Yoga Holidays & Retreats

We run, assist with and organise a selection of events, retreats and workshops linking yoga and our love of the outdoors & nature. These include:

Yoga in the Ardeche: Combining in depth yoga practise with walks in the spectacular Spring & Autumnal Ardeche countryside
Hiking & Yoga: Gentle or energising yoga sessions combined with walks and memorable bike rides in the amazing countryside of the Ardeche....On request we can organise for small groups (up to 10 people) hiking holidays in the Tarentaise mountains (French Alps) near Val d'Isere.
Workshop weekends: Designed to realign and energise body & mind over a weekend period
Skiing & Yoga: Long weekends & week-long breaks combining skiing, yoga & massage; a natural fusion of body & mind.

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Massage

Ayurveda is the knowledge of life and as old as life itself. This ancient holistic medical system has been practised in India for more than 5000 years. It aims to balance and create union between our senses, body, mind and soul. According to Indian philosophy everything in the universe is composed or five basic elements namely earth, fire, water, air and ether. The 5 basic elements combine with each other to give rise to 3 main bio-physical forces – the Tridoshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha which are present in every individual. The dominance of any of these doshas determines the individual constitution. The balance between these three doshas leads to a healthy life.

Ayurveda looks at using a combination of elements to prevent injury or illness by creating a healthy body – rather like an artist preparing his canvas before creating his masterpiece. Massage is one of these elements and is used as an integral part of the balancing process. It is used as part of the detoxification progress and works along the different energy zones o the body cleansing, releasing tension and recharging the batteries.

Abhyanga or all-over body massage is used for all body types. Warm sesame seed oil often infused with special herbs are used for the massage. The massage is deeply relaxing and harmonises, detoxifies, strengthens and revitalises the entire body. The massage also improves lymph flow and stimulates the immune system. Furthermore whilst providing a tired person with new energy it simultaneously calms and strengthens the nervous system.. It is a beautiful, flowing & relaxing massage whilst destressing the body and mind.

Yoga in the Mountains

During the Winter months Charlotte teaches Yoga in the Alps in the resorts of Tignes, Val d'Isère and St Foy. Combine your skiing holiday with the deep stretching & inner harmony of a yoga session. Detox and unwind, balance and loosen your body to fully enjoy the following day on the piste!

Charlotte trained at the Sivananda Vedanta International School of Yoga and her classes are based on Hatha yoga postures and incorporate breathing exercises, relaxation and visualisation. Vinyasa Flow techniques are also incorporated into certain classes with solar and lunar flows. These sessions work on respecting and integrating the appropriate Rasa (energy or juice of life) into the yoga practise. Vira Rasa works on dynamic poses channelling the heroic, strong energy within, Shringara Rasa works on opening with fluidity the body and mid and Shanti Rasa goes within creating peace and calm. Charlotte also teaches Ashtanga Yoga classes for those more focussed on this specific and structured practise. All classes are based on the aspects of Force, Fluidity and Flexibility where opposing forces create space and openess. Your inner calm creates a deeper sense of mental and physical awareness, greater harmony and a better sense of balance. Yin Yoga classes are simple and yet deeply relaxing as postures are held for 5-6 minutes at a time. With meditative breathing throughout the practise this is an intensely personal experience and beautifully relaxing.

Yoga is a living science - one that has evolved over thousands of years and continues to evolve in accordance with the needs of humanity. Anyone can practise yoga. The yoga postures or asanas exercise every part of the body, stretching and toning muscles and joints, the spine and the entire skeletal system. By releasing physical and mental tension, they also liberate vast resources of energy. Also, the practice of positive thinking and meditation gives increased clarity, mental power and concentration. Strength and flexibility merge and join forces to create a harmonious state and allow both mind and body to connect, release and relax.

A typical Class Consist of:
Breathing Exercises: Pranayama
Yoga Postures: Asanas
Relaxation: Savasana
Meditative qualities of pose retention & Drishtis
Each Session lasts: 1-1 ½ Hours
Group classes & Private sessions available

Group Classes - Winter 2008/09 - November-April

Monday: Hatha Vinyasa Flow - 20h00
Wednesday:Hatha Vinyasa Flow - 18h30
Wednesday:Ashtanga Yoga - 20h00
New for 2008T
Sunday (once per month):Yin Yoga - 18h30
Yin Yoga are simple and yet deeply relaxing classes as postures are held for 5-6 minutes at a time. With meditative breathing throughout the practise this is an intensely personal experience and beautifully relaxing.Sundays at 18h30.
All classes at the Village des Enfants, Val d’Isère, Rond Point des Pistes