Onto the Beach


Imagine waking to the sound of the bay. Stepping through a private garden gate onto your own stretch of sand. Beginning your morning practice in a bamboo-vaulted yoga dome, open to the garden, the sky, and the sea breeze.

Villa La Tosca is a stunning beachfront estate on 4,000m² of land at the heart of the Arcachon Bay — a family-run luxury boutique villa, originally built in 1903 and lovingly restored, that manages the rare feat of feeling both extraordinary and completely at home.

Perfectly located:

  • 35 minutes from Bordeaux (BOD) International Airport

  • Private gate directly onto the beach

Your retreat sanctuary includes:

  • Bamboo-vaulted yoga & meditation dome (indoor, garden-facing)

  • Ecological swimming pool

  • Sauna and ice bath

  • Treatment / massage room

  • Indoor & outdoor dining areas

  • Library and sitting room

  • 4,000m² park and garden with private gate to the beach

  • Electric bikes available

  • WiFi throughout


Your Rooms

Registration Open Sept 2026

Early Bird Rates through Nov 21st, 2026

30 % of the room amount due at reservation to save your spot

Double-occupancy booking note:
Double-occupancy rooms must be booked with a travel companion.
If you wish to be paired with a roommate, you must book a single-occupancy room and request a roommate placement.
 All double rooms are set up with two twin beds - except for the Confort Suite.

L'Eau Vive Suite

The Villa's Largest Suite | 1st Floor | Sea & Garden View | 80m²

The largest suite in the villa at 80m², L'Eau Vive wraps you in a fresh, energized atmosphere with two private terraces — one overlooking the Arcachon Bay and gardens, the other the ecological pool. A vaulted loggia accessible from the room is perfect for a private yoga or meditation session, with the sound of the garden spring in the background.

Includes: King Bed (solo) or Twin Beds (shared) | Private Ensuite with Whirlpool Bath & Massage Shower

EARLY BIRD PRICE:
SOLO:
$5,990 $5,690 / person
SHARED:
$3,890 $3,590 / person

La Vue Suite

360° Sea View Belvedere | 2nd & 3rd Floors | 40m²

As its name suggests, La Vue takes your gaze to the full horizon of the ocean, the pine forest, and the bay beyond. Located in the villa's belvedere — the highest point — this suite is suspended above the landscape. The sun wakes you in soft pink. The evenings burn orange and red.

Includes: King Bed (solo) or Twin Beds (shared) | Private Ensuite with Bath

EARLY BIRD PRICE:
SOLO:
$5,790 $5,490 / person
SHARED:
$3,690 $3,390 / person

Le Bassin Suite

Sea View with Terrace | 1st Floor | 22m²

Le Bassin opens onto a large vaulted loggia and terrace with views of the ocean, the bay, and Cap Ferret in the distance. Its headboard, carved from antique Chinese doors, marble period fireplace, and warm artisanal details give it an atmosphere that is cozy, exotic, and deeply restful.

Includes: King Bed (solo) or Twin Beds (shared) | Private Ensuite with Shower

EARLY BIRD PRICE:
SOLO: $5,490 $5,190 / person
SHARED:
$3,490 $3,190 / person

La Verandah Suite

Sea View | Ground Floor | Beach-Level Access | 24m²

La Verandah sits at garden level, directly connected to the grounds and the beach. This sea-view room opens onto a loggia-terrace where comfortable seating invites you to slow down — reading, dreaming, watching the light change through the hundred-year-old trees. Also accessible for wheelchair users.

Includes: King Bed (solo) or Twin Beds (shared) | Private Ensuite | Accessible

EARLY BIRD PRICE:
SOLO:
$5,490 $5,190 / person
SHARED:
$3,490 $3,190 / person

Le Confort Suite

Attic Loft | 2nd Floor | Skylight | 22m²

Perhaps the most romantic room in the villa — a former attic converted into a loft with beautiful original pine floors, velvety soft fabrics, and a skylight directly above the bed. Fall asleep gazing up at the stars.

Includes: King Bed | Private Ensuite

EARLY BIRD PRICE:
SOLO:
$4,990 $4,690 / person
SHARED:
$3,290 $2,990 / person (Couple Only)

La Forêt Suite

Tree View | 1st Floor | French Château Character | 22m²

La Forêt wraps you in warm autumn reds, ochres, and golds. With its own fireplace, antique furniture, and views of the oak treetops, this room has the character of a true French château: warm, grounded, and full of soul.

Includes: King Bed (solo) or Twin Beds (shared) | Private Ensuite

EARLY BIRD PRICE:
SOLO:
$4,990 $4,690 / person
SHARED:
$3,290 $2,990 / person

La Source Suite

Garden & Villa View | Garden House | Private Terrace | 25m²

Located in the garden house, La Source is a peaceful and elegant room with a private terrace and an outdoor lounge. Soft earth tones, green accents, a sculpted stone sink, and the carved wooden sculpture just outside create a grounded, serene atmosphere — ideal for rest, reflection, and connection to the garden.

Includes: King Bed (solo) or Twin Beds (shared) | Private Ensuite

EARLY BIRD PRICE:
SOLO: $4,990 $4,690 / person
SHARED: $3,290 $2,990 / person

Le Papillon Suite

Garden & Villa View | Garden House | 25m²

Light-filled and whimsical, Le Papillon blends muted pinks, ochre yellow, and deep greens with the timeless elegance of a French château. Full-length mirror wardrobes, a cozy reading lounge, and serene views of the villa and surrounding oak trees. A haven of quiet, separate from the main house.

