French Julie Travels
Art de Vivre Retreats
Beyond Provence — the hidden South of France that most visitors never find
Wake Up in a 12th-Century Château.
Live a Week You'll Never Forget.
We'll stay in a privately owned 12th-century château that once belonged to the King of France.
Ancient stone walls, sunlit terraces, a private pool, a chapel, a rooftop — and every corner tells a story.
May 2026 • Saint-Maximin, South of France
Medieval village near Uzès, gateway to the Pont du Gard
A private 12th-century château. A rooftop at sunset. A courtyard dinner under the stars. A chapel, a pool, a garden, and day trips to places most people never find.
For one week, a small group of women will have exclusive private access to one of the most extraordinary historic properties in the South of France — a 12th-century château near Uzès, with its own pool, chapel, rooftop, courtyard, and gardens.
Every day holds something beautiful. Morning breakfast in the courtyard. Day trips to hidden villages and local markets. Long lunches, golden evenings, and dinners that go on well into the night.
This is France as it was always meant to be experienced — and there are only a handful of spots available.
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.”
“This retreat wasn’t just a trip - it was a heartfelt experience that nourished my soul. It really was one of the best experiences of my whole life.”
“It was by far the only vacation I’ve ever been on where I was totally present, not worrying about a thing other than what amazing thing I was going to experience the next day.”
The Château Experience
This is not a standard retreat. There is no packed program to follow, no pressure to perform, and no agenda to improve yourself.
What there is: a 12th-century château that will take your breath away the moment you arrive. A candlelit chapel. A rooftop with views across the Gard. A courtyard that begs you to slow down. A pool framed by ancient stone arches.
Each day is thoughtfully curated but never rushed. Mornings begin slowly over breakfast together. Days move through hidden villages, local markets, exceptional food, and conversations that go somewhere real. Evenings are long and golden.
You will leave having seen a side of France that most people never find.
The Experience
What our days will feel like...
Fresh espresso, warm baguettes, and seasonal fruit enjoyed in the château garden
Wandering the famous Uzès market and meeting my favorite local vendors
Long lunches beneath the trees & ivy with glasses of rosé
Time to rest by the pool, read, or simply do nothing at all
Golden-hour wine and charcuterie on the rooftop as the sun sets
Candlelit dinners in the courtyard with stories and laughter, alongside plenty of "can't believe this is real" moments.
This is the kind of week where your shoulders drop a little lower each day — and you leave wondering why you waited so long.
WHO THIS IS FOR
This retreat is for you if:
You love beautiful places, good food, and real conversation
You want an experience that feels genuinely extraordinary, not just comfortable
You're ready to discover a side of France most visitors never see
You're travelling solo and want to meet remarkable women
This retreat may not be for you if:
You need a packed itinerary from morning to night
You're looking for workshops, coaching, or structured programming
You prefer cities and nightlife over countryside and slow mornings
Most guests arrive solo. No one leaves feeling alone.
Your Private Château for the Week
We’ll stay in a privately owned 12th-century château that once belonged to the King of France. With ancient stone walls, sunlit terraces, and a serene pool, it’s a place that invites you to linger - ideally with a plate of cheese and a glass of wine.
Every corner tells a story, every view feels like a painting. It’s the perfect setting to slow down and soak up the quiet magic of France.
What's Included:
-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 at local restaurants
-Wine-tasting day trip
-Visits to artisans, markets, and hidden gems around Uzès
-Bike ride and picnic beneath the ancient Pont du Gard
-Guided journaling sessions and yoga in an ancient chapel
-Several special surprises
Availability — May 2026
This retreat is almost full.
One luxe private suite remaining — €6,200
(includes all meals, experiences and activities listed above)
Two spots available in our shared room, the Friends' Suite (€3,650 per person)
What Makes This Retreat Special...
I live here in Uzès, and this isn’t a packaged itinerary. It’s a week shaped by local connections, the places I love, and moments most visitors never experience.
Your days will be filled with beauty, connection, and (perhaps most importantly) cheese, pastries, and rosé. We’ll 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.
And there are a few special surprises too - the kind you only discover when you’re part of the rhythm of this place. I can’t wait to share them with you.
Here’s what you'll get...
A Taste of France
From breakfast on the terrace to candlelit dinners in the courtyard, every meal celebrates the flavours of southern France.
Enjoy long lunches, sunset apéros, and dinners prepared by our private chef, featuring seasonal ingredients and regional wines.
Some evenings we’ll dine at the château, others we’ll venture out to hidden bistros and local favourites.
Meals are served family-style — warm, relaxed, and made for connection.
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: Swim, read, or journal by the pool.
Final Evening Feast: A candlelit dinner on the terrace, toasting to friendship, beauty, and a week well lived.
The Women You'll Meet
These retreats attract women who are curious, warm and ready for something genuinely different.
Many arrive solo. All leave having made real connections.
There is space for both togetherness and solitude. You will never feel alone, and never feel crowded.
About Your Host
Bonjour! I’m Julie.
I live five minutes from this château, in the medieval town of Uzès.
I know the Wednesday & Saturday markets intimately, the family-run vineyards worth visiting, and the hidden corners most visitors walk straight past.
I've spent 23 years falling in love with France and 15 years curating five-star experiences here.
These retreats are my way of sharing what I know — the places, the people, the moments that make France feel like nowhere else on earth.
I can't wait to welcome you.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, and enjoy a welcome dinner under the stars.
Day 2: Relaxed morning, terrace lunch, and time to relax by the pool.
Day 3: Countryside bike ride past vineyards, ending with a picnic at the Pont du Gard. Dinner in town.
Day 4: Yoga in an ancient chapel, free time at the chateau, by the pool, and candlelit garden dinner.
Day 5: Stop by a local market, followed by wine tasting & tour at local vineyards. Rooftop apéro at sunset.
Day 6: Explore Uzès Market and celebrate with a farewell dinner.
Day 7: Departure.
Availability Update — May 2026
One luxe private suite remaining — €6,200
Two spots available in our shared room — €3,650
May 18 - 24, 2026
Coming with a friend, sister, or travel companion?
You’re welcome to enjoy a Companion Rate, with savings of up to €620 per person when sharing a suite.
Enter COMPANION during checkout so we can honor the shared-suite rate for both of you.
(Not applicable for the Friends' Suite which is already shared.)
Why Now?
Spots at this château are limited — and May in the South of France is extraordinary.
The poppies are in bloom, the light is golden, and the heat hasn't arrived yet.
It's the most beautiful week of the year to be here.
There is one luxe private room remaining. Once it's gone, it's gone.
A total value of: (Amount)
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, adventure, and the kind of week you'll talk about for years — join us this May in the South of France.
Join us for an unforgettable week shaped by local connections, hidden gems, and the kind of moments that stay with you long after you return home.
If you're craving a little French magic, I’d love to welcome you.
Dates: May 18–24, 2026
Location: Saint-Maximin, near Uzès, South of France
You’ll be able to review all details before confirming.
Additional dates may be added. The wait list will receive new date releases first.
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, a tour of the famous Uzès market, and more.
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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