Southern France, known for Provence and the Riviera, offers lush vineyards, lavender groves, azure seas, and sun-drenched beaches. It has inspired great artists and is home to art museums, magnificent cathedrals, the architectural splendors of the Renaissance, Gothic palaces, and great cities such as Marseille and Avignon.

Our retreat is located just north of Montpellier, the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon and one of the most vibrant cities in France. Less frantic and more affordable, the region is rich in history. The world's largest wine region covers expanses of the astonishing landscape. Enchanting medieval market towns (City of Uzes) and handsome old towns complement the Mediterranean. The walled city of Carcassonne is in driving distance, as are the Roman cities of Nimes and Narbonne, and towns of Perpignan, Beziers, Ceret.

We stay at Le Hameau de l'Étoile (The Star's Hamlet), on an exceptional 49-acre site scattered with old oaks and edged by a river. Set in magnificent nature, it consists of a settlement of buildings dating back to the 12th century. Facilities and infrastructure are entirely renovated but reflect the spirit of its history. Rooms in old stone buildings are distinct in their personal style and offer picture windows and private shower and bathroom. Cost effective, comfortable 'Nomad' tents allow a sensual experience in touch with nature, sharing a common bathhouse. Regional, local cuisine is served in open and shady patios. The vegetarian buffet offers fresh, healthy, balanced food.

Yoga classes, taught by Suddha Weixler, including meditation, and talks on the history of yoga and its philosophy. Suddha began studying yoga in 1978 on his first visit to India. He spent eight years in a monastic environment learning the classical system. He was certified in 1984 and is the Director of the Chicago Yoga Center. Initiated into Raja Yoga and Meditation in 1982 by Swami Narayanananda, his training includes classical Hatha, the Iyengar method and study of Ashtanga Yoga with Pattabhi Jois in South India, annually from 1995 through 1998. He is a student of Srivatsa Ramaswami of Chennai, and has been introduced into the Vinyasa Krama method of Sri T. Krishnamacharya. Suddha has been an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago since 1989, and enjoys the art of photography.
Suddha's teaching style is precise, attentive and integrating. Students will be working at their own capacity. The workshop will include morning sitting meditation practice. The morning asana class will be deep and therapeutic, blending the essential aspects of the Iyengar, Ashtanga and Viniyoga traditions, as well as Yin Yoga. The afternoon practice will include creative and dynamic Vinyasa sequences. The emphasis is on the integration of all physical, mental, energetic and spiritual faculties.