French Basque Yoga Retreat
June 14th - 20th, 2026
la vie douce
Join James Hardy for an immersive six-day yoga retreat in the French Basque–Landes region of southwestern France. From June 14–20, 2026, we’ll call L’Airial du Branasse our home — a breathtaking 5-hectare forest estate surrounded by towering pines, open meadows, and the slow, grounding rhythm of nature. Just 15–20 minutes from the Atlantic coast, this retreat blends deep practice with European summer living: space to breathe, ocean air, nourishing meals prepared by our private chef, time to rest, and opportunities to explore this beautiful region.
Our venue is a beautifully restored 19th-century property featuring a dedicated yoga shala, a 25-meter geothermal-heated pool, Nordic sauna and cold-plunge, multiple indoor/outdoor gathering spaces, thoughtfully designed private suites, and a stunning lofted shared room created for comfort and community. Each day will include yoga and meditation, shared meals, and optional excursions to nearby beaches, forests, and local villages — with plenty of room to shape your own experience.
All retreat details, pricing, accommodations, and travel information are outlined below.
Pourquoi la France?
France has been special to me since childhood — my dad lived in Paris before I was born, and his love for the language and culture shaped my own. I studied French from sixth grade through college, and a high-school trip through the country eventually brought me to Biarritz, where the mix of ocean air, Basque culture, food, architecture, and relaxed coastal magic left a permanent imprint.
For more than a decade I’ve dreamed of bringing a yoga retreat back to this coast, and after years of searching for the right venue, I finally found it: L’Airial du Branasse. It’s the perfect place to slow down, reconnect, and experience the best of this region.
Tuition
$3,400 — single occupancy (private suite)
$2,800 — double occupancy (shared suite)
$2,600 — triple occupancy (shared suite)
$2,400 — quad occupancy (shared suite)
$1,900 — lofted shared room (10 beds)
Deposit
A $500 deposit reserves your spot.
Final payment is due March 1st, 2026.
Payment Methods
• Venmo: @James_Hardy (last four digits: 3255)
• Zelle: jacquesdhardi@me.com
• Check / bank transfer: available upon request
What's Included
Meals
Meals are crafted each day by our private chef, highlighting seasonal ingredients, vibrant coastal flavors, and warm, family-style dishes that bring our group together. Thoughtful and nourishing, these meals anchor our days between yoga, ocean air, and exploration.
All meals are included, except for two evenings out when dinner is on your own.
Yoga + Meditation
Daily yoga and meditation throughout the week, designed to help you move, breathe, restore, and reconnect.
Property Amenities
• 25-meter geothermal-heated pool
• Nordic sauna + cold plunge
• Forest walks and open meadows
• Game room + bar
• Yoga shala
Included Excursions
Your retreat tuition includes curated group experiences designed to explore the Basque-Landes region and nearby Basque coast.
Planned excursions include:
• Beach trips to Hossegor
• A vineyard visit with wine tasting and lunch
• An evening out in Hossegor
• A night out in Biarritz
• A visit to the Bayonne Cathedral
The final excursion schedule will be confirmed as we get closer to June 2026, but these core experiences are already included.
Transportation
• Round-trip airport transfers (arrival + departure)
• Local transportation for all group excursions
We’ll communicate exact airport pickup windows well in advance. If your flight falls outside those scheduled windows, transportation will be on your own.
Accommodations
Private Suites
Our retreat offers six beautifully designed suites, each with its own ensuite bathroom and a peaceful natural setting. The suites vary in layout — some feature double beds, others include twinable beds or flexible configurations that accommodate up to four guests.
Light-filled, spacious, and thoughtfully crafted with warm wood and modern design, the suites offer a quiet place to rest, recharge, and enjoy the forest surroundings between yoga, meals, and excursions.
Suite Pricing
• $3,400 — single occupancy (private suite)
• $2,800 — double occupancy (shared suite)
• $2,600 — triple occupancy (shared suite)
• $2,400 — quad occupancy (shared suite)
Shared Loft Room
Our shared loft room is a warm, beautifully crafted space designed for guests who enjoy community and connection. The loft features 10 thoughtfully arranged beds in a cozy, open-concept layout with natural wood, soft lighting, and high ceilings that create an inviting, relaxing atmosphere.
A spacious shared bathroom area includes multiple showers, toilets, and sinks to comfortably support the group. This room is ideal for solo travelers or friends who want an accessible price point while still enjoying all retreat experiences, amenities, and the beauty of the property.
Shared Loft Pricing
• $1,900 — shared loft room (10 beds)
Arrival + Departure
Please plan to arrive on Sunday, June 14th, 2026 and depart on Saturday, June 20th, 2026.
We will provide airport pickup and drop-off windows as we get closer to the retreat. If your flight falls outside those scheduled windows, you will be responsible for arranging your own transportation.
The closest airport is:
Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ)
More detailed travel guidance will be shared well in advance of the retreat.
Passport
All participants must have a valid passport.
For international travel, it is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
Cancellation Policy
Your $500 deposit is non-refundable.
Cancellations made on or before March 1st, 2026 will receive a refund of any tuition paid, minus the non-refundable deposit.
After March 1st, 2026, all payments become non-refundable, as retreat arrangements and venue commitments will already be underway.
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your reservation to another participant. If we have a waitlist, we’re happy to help share the opportunity, though a replacement cannot be guaranteed.
Age Requirement
This retreat is intended for adults.
Please no participants under the age of 18.
Questions
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out anytime:
James Hardy
jacquesdhardi@me.com
435-901-3255
