INTRODUCTION
I am delighted to introduce our new and exclusive Retreat in Provence and the Riviera. Unlike my other offerings, this is not a Photo Workshop. This unique, and delightfully affordable experience invites you to immerse yourself in my favourite places, activities, and personal connections in Provence, where I live part-time with my husband, Gilles.
Nestled in the heart of lesser-known Provence, this region features serene hilltop villages, terraced olive groves, and breathtaking mountain trails.
Our retreat is designed to nourish both mind and spirit through a blend of cultural and creative activities including learning about the famous artists of the region, daily yoga, and ways to explore personal growth, enjoying a cooking class with a gifted culinary doyenne, taking photos in some super-photogenic places, savoring healthy and delicious meals from our private home chef, and going on healthy walks in the mountains.
We are particularly privileged to be there in May, when the iconic "Roses de Mai," harvested for Chanel and Dior, are in bloom.
Join us for a transformative retreat that promises relaxation, inspiration, and a deep connection to the beauty of Provence and the Riviera.
DATES
The retreat lasts 9 nights and 8 full days.
The workshop officially begins the afternoon of May 12, and guests may check out anytime May 21, 2025. The closest airport is Nice. Airport transfers can be arranged, including shared taxis.
EXPERIENCES MAY INCLUDE
- daily yoga sessions with London-based teacher, Tiril Gardaa
- cooking class with chef Fabienne Sitri, known for using local ingredients, sometimes foraged
- sailing along the Riviera with a picnic lunch on an island
- visiting the famous Fondation Maeght and the Renoir Museum with dynamic art expert, Michel Rémy
- special access to observe and photograph the beautiful roses harvest
- strolling through the old town of Nice, visiting the antique market and the iconic Promenade des Anglais
- eating in local restaurants that impart true French charm
- exploring picturesque hill villages
- enjoying a lively market to understand the culture through the cuisine of Provence
- spending the morning with a truffle-hunter and his dogs and enjoying a scrumptious truffle lunch
- hiking on my favorite mountain path, with views towards the Mediterranean, ending with a picnic lunch
- visiting a magnificent winery with the largest private modern art collection in Europe
- attending the famous Roses Festival in Grasse, legendary for perfume
Max number of guests is set to 10 people
WHAT IS INCLUDED
A 9-night/8-day retreat in Provence with seasoned traveler and Provence resident Catherine Karnow
9 nights in a charming, tasteful home outside the village of SeillansAll breakfasts
All meals and wine at our villa Private home chef, Louise Robertson, known for her fantastically delicious and healthy food Cooking class with Fabienne Sitri Possible truffle experience All admissions Daily yoga Art learning with expert Michel Rémy Hiking guide Photography learning and guidance with National Geographic photographer Catherine Karnow Sailing on the RivieraWHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International Flights
Airport transfers
Travel insurance
Some meals out (approx 6)
Transportation (We will share cars and split costs of gas, tolls, parking.)
Tips
ACCOMMODATIONS & COSTS
We will be staying at a charming, private family estate, which we have all to ourselves. All the rooms are different, and there are some shared bathrooms. The house is an easy walk to the village of Seillans, designated as "one of the most beautiful villages in France."
The cost of the workshop is based on which room you choose.
OVERVIEW - Three Houses
The property consists of three houses on a large, lovely, bucolic piece of land, a ten-minute walk from the village of Seillans, designated as “one the most beautiful villages in France.” There are terraces to eat al fresco, and two swimming pools, one of which is heated. The style of the Farmhouse is country-comfortable with Provençale fabrics, sink-into couches, Asian art and modern western art, and lots of books (in English). The property belongs to an English family who have had this home for decades, as their country home which they rent out to a discerning clientele. They spent many years in Asia, hence the Asian art and large vintage photographs from old Burma.
Please note that all rooms have high-quality sheets and pillows, and can be darkened for sleep.
FARMHOUSE
The Farmhouse is our main house and where we will take meals, lounge, eat in the dining area and terraces. This is an old Provençale house.
Farmhouse Second Floor Master Queen is a master on the second floor with its own bathroom.
Farmhouse First Floor Queen One, shares a bathroom with Farmhouse First Floor Queen Two.
Farmhouse First Floor Queen Two, shares a bathroom with Farmhouse First Floor Queen One.
Farmhouse Ground Floor Single has its own bathroom that also serves as the powder room.
CABANON
The Cabanon is a Le Corbusier-inspired cottage and recently renovated. It is a three-minute walk down a garden path from the Farmhouse. It has two rooms.
Cabanon Queen One has a queen and a single bed. This is the only room with two separate beds.
Cabanon Queen Two is a bit smaller with queen bed only.
Each room has its own private bathroom.
SMALLER HOUSE
A smaller villa, about a five-minute walk up a garden path, is for myself and our yoga teacher, and where we will all practice yoga in the living room.
ROOMS
Farmhouse Second Floor Master Queen
A master on the second floor with its own bathroom.
Single price: $8800
Double price: $6400 per person
This room is already booked.
Farmhouse First Floor
Queen One
Shares a bathroom with Farmhouse First Floor Queen Two.
Single price: $5400
Double price: $4400 per person
Farmhouse First Floor
Queen Two
Shares a bathroom with Farmhouse First Floor Queen One.
Single price: $5400
Double price: $4400 per person
Farmhouse First Floor Single (Twin Bed)
Shares a bathroom that is on the ground floor and also serves as the powder room.
Single price: $4200
Cabanon Queen One
Has a queen and a single bed. This is the only room with two separate beds.
Private bathroom
Single price: $5800
Double price: $4800 per person
This room is already booked.
Cabanon Queen Two
A bit smaller than Cabanon Queen One, with queen bed only.
Private bathroom
Single price: $5600
Double price: $4600 per person