Host Your Retreat
Hold a Retreat at Talbérou
A handcrafted retreat sanctuary in protected woodland, Southwest France.
For Facilitators, Space Holders & Community Builders
You know your work is powerful.
But you’re tired of hosting it in places that don’t match its depth.
Venues that look beautiful online but feel flat in person.
Spaces that are technically “fine”… but don’t hold the field.
Retreat centres that tick the boxes - beds, hall, catering - but have no soul, no atmosphere, no grounding.
You’ve probably adapted more than you should have.
Carried more than you needed to.
And you shouldn’t have to.
Location matters
It’s not you - it’s the container.
Most venues are built for volume, not depth.
For turnover, not transformation.
You don’t need to push harder.
You need a space that does some of the holding with you.
Because when land, architecture and atmosphere are aligned, facilitation becomes lighter.
Introducing Talbérou
A Retreat Space Built From the Land
A handcrafted retreat sanctuary in protected woodland, Southwest France.
Set high on a plateau within Natura 2000 protected forest, Talbérou is a 20-acre nature-held ecosystem shaped slowly from the land it stands on.
It’s a living, breathing retreat space built through permaculture principles, natural building and careful stewardship.
Clay. Oak. Lime. Fire. Patience.
Imagine Your Retreat Here...
Morning light stretches across vast valley views.
Your group gathers with birdsong overhead and warm air moving through the trees.
Sessions unfold in spaces built from the resources of this land - curved, grounded, natural.
Breaks become forest walks along the ancient Compostelle route.
Wild orchid meadows in season.
Panoramic rock edges overlooking golden valleys.
Evenings gather around the red clay cob oven.
Long dining tables facing the view.
Steam rising from the wood-fired hot tub.
Crickets and nightjars closing the day.
Nothing is forced. Nothing is sterile. The land supports the field.
What Changes When the Space Supports the Work
When the environment is coherent, facilitation becomes simpler.
You’re no longer compensating for a space that feels neutral or disconnected. Instead, the land, architecture and atmosphere naturally support the depth of the work you’re offering.
By the end of your retreat, something shifts - for you and for the people you’re guiding.
You’re not pushing transformation. The environment is supporting it.
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For You as the Facilitator
Supported rather than stretched
The land, layout and atmosphere carry part of the field with you, so you’re not holding everything alone.Clear rather than scattered
With fewer environmental distractions, your facilitation becomes steadier and more focused.Resourced rather than wrung out
You leave grounded, proud of what unfolded, and still connected to your own energy. -
For Your Participants
They open more quickly
When people feel safe and spacious, defences soften and the real work can begin sooner.They engage more honestly
Conversations deepen naturally and sharing becomes more authentic.They integrate more fully
Insights don’t just stay in the head — they land in the body and nervous system.Their spirits lift
Surrounded by valley air, birdsong and beauty, something lightens and curiosity returns.
What This Space Gives You as a Facilitator
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Environmental coherence
→ Architecture, land and layout are aligned, so your retreat container feels intentional from the moment people arrive.
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Built-in atmosphere
→ Clay walls, oak beams, valley air, birdsong and firelight create depth without you having to manufacture it.
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Natural pacing
→ The rhythm of the land slows people down organically, reducing the need for over-structuring.
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Privacy and spaciousness
→ 20 acres of protected woodland, meaning no neighbouring groups, no noise bleed, no competing energy.
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Multiple functional zones
→ Yoga Shala decking, large open barn with PA system, long dining table, wild spa, forest paths - allowing you to vary tone and intensity throughout the retreat.
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Shared communal anchors
→ The cob oven, roundhouse, outdoor kitchen and hot tub become gathering points that strengthen group cohesion outside formal sessions.
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Logistical simplicity
→ Accommodation, communal areas, tech (PA sytem, projector, WiFi), catering contacts and on-site support are already integrated.
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A setting that reflects your integrity
→ Natural materials, permaculture systems and ethical stewardship ensure your venue matches the values behind your work.
The Retreat Space
Talbérou has been designed as a small, nature-immersed retreat environment where groups can gather, learn and rest together.
Rather than one single building, the retreat unfolds across several thoughtfully created spaces - allowing you to move between teaching, reflection, shared meals and quiet time throughout the day.
The layout supports both structured sessions and the informal moments where connection often deepens.
