French Julie Travels
Slow Living Retreats
Step Away from the Noise.
Step Into the Beauty of France.
Wake to sunlit mornings, wander through markets, and linger over candlelit dinners.
Together, we’ll savor beauty, share laughter, and experience the magic of France’s slow-paced life.
May 31 - June 6, 2026
"This retreat wasn’t just a trip - it was a heartfelt experience that nourished my soul, and I’m so thankful to Julie for making it so special. It really was one of the best experiences of my whole life" -Daisy
"Your retreat was the experience of a lifetime" -Mary
"I was looking for something deeper than a spa day - something that would bring me out of the day-to-day haze, and this was it.” -Meredith
Does this sound like you?
• You feel constantly pulled in a hundred directions - always doing, rarely being.
• Your mind is full, your calendar even fuller, and even vacations somehow feel like work.
• You crave beauty, stillness, and connection - but you can’t seem to slow down long enough to enjoy them.
• You long for a break that feels restorative and real - where someone else handles the details, and all you have to do is show up and breathe (...and eat....and drink wine).
Imagine if life felt like this for a week…
How amazing would it be if...
you woke up to sunlight pouring through French windows, with nothing on your agenda except to savor the day ahead?
Imagine mornings spent wandering through local markets, afternoons filled with laughter around long, beautiful meals, and evenings under candlelight and stars.
and...
you didn’t have to make a single decision? No endless researching or planning accommodation, restaurants, transportation, logistics, activities.
Every detail is handled for you, so you can simply be present and let France unfold around you.
And for once, the only thing on your to-do list is to enjoy it.
How grateful would you be if...
you discovered the joy of shared experience - women gathered around a table, savoring good food, good wine, and the beauty of slowing down.
Together, you shared stories, laughter, and connection, and as the week comes to an end, you feel lighter, inspired, and deeply renewed by the gentle rhythm of slow living in France.
If you’re finding yourself nodding along to all this, you’re not alone…
Many of us crave rest, connection, and beauty — we’re just not used to giving ourselves permission to have them.
That’s exactly why I created Slow Living Retreats. Step into the rhythm of slow living in the South of France, where time stretches, meals linger, and beauty is found in every small moment.
Each retreat is designed to help you rest deeply, reconnect with yourself, and experience the simple magic of French life through good food, good company, and breathtaking surroundings.
Whether you’re drawn to the charm of a hilltop village near the Riviera or the elegance of a château in the south of France, both offer a week of ease, connection, and delight - with every detail taken care of for you.
No endless planning or decisions. Just show up, exhale, and let France do the rest.
“Being part of this retreat was like pressing pause on everyday life and stepping into a gentle, joyful rhythm with amazing women around me...Each day felt like something straight out of my saved Pinterest boards - beautiful, dreamy moments I’ve been imagining for years.” -Daisy
Our Provence Hilltop Village
A week of charm, connection, and slow living above the French Riviera. Perched in a medieval village where cobblestone lanes wind toward sweeping Mediterranean views, this retreat captures the essence of Provençal life - golden light, morning markets, and long lunches on sun-drenched terraces. It’s simple and beautiful, a soulful escape to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the joy of being in France.
Slow down, savor beauty, and rediscover joy in France.
What to Expect:
• A philosophy of slow living and savoring the moment
• Long, beautiful meals inspired by French cuisine and local markets
• Connection with like-minded women in relaxed, joyful settings
• Thoughtfully curated experiences designed for rest, awe, and inspiration
Where You'll Stay
Stunning Views, Peaceful Ambiance
There are two properties to choose from. Both are nestled in the same quiet village, just across from each other.
The accommodations are calm, minimal, and designed for rest — the kind of spaces that invite you to breathe, unwind, and enjoy the slower rhythm of village life.
What's the difference?
The Villa has AC in all bedrooms, more interior common spaces to lounge in, a big terrace with views of the countryside & Mediterranean, and a private pool.
The Village rooms do not have AC, but a fan can be provided. The primary common space is the outdoor terrace.
All meals, excursions, and activities are enjoyed together. Both are designed for peace and ease, and both have stunning views over the French countryside with the Mediterranean in the distance.