Includes: King Bed (solo) or Twin Beds (shared) | Private Ensuite

EARLY BIRD PRICE:
SOLO: $4,990 $4,690 / person
SHARED: $3,290 $2,990 / person

Registration Open Sept 2026

Early Bird Rates through Nov 21st, 2026

30 % of the room amount due at reservation to save your spot

GET ON THE INTEREST LIST!

Double-occupancy booking note:
Double-occupancy rooms must be booked with a travel companion.
If you wish to be paired with a roommate, you must book a single occupancy room and request a roommate placement. 

Nourishing Cuisine


Healthy, locally sourced food is integral to your retreat experience. Meals are prepared with fresh, organic ingredients by our partnered chefs — beautiful, straightforward cooking that nourishes without complicating.

What to expect:

  • Morning: Hearty brunch after yoga practice, with a diverse range of options

  • Evening: Four gourmet dinners served at the villa — al fresco when the weather allows, with the garden and bay as your backdrop

Following yogic tradition, our villa meals are primarily plant-forward, creating consistency with our practice. We can accommodate all dietary restrictions and allergies.

Hello! I'm Hélène

I'm a 500-hour registered yoga instructor with over 15 years of practice and training in yoga and meditation.

"I grew up spending weekends and summers in Arcachon and around the Bay — and this coastline has been a part of me for as long as I can remember.

Some of my most vivid memories are here: walking on the beach in the grey November light, cycling for hours along the water's edge with the smell of pine and salt in the air, sitting down to a plate of fresh oysters at a wooden table by the bay.

Long before I came to yoga, this place was already teaching me something — about slowness, about nature's rhythms, about how little we actually need to feel completely alive.

This retreat brings together the two things I love most: the transformative depth of yoga practice, and the particular quality of presence that this corner of France makes possible. I can't wait to share it with you."

ABOUT ME

What Last Year Retreaters Are Saying:


"This yoga retreat was so much more than expected. I felt completely at ease thanks to Hélène's thoughtful, encouraging approach. The small group created intimate connections — we left as friends. Truly restorative and unforgettable!"

-Sheila De Paula

"I'm so happy I accepted the invitation to Hélène's retreat! Hélène made me comfortable from day one, tailoring classes to each participant's needs with patience and encouragement. I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat."

-Jennifer Dwoskin

"Hélène's retreat exceeded my expectations in every way. Hélène leads by example, meets people where they are, and is incredibly flexible. This trip created a perfect experience I'll cherish for years to come."

-Lisa Koenig

All The Details & FAQs:

What's Included:

• 5 nights of luxury accommodations with a private en suite bathroom

• All villa amenities: ecological pool, sauna and ice bath, bikes, yoga dome, library, common spaces, and private beach access

• Daily breakfast and four gourmet dinners at the villa

• Four nourishing brunches

• Twice-daily practice

• One evening sound bath

• One breathwork session (tentative)

• Transportation for all scheduled group activities

What's Not Included:

• Airfare to Bordeaux

• Airport or train station transfers (assistance with arranging available)

• One dinner at a local restaurant

• Massage treatments (bookable on-site)

• Paddleboard or bike rental fees, if applicable

• Personal expenses

Villa La Tosca is a guest house with 8 suites, two yoga spaces, an ecological swimming pool, sauna, and cold plunge tub, vast gardens, and steps directly onto the beach - that has been designed in the spirit of a luxury lodge, where every detail has been thought out for the comfort and enjoyment of its guests. 

  • Steps away from the sandy beach and Arcachon Bay

  • Infinity ecological pool (chlorine-free!)

  • Sauna and cold plunge tub

  • All yoga and meditation props included

  • Open-air dining space

  • Quiet nooks for journaling, reflection, and simply being

  • Daily housekeeping service

  • Massage services available for booking

  • Paddleboard & bikes available for booking

Nestled in the heart of Arcachon Bay in southwest France, our retreat villa is easy to reach by air or by rail.

Fly into Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD), then arrange a private transfer or rental car for the scenic 35-minute drive to Lanton.

Prefer the train? Take the TGV from Paris to Biganos-Marcheprime station (about 2.5 hours), followed by a short 20-minute transfer to the villa.

Full travel and arrival details will follow closer to the retreat date.

​​Check in -  Friday June 25th, 2027, at 3 pm (the first class will begin at 5 pm)

Check out - Wednesday, June 30th, around 11 am

Yes! We can put a mat down for you, and you can slide into the class whenever you arrive, or simply meet us at the first dinner. Unfortunately, we can't offer discounts for this.

To secure your spot:

  1. Fill out the reservation form, including personal information and choice of room

  2. Sign the retreat contract, accepting the cancellation policy and terms

  3. Submit a deposit of 30% via Zelle or by credit card through the registration form (a 4% fee applies for credit card payment)

Important: Deposits are non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should be purchased within 14 to 21 days of your deposit. Absolutely no exceptions.

Double Occupancy Booking Note:

Double-occupancy rooms must be booked with a travel companion. If you wish to be paired with a roommate, you must book a single-occupancy room and request a roommate placement. 

Roommate placement is not guaranteed, and if no roommate is found, single-occupancy rates will apply without exception.

  • 30% of the total amount (deposit) to reserve your space

  • Final Payment Due Date: March 25th, 2027

Important: Deposits are non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Please review our complete cancellation policy in the retreat contract.

All deposits are non-refundable for any reason. However, you may transfer your booking to another person (subject to our approval). It is your responsibility to find a replacement.

We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment.

  • Yoga mats and props are provided

  • Bathing suit for pool and optional paddleboarding

  • Layers — the bay can be cool in the morning and evening, even in June

  • Comfortable walking shoes/sandals

  • European plug adapters

  • Journal for reflections

  • Sunblocks + mosquito repellent

INQUIRY ABOUT THE 2027 RETREAT