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Yurts
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Roundhouse
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Yoga Deck
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Cob oven / dining
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Hot Tub
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Barn space
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Outdoor Kitchen
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Hammock Area
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Outdoor Cinema
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Accommodation
Two luxury yurts with wooden floors, valley views and private terraces (sleeping up to 8 guests)
A restored vintage caravan along with additional accommodation including bell tents, dormitory spaces and a facilitator suite (sleeping up to 7 additional guests)
Together the site can host up to 15 overnight guests, with retreat groups of up to 20 participants.
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Shared Retreat Spaces
Red clay cob pizza oven acting as the communal hearth
Large banquet dining table overlooking the valley
Roundhouse and barn space suitable for workshops, talks and group sessions
Small PA system with mic, speakers and stage lighting for workshops or performances
Library focused on wellbeing, spirituality, ecology and slow living
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Relaxation & Experiences
Wood-fired hot tub with valley views
Jacuzzi on the yoga decking
Hammock area overlooking the landscape
4K outdoor cinema setup for evening gatherings
Forest walking trails across 20 acres
Organic garden and permaculture chicken coop providing fresh eggs
High-speed WiFi available when needed
Optional local caterers, musicians, bodyworkers and transport to explore nearby villages and wild swimming spots
The Land & Location
Wild orchids bloom across the meadows in season. Five species of owl inhabit the woodland. Hoopoes and golden orioles pass through.
Nights carry the soundscape of crickets and nightjars, and the valley air shifts slowly as the light changes across the hills.
This is elemental luxury - not polished perfection.
Talbérou sits high on a plateau within Natura 2000 protected forest, surrounded by rolling countryside and ancient woodland.
The land itself becomes part of the retreat experience.
A place where land, people and purpose meet.
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Historic Villages
Talbérou sits between three officially recognised Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Medieval stone streets, local markets, cafés and slow village life offer beautiful places for participants to explore.
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Nature & Landscape
Wild swimming spots in rivers and lakes
Ancient pilgrimage trails including the Camino de Compostela route
Panoramic rock edges overlooking vast valleys and forests
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Food & Wine Culture
Local French markets filled with seasonal produce
Vineyards across Bordeaux, Cahors and Bergerac
Regional producers, bakeries and village restaurants within easy reach
Hosting With Integrity
Talbérou has been created slowly, guided by the principles of permaculture.
Earth Care.
People Care.
Fair Share.
These values shape how the land is tended, how spaces are built and how retreats are welcomed.
Local craftspeople have helped create many of the structures across the site.
Regional producers and artists are part of the wider network that supports gatherings here.
The intention is simple:
to create a place where people can gather in ways that feel grounded, respectful and regenerative.
When you host a retreat at Talbérou, your work becomes part of a living ecosystem — not an isolated event.
Meet Your Host
Talbérou has been shaped and cared for by Niki, a British-born facilitator, organiser and land steward who moved to rural France in 2019 to build something rooted, regenerative and real.
Her background weaves together yoga teaching, breathwork facilitation, eco-psychology, 8 Shields nature connection mentoring, permaculture design and large-scale event organisation.
Before this chapter, she spent many years working as a social worker and organising grassroots gatherings centred around climate action, women’s empowerment and community resilience.
Talbérou grew from the meeting point of those worlds — healing work, ecological responsibility and conscious community, woven into the land itself.
Today she supports facilitators in bringing meaningful retreats to life in a setting designed to hold both people and process with care.
If you’re considering hosting a retreat here, Niki is always happy to explore what might be possible.
What Facilitators Say About Hosting Here
Over the years Talbérou has hosted a growing number of retreats, workshops and gatherings.
Each facilitator brings their own style and approach, but many speak about the same thing - how the land, the spaces and the atmosphere support the depth of the work.
Here are a few reflections from facilitators who have held retreats here.
Millie — Retreat Host. "It’s one of those places where the environment naturally deepens the group experience. You don’t have to force anything."
Peter - Breathwork Facilitator. "There’s something about the land here that allows people to soften quickly. The space holds the work in a way I’ve rarely experienced at retreat venues."
Interested in hosting your own retreat here?
"We were in need of some nurturing and this experience definitely gave us that. Everything unravelled with ease during our short stay... We’ve never stayed anywhere with so much soul. The terraces high up on the hill overlooking the valley, the quirky details in every structure. The roundhouse blew us away with its twisted hemp-rope braces, the artistry of the reciprocal roof… it felt like a living sculpture. This place and the whole experience is truly inspirational. We will absolutely return!"