The Village House
Located in a historic stone building just steps from the main square, these rooms are minimal, bright, and thoughtfully comfortable. They offer a restful place to unwind after a day of exploring, with windows that open to soft Provençal light, the sound of church bells, and the gentle rhythm of village life. Most rooms have sweeping views over the countryside with the Mediterranean sea in the distance.
It’s a simple, grounding space to pause, reflect, and recharge between long lunches and slow evenings under the stars.
The Villa
What past retreat guests have to say...
“Julie has created such a warm and welcoming environment - one that attracts positive, adventurous, open-minded women.”
— Meredith
“You have the opportunity to experience a part of France you wouldn't normally see or do with someone who considers details while also leaving much room for flexibility and relaxing.”
— Sarah
“You put together a fantastic, mindful time with fun and laughs and a true, peaceful escape from reality. I can't wait for next year!”
— Mary
"Every meal we shared was a feast for the senses, with laughter and new friendships blooming around the table.”
— Daisy
"The best part of the week was just spending time making new friendships and the laughter."
— Pamela
"The dinners were fabulous but not just the food, the company and laughter! I was so sad to leave and sincerely miss everyone."
— Vickie
The retreat...was such a meaningful and unforgettable experience for me. From the very start, Julie’s warm and genuine hosting made me feel completely included and truly valued as part of the group. There was a real sense of sisterhood among the women, and Julie’s kindness and attentiveness helped create a space where everyone felt safe, supported, and loved.
Each day felt like something straight out of my saved Pinterest boards - beautiful, dreamy moments I’ve been imagining for years. We explored the charming streets of Sommieres, soaking in its history and beauty, wandered through vibrant local markets full of color and life, and spent relaxing afternoons at stunning wineries and lavender farms that captured the true spirit of the South of France.
And the meals - oh, the meals! Every meal we shared was a feast for the senses, with fresh, local flavors that brought us all together around the table. From delicious garden lunches to sunset dinners filled with laughter and new friendships, these moments felt so nourishing in every way.
Every detail was thoughtfully planned, yet there was a wonderful flow and ease that made the whole experience feel natural and authentic. Being part of this retreat was like pressing pause on everyday life and stepping into a gentle, joyful rhythm with amazing women around me. Julie’s care and presence made it easy to open up, connect, and just be myself without any pressure or expectations.
I left feeling refreshed, deeply connected, and grateful - not only for the incredible surroundings but also for the genuine friendships and memories that were created. This retreat wasn’t just a trip - it was a heartfelt experience that nourished my soul, and I’m so thankful to Julie for making it so special.
It really was one of the best experiences of my whole life.
-DAISY, 2025 RETREAT ATTENDEE
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival day, check in, drinks, welcome dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, optional yoga class, pool time/free time, terrace lunch, sunset apéro
Day 3: Breakfast, Wine tasting day trip to local wineries with a guide
Day 4: Breakfast, Optional journaling workshop, Free time to relax, swim, or visit the village or Nice, Dinner
Day 5: Breakfast, Day Trip to visit nearby hilltop villages, picnic lunch, pool/free time
Day 6: Market Day, free afternoon, farewell dinner.
Day 7: Departure
About Your Host
Bonjour! I’m Julie (aka French Julie), a tourism pro, travel TV host, creator, and founder of French Julie Travels. After years in the corporate world left me burned out and disconnected from joy, I decided to slow down… and let ChatGPT choose a small town in the South of France where I could begin again.
Now, I create retreats, videos, and bespoke travel experiences that help women reconnect with themselves through the beauty and rhythm of French life.
Through my Slow Living Retreats in Provence and Occitanie, I invite guests to experience France beyond the postcard - to savor, rest, and rediscover wonder in the simple, everyday moments that make life here so magical.
With more than 20 years of exploring France and a knack for uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to make your retreat unforgettable and delightfully stress-free. I’ve spent over a decade working in tourism, helping others fall in love with this country the way I have.
This isn’t just another vacation; it’s your chance to experience France with someone who knows how to make it shine. I’ll handle the logistics, share insider tips, and ensure your days are filled with beauty, connection, and a little bit of butter.
Bienvenue! Your French escape awaits.
Here’s what you'll get:
01
What’s Included
-6 nights accommodation in a beautiful French property, reserved exclusively for our group.
-Daily breakfast featuring freshly baked bread, croissants, honey, fruit, yogurt, and hot coffee and tea.
