Yoga Retreat in France September 2026
This was our, first foray into a week abroad for YHET. We booked about 18 months in advance,and it was Gill Ansty who had been researching possible venues, who had stumbled across the MILL RETREAT CENTRE near Aumale in France.
What a fabulous place!!
12 of us met up at Maidstone in the Premier Inn for dinner the night before so, that we were ready to be picked up by Pawel the caretaker, to be taken in the Mill’s minibus through the channel tunnel and off to AUMALE. There was a slight hiccup, in that Pawel went to West Malling instead of Maidstone West station. This left time for the group to bond, while we waited for Pawel to arrive…..he did!! 1 hour later.
We arrived about 5.00pm despite the hiccup, to find Gill and Phil, who had driven over in their camper van, and Rukaiya who had flown in from Canada, waiting for us. Later that evening Sara and Lisa arrived from Scotland via Charles de Gaulle airport and a taxi.
Now we were 17 and ready to spend the week together.
We had a yoga session each morning followed by brunch. Meditation at noon for anyone who was around and a yoga session each evening followed by dinner. There were snacks left out each afternoon. Food was vegetarian and rather scrummy.
Unusually there were several teachers sharing their work around the theme of the Elements. Myself, Gill Ansty, Phil Ansty, Sara Matchett and Sue Eddy.
This really led to an interesting and exciting programme.
We loved the lake, we could walk round it or row a boat or paddle board or swim, and the water was 21C, and every day we could sit by the lake to read by ourselves or to meet others and chat.
The yoga hall was beautiful, we walked a labyrinth, which took a lot of preparation but was really appreciated. For many it was their first experience of this lovely spiritual practice.
We had a chance to visit Amiens and the beautiful cathedral. We visited the gardens of Henri le Sidaner in Gerberoy and the gardens of the Chateau du Digeon
We’re booking again for 2028……..will you be joining us???
Alison Francis YHET trustee