Gardoussel
Gardoussel is a magical oasis of calm and incredible natural beauty set in the lush Cevennes Mountains, 1 hour from Nimes and 2 hours from Montpellier.
A place of stunning simplicity where guests can truly relax without the distractions of tv, crowds or traffic. Gardoussel is a friendly family run retreat - a special place to completely unwind. The area is abundant in wildlife. Buzzards, falcons, woodpeckers and owls can be glimpsed - or heard - among the trees.
Secluded yet within easy access to the nearest village St Andre de Valborg 1km away along a small country road. St Andre has a grocery shop, a butcher, two cafes, two restaurants and a tourism office. It also has a craft shop and a pottery studio which offers drop-in sessions and workshops (English spoken)
Yoga classes will be on the yoga deck, in the shade of the trees, each morning. Art workshops (3 hours each morning) will take place in the studio or around the property and village. Afternoons are free to enjoy your own time.
There is a large natural swimming pool with waterfall just 5 minutes’ walk towards the village, with picnic tables, benches and diving rocks: truly spectacular! For those who prefer a pool there is a 36m2 above-ground pool also by the river, this is a metre deep. There are 12 marked hiking trails in and around the village, one of which crosses through the edge of the property. Maps with full details are available from the local tourist office in the village, or just explore the hills behind the hamlet.
Mountain bikes can be hired from another local village, as can donkeys for accompanied treks.
Optional extras: Pamper yourself with a Swedish massage, Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy or try Ayurvedic cookery lessons… or simply relax in a hammock in peaceful gardens & grounds.
During the heat of the day, the forest offers some much-welcomed, natural shade. There is a little stream that descends the mountainside behind the property which joins the Gardon River at the foot of the valley. Hammocks are suspended among the trees.
Accommodation is in a combination of gites and adjacent bedrooms with shared bathrooms and living areas.
Breakfast is self-service and continental-style (breakfast cereals, toast, jams, juices, tea / coffee etc). Lunch and dinner consist of delicious, fresh, home-made vegetarian meals inspired by Ayurvedic nutritional principles, adjusted to western foods and culture. Most of the ingredients used are organic and grown in the local area. Ayurvedic nutrition is about balancing body energies - constitution, capacity, digestive strength, age, health and lifestyle. At Gardoussel the meals are designed with the season and climate in mind, prepared using organic ingredients, wholegrains, ghee and sesame oil, served at regular times in a relaxed supportive environment. The largest meal is at lunchtime when the body is best able to digest foods.
Meals are normally served on a terrace overlooking the valley, or in the communal living/dining room. Wine is included.After dinner there may an impromptu musical evening.
Because this is a family run retreat visitors are requested to assist at meal times by washing up and clearing away afterwards. http://gardoussel.com
Gardoussel Holiday – Saturday 7th August to Saturday 14th August 2010
Included - 7 nights full board(all meals and wine) and accommodation – Morning/evening yoga sessions – 5 art workshops – all equipment - free afternoon – visit to local market. Transfer from Nimes.
Not included – Flights - Insurance - Towels
Cost £800 per person. After the election, recession and the ash… reduced to £700 per person
It is normal practice to share a room. Single rooms may be available depending on numbers for a supplement of 150 euros. Call for single rooms/non participating partners.
Travel to France:
Fly to Carcassonne, Nimes, Montpellier with Ryanair/Easyjet
Train/Car – Eurostar to Carcassonne, Nimes www.ferrycheap.com
Call Rail Canterbury: 01227 450088
email: rail@rail-canterbury.co.uk