-A 4-course lunch or dinner daily
-Guided trip to a local winery for private tastings and a Provençal lunch.
-Full day trip to visit the beautiful surrounding hilltop villages.
-Leisurely morning at a local Provençal market filled with flowers, antiques, and artisanal products.
02
Your Private Oasis
Each property in the hillside village offers sweeping views and a feeling of peaceful escape. From sunlit terraces overlooking the countryside to quiet corners perfect for morning coffee or an evening glass of rosé, this is where you’ll truly unwind.
The pace here is gentle... Time stretches, the light shifts, and life slows to the rhythm of the village. Rooms are comfortable and private, giving you your own space to rest and recharge while still feeling connected to the heart of Provence and with time to read, journal, relax at the pool, and make new friends over a glass of rosé.
03
Delectible Cuisine
You'll enjoy a relaxed multi-course meal every day (we'll trade off between lunches & dinners) prepared with fresh, local ingredients paired with local wines.
From morning coffee to candlelit dinners, every meal is a celebration of French simplicity and flavor.
Expect seasonal menus featuring local produce, artisanal cheeses, fresh bread, and regional specialties — all enjoyed in beautiful, convivial settings.
Meals are prepared by our private chef and served family-style to invite conversation, laughter, and connection.
04
Enchanting Excursions
Explore timeless villages, rolling vineyards, and fragrant fields.
Each curated outing immerses you in the culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of southern France, whether it’s a market morning, wine tasting, or afternoon exploring other beautiful hilltop villages.
Unhurried and unforgettable.
05
Spaces to Restore
Each retreat offers a place to breathe — gardens for slow mornings, courtyards for afternoon apéros, and pools or terraces to watch the light change across the hills.
Whether you swim, read, or simply sit in the stillness, there’s space to rest, reflect, and feel renewed.
06
Time to Unwind & Connect
Arrive, exhale, and let the details unfold.
Our days balance cultural exploration with plenty of unscheduled time to rest, journal, and connect with other kindred women.
Expect warmth, ease, laughter, and the quiet joy of being fully present in the French countryside.
A total value of: (Amount)
Buy/Enroll/Join now for just (Amount)
A week in Provence to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover joy in the beauty of everyday life.
If you’ve been craving a pause — this is your moment.
I know what it’s like to move too fast. To always be chasing what’s next and forget what it feels like to just be. That’s why I created this retreat: A gentle invitation to step away from the noise, breathe deeply, and let the rhythm of Provence remind you how good life can feel when you slow down.
Here, the light is golden, the meals are long, and every day feels like a deep exhale.
Watch the 2025 Retreat Experience:
(Different location, same philosophy)
FAQs
What is included in the retreat price?
The retreat includes 6 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, one multi-course lunch or dinner per day with wine, 2 private guided excursions, transportation for scheduled activities, several sunset apéros, and a market tour.
Is the retreat suitable for solo travelers? Am I too young/old?
This retreat is designed to bring women together, whether you come with a friend or on your own. It’s a perfect opportunity to make new connections in a welcoming, supportive environment. Last year, only 2 women knew each other beforehand; Everyone else came on their own and left as friends.
We have had a range from 25 years old to grandma status. We had a guest last summer founding a startup in San Francisco and another starting a family in Germany. And plenty in between. We welcome a diverse range of ages, backgrounds, & life situations.
What is not included in the price?
Flights, travel insurance, and a few meals on your own are not included.
You are responsible for getting to/from the retreat property. I will send you details on the various options for arrival. Nice is the closest city.
Do you have payment plans? What is the cancellation policy?
Payment plans are available. Please contact me at [email protected] Deposits are non-refundable. You may transfer your spot to another person if you are unable to attend. Please consider travel insurance for added peace of mind.
How do I get to the retreat location?
You’ll fly into Paris or Nice. We’ll provide detailed instructions for getting to the property, but the closest city is Nice. Transfers are not included.
You can take an Uber, taxi or shuttle bus to reach the property. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to the property, and use it to explore the region before/after your stay.
How much free time will I have?
We’ve curated an amazing itinerary, but you’ll still have downtime to relax by the pool, explore the village, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. This is your retreat, and we want you to savor it at your own pace. If you'd rather nap by the pool than join an activity, you are free to choose your own adventure.
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