New 2026 Château Retreat Dates Opened – Limited May Availability
Slow Living Retreats
by French Julie Travels
A Slow Living Retreat in a Private Château in the French Countryside
Spring 2026 • Saint-Maximin, South of France
A quiet medieval village just outside Uzès
Sometimes we have to step away from the noise to remember what it feels like to truly live.
This retreat invites you to slow down, savor beauty, and surround yourself with moments that bring a sense of wonder, stillness, and beauty.
For one week, we’ll gather in Saint-Maximin, a peaceful medieval village nestled in the countryside just outside Uzès, in a 12th-century château overlooking rolling hills and vineyards.
Together we’ll share long meals, wander medieval streets, browse morning markets, sip wine at sunset, and let the days unfold without rush.
The Château Experience: A Week of Slow Living
Set in a 12th-century château just outside Uzès, this intimate retreat invites a small circle of thoughtful women to slow down, savor beauty, and reconnect with themselves in the French countryside.
Mornings begin with espresso and birdsong. Afternoons unfold in sun-drenched markets or under the shade of olive trees. Evenings linger over golden-hour dinners on the terrace, laughter floating into the warm Provençal air.
We’ll gather around long tables, wander through medieval streets, share meals made with local ingredients, and let the rhythms of Southern France guide our days.
No rush. No packed itinerary. No pressure.
Just room to breathe - to rest, reconnect, and rediscover a sense of wonder in the world and within yourself.
What our days will feel like...
Our days will move slowly.
Nothing rushed. Nothing loud.
– Fresh baguettes, butter, homemade preserves, and seasonal fruit from the market enjoyed on the château terrace
– Wandering the famous open-air market of Uzès, meeting my favorite local vendors and discovering the best regional flavors
– A long lunch beneath the trees as we cheers with glasses of rosé
– Time to rest by the pool, read in a quiet corner, journal, or simply do nothing at all
– Golden-hour wine and charcuterie on the chateau's rooftop overlooking the countryside as the sun sets
– Dinner together in the courtyard as the sky turns soft and blue.
This is the kind of week where your shoulders drop a little lower each day.
No logistics for you to plan, no endless decisions. Just arrive, breathe, and let the rhythm of Uzès (and some local secrets I can’t wait to share) take care of the rest.
Your Home for the Week - Once Owned by the King of France
We’ll stay in a privately owned château that once belonged to the King of France (which is, I have to say, pretty epic). This 12th-century estate is steeped in history, with sections (like the garden) that still have 900-year-old stone walls.
Quiet corners invite reading and reflection, long tables welcome shared meals, and sunlit terraces practically insist you linger... ideally with a plate full of cheese. In fact, the entire property encourages lingering with cheese. We are in France, after all.
And the pool? Straight from a dream. Serene, sparkling....dare I say... a French oasis.
This is a place to slow down, savor the moment, and feel the quiet magic of France. (Although, let’s be honest - in this case, the magic isn’t that quiet. We’re in a château. And I’m not even showing you some of the most jaw-dropping spaces… those are surprises yet to be revealed.)
Slow down, savor beauty, and eat cheese rediscover joy in France.
A week of beauty, connection, and slow living in the South of France. Our privately owned 12th-century château near Uzès offers a timeless escape... historic stone walls, a shimmering pool framed by medieval arches, and terraces made for long, lingering breakfasts in the morning sun.
We’ll wander through local markets, taste regional wines, and bike through the countryside to picnic beneath the ancient Pont du Gard. Afternoons invite rest by the pool or conversation in the shade, while evenings unfold with candlelit dinners and laughter echoing through the courtyard.
It’s a week to savor life’s simple pleasures, surrounded by beauty, friendship, and the quiet rhythm of the French countryside.
What makes this retreat special...
-A private medieval château reserved exclusively for our group
-Days shaped by connection, beauty, and meaningful conversation
-Quiet corners, long lunches, and moments that feel like a deep exhale
-Wine Tasting day trip
-Delicious 4-course meals made with local ingredients
-Bike ride to Pont du Gard with picnic
-Uzès Saturday market tour
-Special curated experiences with locals
-Time to rest and unwind
I live here in Uzès. This isn’t a packaged itinerary. It’s a week shaped by local connections, the places I love, and moments most visitors never experience.
I’ll make sure your days are filled with beauty, connection, and (perhaps most importantly) cheese, pastries, and rosé. We will clink glasses on the rooftop at sunset and dine beneath candlelit chandeliers.
We’ll visit my favorite market vendors, sip wine in hidden vineyards, and linger in the quiet corners that hold the real magic of this region.
There are several special surprises too - the kind you only discover when you’re part of the rhythm of this place, and I can't wait to share them with you.
About Your Host
Bonjour! I’m French Julie - a nickname a friend gave me 15 years ago after saying,
“There’s normal Julie, and then there’s French Julie.
And when French Julie is in France, magical things happen.”
I’ve spent more than 20 years exploring, eating, wandering, and filming my way through France - All together, nearly eight years of my life have been lived on French soil.
For a long time, I tried to balance my love for France with a demanding career. Extreme burnout stopped me in my tracks - draining my energy, my joy, and my ability to function. Quitting my job, finding the right care, and allowing myself to slow down... that's what saved me.
Here, in the quiet of the countryside, I found a gentler way of living, unexpected community, and the reminder that beauty can be nourishing.
Now, I host small retreats for women who crave the same.
Women who want more connection, more stillness, more joy.
