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Yoga twice a day, unspoilt grounds and a lake, a perfect combination for a yoga holiday in rural France.

This well-equipped Yoga Studio is situated on the top floor of a small rural chateau built in 1772 by the Vicomte de la Grausse, a self catering holiday in a region famed for its food markets.

Here you can enjoy Yoga and relaxation in tranquil surroundings, with all the charm of traditional French country living – magnificent scenery, sunshine, good food and wine!

The Domaine de la Grausse is an estate in the green foothills of the Pyrenees, comprising extensive unspoilt grounds in the Ariege region; France's undiscovered treasure. 

From the large windows overlooking the extensive grounds and spring-fed lake, you can breathe pure, invigorating air, a gift and a  joy for the practise of Pranayama yogic breathing.

Each day you are invited to discover or regain your healthy energy through yoga sessions aimed at developing the potential of the individual. 

Classes are suitable for all levels - even beginners. We will combine all aspects of yoga from gentle to challenging, working alone or occasionally with a partner. The absorbing atmosphere will help to focus and centre the individual, thus attaining the desired physical and mental state of well being.

In your free time (and for any non-yoga participating partner / friend) when not relaxing or walking, there is the lake to swim in and bicycles available to explore your surroundings.

Food:  Eating is one of the major pleasures of traveling in France, where each region's cuisine reflects its history, geography and culture. Often you get a better idea of the regional specialities from visiting the open air markets than you do dining in restaurants. 

The local shop/cafe is 10 minutes walk away  and the famous regional speciality 'croustade' (not to be missed), just 15 minutes walk.

The nearest town Mas d'Azil is 10 kms, then St. Girons 15 kms and Foix 20 kms. Of course there is excellent cuisine available in restaurants to suit all throughout the region. 

If you are vegetarian do not fear - we know France is big on meat, however vegetarians are catered for in this area and we have compiled a food page with links to restaurants, markets and organic wholefood shops in the area

Click here to go to our food page

Walking, Cycling and Horse Riding

People seeking "green vacations" come to Ariège in summer to enjoy walking, cycling, and horse riding in the unspoiled surroundings.

We have prepared an information page about this for you.

Local facilities include horse riding and trekking, rafting. Also, numerous locally sign-posted walks, or more strenuous walks in the higher Pyrenees.

There is an 18 hole course only twenty minutes away

Sites of historical interest abound, including many world famous caves, containing pre-historic art. Castles and fortifications are sited throughout the region and often relate to the history of the Cathars. 

For those wishing to explore the area further, the Pyrenees, the Coast, Spain and Andorra are all within a reasonable distance for day trips.

Click here for more historical information

2008 Programme

Accommodation

All  accommodation is self-catering in one of two newly converted traditionally styled cottages, beautifully restored to a high standard. 

Both the single and double rooms have en-suite facilities. 

There is a fully equipped kitchen /dining room, with a unique timber ceiling and relaxing views of the green meadows and rolling countryside. 

The spacious, cool and comfortable lounge has the unusual feature of local stone walls containing in-bedded fossilized sponges from a past era. the lounge opens onto a large terrace, perfect for 'al fresco' dining or drinking.

For more information please contact us at:   Free Spirit Travel   or call on:   01273-564230

Updated 02/04/2008