Frequently Asked Questions for France 2024 Retreat

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Deposits are due at the time of your application. We will be accepting applications through November 1st, 2023 OR until the event sells out whichever comes first.

 Full payment may be made at any time. You will be given a schedule of when additional amounts are due after your application has been approved and deposit received. Full payment must be received no later than January 1, 2024. 

No refunds unless the retreat is canceled. WE STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE. Our refund policy is strict because we must pay for the rooms in advance. You may transfer your registration with approval and a 100 Euro fee (Retreat Center Policy). 

WE STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE. Our refund policy is strict because we must pay for the rooms in advance. We suggest that you be fully insured for health, baggage, and trip cancellation/interruption. If you plan on traveling more than once this year, an annual policy might be a better option. Please reach out if you have difficulty finding this type of insurance or have further questions.

 Space is limited to 14 participants. 

 Please see the separate list of recommended things to bring 

You are not required to have phone access during this trip. It might be a good break from your routine responsibilities. If you want phone access, check with your current cell phone provider to see if they offer international coverage. Many have text and data only plans for international travel. If they do not or you think they are too expensive, you will need an international phone plan if you want to communicate when you are away from the retreat center. The facilitators may be reached by phone or text as an emergency contact. You will receive that information before the trip.  

 The retreat center is located in rural France. Wifi is available in some parts of the retreat center, but is not high speed and cannot be used to stream content (for example). It can be used for voice calls on WhatsApp to keep in contact with your family. The retreat center requests that you turn off Wifi when it is not in use to save bandwidth for other guests.  

Both retreat facilitators have phones that can be used for emergency contact. Texts are preferred, but for a true emergency calls will be accepted. You will be given these numbers before you leave for the retreat. 

It is possible to get continuing education credit for the retreat if you contact us well in advance and we can coordinate it with the appropriate authorities.  

Participation in all activities is encouraged, but not required. There are three days that lunch is on your own and up to two days that it is a picnic lunch provided during the excursion. If you choose not to participate on those days, lunch will not be provided. 

We will be providing vegetarian meals for all meals at the retreat center and at picnics. You may eat as you wish during our excursions and lunches on your own. You will not go hungry! Everyone raves about the food and wine provided as part of this experience.

The retreat center can cater to dietary requests such as vegan, gluten free, and some food allergies. During the registration process you will have the option to list your requests. These will then be shared with the retreat center.

Yes. Here are some things to be aware of before deciding if this trip is right for you. Wine and other alcohol are part of French culture and are available at the retreat center and on all excursions. Wine is served at lunch and dinner and there is an aperitif time before dinner where a liquor and wine is served. Alcohol consumption is not expected, but will be experienced.  

The closest major airport is in Toulouse. WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO ARRIVE THE DAY BEFORE THE RETREAT STARTS. Do not book travel until you receive confirmation that your travel will work with our schedule. More detailed information will be provided after you register. 

Absolutely!  We encourage it.  You are welcome to make your own travel plans. If you plan on arriving early, staying late, or you will be arriving by train, please let us know if andvance so that we can help you make the appropriate arrangements. The retreat center is not available for early arrivals or late departures. You will need to make other arrangements for accommodations. 

No. Many people say that learning French is a life-long pursuit. Some French is helpful in navigating around the excursions and getting what you need, like ordering food. More French is needed if you are going to adventure on your own before or after the retreat. Not all French people speak English, so you cannot assume that you will be able to communicate in English. Start using your language app of choice now and you will at least know some basic words before the trip. If you want to be more conversational before your trip, there are several programs that have helped others. Please reach out to us if you want to learn more.  

There are washers available for guests to use. Please bring some laundry strips or sheets for detergent (remember the rules for liquids). Dryers are very uncommon in Europe and are not available at the retreat center. There are inside or outside options for hanging your clothes to dry. You do not need to bring enough clothes for the entire trip! 

Here are some things to be aware of before deciding if this trip is right for you. There are a few lodging options on the first floor of the retreat center. However, the use of stairs is required to access the studio and gardens at Le Vieux Couvent. Due to the nature of the landscape many of the sites we will visit have uneven ground, cobblestone roads, stairs and or hills. 

During the application process, you will have the option to list your lodging preferences. Please make note of any mobility issues and roommate preferences. Each guest room at Le Vieux Couvent is unique and varies from single to double bed. There are a couple of rooms with two beds for friends who would like to stay together. Rooms vary in accessibility from ground level to third floor with spiral stairs. By default, rooms will be assigned as single occupancy unless otherwise requested. We will do our best to accommodate all requests keeping in mind accessibility needs above all.

We will be putting together a private FB group for registered participants. Through this group you will be able to coordinate travel plans as well as share things like packing tips, material lists, etc. We will also be holding several online events before the retreat to interact and get your questions answered.