May 18 - 24, 2026
Here’s what you'll get:
01
The Details
6 nights in a privately owned 12th-century château 5 minutes from Uzès
Daily breakfast on the garden terrace
Seasonal 4-course meals with wine, prepared by a private chef or out at a local restaurant
Wine-tasting day trip
Visits to artisans, markets, wineries, and hidden gems around Uzès
Bike ride past beautiful fields of flowers to picnic beneath the ancient Pont du Gard
Guided journaling sessions
Yoga in an ancient chapel
Several special surprises
02
Where You’ll Stay
Just outside Uzès, our château is a hidden treasure - rich in history yet filled with quiet comfort. Medieval stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and peaceful courtyards invite you to slow down and savor the beauty of French life.
The courtyard pool and terraces offer space to read, rest, or simply be.
Each bedroom offers space to unwind, reflect, and soak up the château life.
03
A Taste of France
From breakfast on the terrace to candlelit dinners in the courtyard, every meal celebrates the flavors of southern France.
Enjoy long lunches, sunset apéros, and dinners prepared by our private chef, featuring seasonal ingredients and regional wines. Some evenings, our private chef will prepare multi-course meals at the château; other nights, we’ll venture out to hidden bistros and local restaurants.
Meals are served family-style... warm, relaxed, and made for connection.
04
Enchanting Days
Each day offers a balance of exploration and stillness - the essence of slow living.
Market Morning: Wander the lively Uzès market, meet local artisans, and taste regional specialties.
Day Trips: Visit nearby villages, vineyards, and the Pont du Gard for a picnic beneath its ancient arches.
Wine Tasting: Sip local wines at a family-run domaine in the countryside.
Days of Rest: Spend the day at the château - swim, read by the pool, or journal on the terrace.
Final Evening Feast: A candlelit dinner on the terrace, toasting to friendship, beauty, and a week well lived.
05
Connection & Restoration
This retreat is more than a getaway... It’s a pause. A chance to breathe, connect, and rediscover what makes life beautiful.
Through shared meals, slow mornings, and meaningful conversation, you’ll find both companionship and space for yourself.
The château’s courtyards and terraces invite lingering; its calm invites clarity.
You’ll leave feeling nourished... by France, by friendship, and by the quiet awe that comes from living fully in the moment.
06
Time to Simply Be
There’s plenty of time to rest, explore, or do nothing at all. Swim, journal, wander into the village, or borrow a bike to ride through the vineyards.
Region: Occitanie (Saint-Maximin, South of France)
Nearest Town: Uzès (5 min)
Nearest Train Station: Nîmes (40 min), Avignon (45 min)
You’ll be responsible for getting to the chateau near Uzès, and from there, all excursions and transfers during the retreat are included. From Nîmes, you can take a taxi, Uber, or bus.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival day, check in, drinks, welcome dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, journaling session, terrace lunch, pool time/free time, evening in the village
Day 3: Breakfast, relaxed bike ride through the countryside to Pont du Gard, where we will picnic with a stunning view, afternoon journaling session, sunset apéro on the rooftop
Day 4: Breakfast, yoga in an ancient chapel, free time to relax, swim, or explore the village and surrounding area, candlelit dinner
Day 5: Breakfast, Wine tasting day trip to local vineyards, winery tour, with special lunch experience
Day 6: Breakfast, Uzès Market Day, one of the best markets in France, afternoon to explore Uzès, farewell dinner.
Day 7: Departure
Pricing
Luxe Suite
Early Bird: €6,500
Standard: €7,100
Prestige Suite
Early Bird: €4,950
Standard: €5,600
Superior Room
Sold Out
Shared Room
Solo travelers (or friends) have the option to reserve a bed in a shared room with three beds
Early Bird: €3,950
Standard: €4,400
Payment Plan
A €1,000 deposit reserves your spot.
The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the retreat.
Early Bird rates are available for a limited time and apply automatically at checkout.
What past guests have to say...
“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.”
“Julie has created such a warm and welcoming environment - one that attracts positive, adventurous, open-minded women.”
— Meredith
"The dinners were fabulous but not just the food, the company and laughter! I was so sad to leave and sincerely miss everyone."
— Vickie
“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
"Your retreat was the experience of a lifetime"
"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.”
"Every meal we shared was a feast for the senses, with laughter and new friendships blooming around the table.”
— Daisy
“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
"The best part of the week was just spending time making new friendships and the laughter."
— Pamela
"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"
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
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Buy/Enroll/Join now for just (Amount)
A week that stays with you long after you return home.
If something in you is craving beauty, meaning, and stillness — this is your moment to say yes.
Spend a week surrounded by sunlit vineyards and centuries-old stone walls.
Savor long lunches, deep conversations, and quiet moments that remind you what life can feel like when you truly slow down.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to step away from the noise and back into yourself, This is your invitation.
FAQs
What is included in the retreat price?
The retreat includes 6 nights of accommodation, multi-course meals with wine, private chef, 2 private guided excursions, wine tasting, yoga class (optional), transportation for scheduled activities, rooftop sunset apéros, and a tour of the famous Uzès market.
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 age ranges from 25 years old to nearly retired. We had a guest this 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 couple meals on your own are not included.
You are responsible for getting to/from the chateau. I will send you details on the various options for arrival.
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?
Nearest Town: Uzès (5 min)
Nearest Train Station: Nîmes (40 min), Avignon (45 min)
Nearest Airports: Nîmes (45 min), Montpellier (1 hr), Marseille (1 hr 30)
Recommended Route: Train from Paris to Nîmes or Avignon. Then take a taxi, Uber, or bus from there (40m). We can help arrange for guests to share a ride together if arriving on the same train.
How much free time will I have?
I’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 I 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.
Watch the 2025 Retreat Experience:
(Different location, same philosophy)
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