Nikki & Simon - UK
"We had an absolutely fantastic and rejuvenating stay at Talberou. Niki and Toby were wonderful hosts, and the space itself was absolutely beautiful. Everything is so thoughtfully designed - peaceful, inviting, and naturally encouraging with a real sense of connection. The various buildings and spaces across the land are beautifully executed, comfortable, and closely integrated with the surrounding nature. The wild areas and woods are stunning, and the views and natural rhythm of the land are truly enchanting. We look forward to returning”
Ali & Izzy - UK
''We returned from our retreat at Talberou with Nurturing Niki (our new name for her...) we felt so cared for. Our private yurt was breathtakingly beautiful with so many thoughtful touches... the yurt has electricity as well as a wood fired stove... We enjoyed outdoor movies on a massive screen projector in the open barn with a roaring fire, with popcorn that we forgot to eat because we were too busy smooching and marvelling at the beauty of everything. Once home, we felt stronger and truly refreshed"
Saffron & Neil - UK
"Sylvain and I wanted our vacation to make us disconnect from our busy lives and reconnect as a couple and it absolutely did. Talbérou, with its surrounding beautiful nature and calm, is the perfect place to spend time outside and relax. During our stay we got to do plenty of cultural activities carefully organised by Niki, which took the whole stress out of planning anything - it was wonderful. We will definitely come back! Thank you for everything"
Charlotte & Sylvain - Belgium
"Niki is fun and attentive, her lively gaze conveys acceptance and warmth. Talbérou is beautiful and pure and we found much peace and calm in this harmonious space. We can’t recommend this place enough.”
Anna & David - Spain
Seasonal Retreat Hire Rates
Retreat hire is offered on a seasonal basis, allowing facilitators to choose the time that best suits their group and the rhythm of the land.
The following rates apply for the main retreat season (June, July and September).
Rates
Three night retreat - £547 per night
Four night retreat - £497 per night
Five nights or longer - £447 per night
Minimum stay: three nights
Longer retreats and custom arrangements can be discussed depending on group size and timing.
If you’re considering hosting a retreat here, feel free to get in touch to explore availability and possibilities.
If you're considering hosting a retreat at Talbérou, here are answers to some common questions.If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch - we’re always happy to talk things through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do facilitators usually get here?
Flights from Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bournemouth, Bristol and London Stansted connect easily to Bergerac, Bordeaux or Toulouse airports.
Flight time from the UK is typically around 1.5 hours, making Talbérou surprisingly easy to reach while still feeling immersed in nature.
Is it easy to travel from the airports?
Yes. From Bergerac, Bordeaux or Toulouse you can take a train to Penne (via Agen).
The train journey offers beautiful views of the French countryside.
From the station it’s about a 10 minute taxi ride to Talbérou.
We’re happy to help arrange taxis if needed.
Can participants hire cars?
Yes. Car hire is available at all nearby airports and many guests find it convenient for exploring the surrounding villages, vineyards and countryside.
Driving through this region of France is part of the experience — the roads wind through beautiful landscapes and historic villages.
Collapsible row
What happens if I don't get enough participants?
We understand that planning a retreat carries some uncertainty.
Because the space is reserved specifically for your retreat dates, bookings are non-refundable.
However, if plans change you may transfer your booking once to a later retreat date, provided this is requested at least 45 days before your retreat.
This gives plenty of time to reorganise while ensuring the calendar remains workable.
Is WiFi available?
Yes. High-speed WiFi is available around the site when needed.
However, many facilitators choose to encourage a digital detox, allowing participants to disconnect and fully immerse in the retreat experience.
Can you help with catering or local activities?
Yes. We can recommend trusted local caterers, musicians, bodyworkers and other collaborators who regularly support retreats here.
We’re also happy to suggest local experiences such as village visits, markets, vineyard tours and wild swimming spots.
Is the site accessible?
Talbérou is located on a scenic hill within natural woodland.
While this setting is part of its charm, it can present challenges for full accessibility.
If anyone in your group has specific needs, please get in touch ahead of time so we can explore the best possible arrangements.
Are there any additional costs?
Retreat hire includes use of the accommodation and facilities.
Wood for the hot tub is provided, and additional use beyond the included amount may incur a small extra charge.
Any optional services such as catering, musicians or transport would be arranged separately.
Enquire About Hosting a Retreat
If Talbérou feels like a good fit for your work, we’d love to hear from you.You're welcome to reach out to explore ideas, discuss possible dates, or ask any questions about hosting your retreat here.
We usually reply within a few days.
Start the converstaion ...
When you send your message, it helps if you include a few details about your plans, such as:
• the type of retreat you're planning
• your estimated group size
• the time of year or possible dates
• anything important about your retreat style or format
This helps us understand your vision and respond more helpfully.
We usually reply within a few days.
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