Our centre in France

We have our own retreat and teaching centre at a lovely old convent, situated in small hamlet in a pretty and peaceful setting in the Aveyron, south of France.

The convent dates to around the early 1800’s (the oldest part, the Sacristy, dates to around 900AD). The building is a lovely stone and wood building (oak beamed throughout) and is nestled in a small valley, with countryside all around. It has a large south facing enclosed courtyard.

On the ground floor is a large entrance hall, old oak staircase (extending up to the top of the house), large lounge (with massive Inglenook fireplace) dining area (and 12 foot oak dining table), kitchen, a reading and relaxation room and a treatment room.
 
On the 1st Floor are 5 double/twin bedrooms (one en-suite), two shower room suites and one large bathroom suite. All bedrooms and 3 of the bath/shower rooms have windows and on all sides there are views of countryside.

On the top floor is a really stunning, completely open hall (around 120 square metres), with a wealth of oak beams to the roof and windows on all sides – this is our meditation and teaching hall.

We are 3kms from the nearby tourist town of St Geniez D’Olt, which is a delightful old town with farmers market, café’s (some overlooking the river), cloisters, bars, restaurants, shops and, of course, the town square for the playing of Boule/Petanque. In the summer there are open-air concerts and night markets (where the whole town is turned into an open-air picnic, with food and drink stalls). A couple of kilometres further and you come to the village of St Eulalie D’Olt, which is officially designated one of the prettiest villages in France.  

We are 40kms from Rodez, which has an airport with flights to/from Stansted (Ryan Air) and Paris and also a main train station, with routes throughout the country and direct trains to Paris (including overnight sleepers).

We run courses & retreats in France for groups and also offer private group courses. There are also occasional, specialised courses and events offered at the old convent (meditation and non-meditation related – see www.stuartbold.com)

Guest testimonials
The wonderful energies here have allowed me to really switch off and chill out and I’m going home totally refreshed and relaxed. Elizabeth Price

I’ll remember this week as one of the best in my life. Marlies Jonkers, Holland

I’ve had the most fantastic time here and in solitude with the surroundings. This is a really magical place. Megan Currie New Zealand

Thank you very much for a wonderful weekend – it was the space that I was craving – Michelle Taylor

What a great place ! I have not felt so relaxed for ages. Julie Mcarthy

Thank you so much for a memorable week and the experience of a lifetime with the course. I’ve had a wonderful life and this is a very special point in it. Joyce Hemmons, Spain

Stress busting and relaxing !! My aim now is come back in each of the four seasons. Bev and Ad and the two boys.

A lovely house in magical surroundings. Peter Stone

Had a fantastic stay – it will be the first of many visits. Suzanne and Mark

The weekend has been a real chilled experience and hugely enjoyable. Billie

I’ll be telling 250,000 Aussies, Kiwis and South Africans to come and visit the old convent – it is a fantastic little escape from the chaos of London. Caroline from TNT magazine

The convent is so lovely and peaceful – Craig, South Africa

Thank you for a truly memorable weekend. The meditation and Reiki – a truly calming yet moving experience. The old convent is a very special place to be shared. Andree

The convent was a beautiful Oasis – this is a very special, magical place. Seb and Sarah, France and UK

It’s been a memorable escape from city life – Karyn

Thank you for a very relaxing few days – it has done me the world of good. Sarah

What a good idea to come here! Carlen, USA

A very memorable few days – Kelly, South Africa

‘Thank you’ just doesn’t seem to do justice to the beautiful experience I feel I have shared at the old convent. Kirsty

What a beautiful, loving and nurturing two days. I can’t wait to bring my yoga group in September. Silva (Dru yoga teacher)

The perfect place, the perfect location – Martin

A beautiful space in a beautiful place – I very much hope to come back soon with my family – Sara

A very special place – Dylan

A wonderful, relaxing time – I’ll be back – Torticha, Chile

Thank you for opening your home to us and giving me the chance to stand and gaze. The serenity and beauty has touched me enormously.  Marie

A beautiful space and place and perfect for a week of yoga and relaxation – we return to the UK reluctantly but well rested. Liz and Roy

It’s hard to say thank you, as it doesn’t seem enough. It’s been an amazing retreat week and I’m looking forward to bringing others to this beautiful place. Silva and Martin

I thought I came to give but ended up receiving more! Thank you for a most warming experience. Prasadam (art teacher from Holland during the Art through Mediation weekend course)

You have created a wonderful, nuturing space. Maria (Satyamvidya summer yoga school)

What a wonderful place – heaven on earth lying in the hammocks

In the weekend we came to the old convent we found friendship, peace, beauty and Reiki and for the rest of our lives we have this gift THANK YOU. Lucy

Back again ! Each time I do not want to leave. Jannette

I feel so privileged to have had a second visit to this magical place – I hope to return again and again. thank you for everything. Carolyn

I will always remember this as a wonderful, calming and special experience. Tanya.

Sad to leave such a beautiful place and go back to the rat race. The wonderful thing is I have something very special to take back with me, as well as the memories. Starna, Greece.

As with last year, I just can’t seem to find the words to sum up the experience and I will attempt to with just one – Amazing – your teaching, the convent, the surroundings, the energy. Thank you. Tara

I hope to take the calm I have experienced back with me. Clare.

Thank you for the love and caring you put into our stay - and for the treatment and meditation. Kay

Thank you for inviting us into this wonderful space for our retreat – I know we all felt something very special here. Amy

What an experience. Mark

Completely relaxed and at peace! Jacky

A magical week – Sue

To Stuart and Teena, two beautiful people in the most beautiful place. I am in love with everything! Miriam

It just gets better and better each time we come. This has been the most beautiful and coherent retreat we have ever taken. With all my heart thanks. Silva and Martin, Dru yoga retreat organisers/teachers

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Valerie

Superb as ever. The old convent is certainly my home away from home. Gill

You are so generous to share this wonderful place with us. I have loved every minute. Sue

I do not want to go home. Steve

Calming and charming. Au revoir indeed! Elizabeth

Thanks again for a very special weekend. Following the evening meditation session, I experienced waves of overwhelming joy. Kevin

Thank you for a wonderful weekend. I feel very calm, with heightened emotions of happiness. I feel I have found a sanctuary in the old convent, a place for learning and development and also two very good teachers. Thank you. Siobhan.