Salut, fam! We can’t wait to adventure with you in France oh-so-soon. In the meantime, here’s all the info you need to get ready {but if you have other questions, don’t hesitate to drop us a line!} Please take a few minutes to help us get to know you with the pre-retreat survey, below.

packing tips

This retreat is about connection, to a new place and also to your truest self. So come as you are, or as you'd like to be. We'll have one or two nicer meals, but for the most part, you can be as casual or as put-together as you like. Do what makes you feel good.

There are, however, a few things we want to be sure you remember…

• swimwear // There will be ample opportunity for pool time, and to take a dip in the Mediterranean

• comfortable clothes for movement and meditation // Aim for layers, to keep you covered for sweaty moments and sweet Savasana in the breeze. In fact…

• layers are très chic // Daytime temps tend to hover in the low 80s, while it dips down around 60 at night (that’s highs around 28 and lows around 15 celsius) - yet another reason September on the Riviera is so dreamy. We recommend dressing in layers for comfort.

• walking shoes // From cobblestone streets to forest paths, the landscapes of France beg to be wandered, and wander we shall!

• any medications you may need // French pharmacies are stocked differently than you may be used to, which can be fun to explore, but if you think you'll want any specific comforts, may as well bring them along. That said, you should also have…

• room in your suitcase! // There are so many treasures to discover here, from soaps and perfectly French striped sweaters to unique handicrafts and other packable works of art.

a note on currency:  The vast majority of shops and cafés accept cards and tap-to-pay with your phone (and all but one or two meals are already covered!); you should only need cash Euros for small transactions like a coffee and pastry. There are plenty of secure ATMs available, but check to see if your bank/cards have foreign transaction fees. 

got a little extra time? here are a few nearby dreamscapes you might want to visit…

Nice
Besides the nearest international airport to our sweet retreat, we love Nice’s classic old-world vibe, abundant English speakers, and the hidden gems you’ll find along its winding streets. It’s also an excellent jumping off point for extending your trip along the Riviera or into Italy. Visit Nice for old-Hollywood glamour meets modern infrastructure; beach-front cocktails; and the quickest transfer to and from the retreat. 
You can also easily visit Cannes from here but - spoiler alert - we'll be there for a day on retreat.

Marseille
My adopted hometown! Marseille has been a major immigration hub for 2,000 years, making it a cauldron of diverse cultural and gastronomic influences unlike anywhere else in France. I am obsessed with this city and will tell you all the best places to stay, eat, beach, hike, and wander. Come to Marseille for natural beauty wildly different from home (including the Calanques National Park); funky-cool neighborhoods and an innovative food scene; high-speed train links to Paris, Italy, and Spain.

Paris
In addition to being, well, Paris, the City of Lights is my second home in France and if you stop through even for 24 hours, we’ll have loads of recommendations tailored to your desires. (I especially love Paris’ quiet corners, perfect for slowing down with a book and an espresso, watching the city dance around you; if you think you’ve “done Paris,” please allow me to convince you otherwise).

Menton
This little gem of the Riviera is a postcard come to life. Menton’s seaside, colorful buildings and hilly cobblestone streets will charm you from morning to starry night. Also, from here you can hop a 20-minute train to Italy, just for lunch or a cannoli or whatever - how fun is that?? 

And speaking of Italy…

Northern Italy
Turin, Genoa, Milan, and even Florence are within a half-day of Nice by train - and yeah, we’ve got rec’s there too! If you want to travel solely by air, we recommend Rome for the easiest transfer to and from Nice.