“The only time I’ve been away and enjoyed the food.”

“Enjoyed a wonderful week. Obviously a lot of time, effort and energy has gone into making it such a beautiful and comfortable environment.”

"One of the most peaceful and beautiful places I have had the privilege to visit."

Surroundings

Surrounded by glorious pine and holm oak forests, Gardoussel is a picturesque hamlet set in 45 acres of private meadow and woodland in the heart of the Mediterranean mountains, 1 hour from Nimes and 2 hours from Montpellier.

“A simply wonderful area to explore. The walks up the mountains and down the valley were superb adventures full of rewards; views, chestnuts, rushing water – a true paradise.”

"I have learned so much that I can use for my everyday life in the city. They'll keep me calm and peaceful and spirited. The most important is that I'm more focussed and relaxed now, able to see things more clearly. My body and soul are ready for a new way of living."

Accommodation

Guests are accommodated in our gites (holiday apartments) and independent, en-suite bedrooms.

'Highly Recommended': The Good Retreat Guide (5th edition) by Stafford Whiteaker. 'A beautiful setting... very peaceful... comments from guests are full of praise for this place'

Gîtes

We have 2 gîtes (holiday apartments) for rent for those who wish to stay with us on an independent basis. Full details on our gîtes page.

Groups & Workshops

We welcome groups and teachers who are seeking a yoga venue or workshop venue for hire, in order to run their own courses or workshops at Gardoussel. We usually run a few events ourselves during the summer months and others organized by the European Institute of Vedic Studies (EIVS) here in France.

We require a minimum of 12 paying participants for an exclusive booking of the centre, though smaller groups are possible, sharing the space with others.

Meals

Delicious Ayurvedic meals, prepared using fresh, vegetarian ingredients, are served on our terrace with stunning views across the valley or, in cooler weather, inside our communal lounge / dining room. We use mostly organic, local produce and whole grains, not to mention local wine. Breakfasts are continental-style self-service.

Leisure & Therapy

Pamper yourself with a choice of therapies: Ayurvedic massage, Swedish massage, Ayurvedic consultations or classes (see ayurveda offerings for more information), yoga classes, craniosacral therapy, acupuncture and Ayurvedic cookery lessons. For the more enegetic, the local area offers a wide variety of hiking trails, river bathing, mountain biking, donkey rental, tennis, a local Sunday market... or simply explore the hills behind the hamlet or relax in a hammock in our peaceful gardens & grounds.

Our Ethos

Gardoussel's predecessor, The Sun Centre, was founded in 2001 after we moved from Scotland to France to follow our dream of creating a space where people could let go, relax and learn or develop tools for self-awareness, in beautiful natural surroundings. Our interest and integration of various traditions and methods into our family life is the basis of the experience that we share with our visitors.

"Please do not alter the simplicity of a very special place. A big, big thankyou."

Travel

We are about 1hr 15mins from Nimes airport (called Garons) and 1hr 45mins from Montpellier airport (called Montpellier Méditerranée). It takes approx 2hr 30mins to get to Avignon (closest TGV train stop for the south of France). See the travel page for details.

Families / Children

Families with children are welcome and can be catered for on most events. <more>

Ayurveda Events

Gardoussel Retreat regularly hosts Ayurveda courses, Ayurveda workshops, Ayurveda correpondence courses and Ayuryoga (Ayurvedic yoga) trainings organised by the European Institute of Vedic Studies (www.atreya.com). Please see their website for details of all their activities in Europe including England, Switzerland, and France.

You may also like to consult Alex's Ayurveda website: www.practical-ayurveda.net

Music at Gardoussel

Alex plays guitar and sings and likes to share his music with guests and local musicians. Rooted in the blues, he likes to experiemnet with other styles including folk, world music, jazz, funk, indian devotional music etc. Check out his music page to listen to some examples. Besides Alex, Sharon sings, and Frances & Maggie (our live-in helpers) play percussion.

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