Relax, Let Go And Immerse Yourself In The Magic Of Provence During The Spring Of 2023 While Staying At An 18th-Century Farmhouse Situated In A Quaint Provençal Village. Imagine Waking Up On Fresh Linen Sheets Every Morning, Hearing The Birds Chirping As The Smell Of A Fresh Farm-To-Table Breakfast Permeates In Your Room. Discover The Hidden Treasures Of Provence Through A Slow Travel Experience With Mindfulness Photography And French Cooking With International Award-Winning Photographer Raina Stinson & Chef And Certified Yoga Instructor Kelly Goehler
WHEN:
May 29th-June 4th
2023
WHERE:
Beaumont de Pertuis, France
The closest airport is Marseilles (MRS) or you can take the high speed TGV train from Paris to the Aix-en-Provence TGV station. (3.5 hours train ride) and we will pick you up from there.
WHO IS THIS FOR:
This is a unique retreat for anyone who wants to slow down to experience their time in Provence with fresh eyes and be inspired to create. It is a time to experience the most beautiful settings in the Luberon Valley of Provence. This experience is for all levels of photography, yoga, and cooking from beginner to professional.
PRICE:
Private Room:
Single Occupancy 4950€
Shared Room:
2 Room Suite with shared bathroom.
4450€ Per Person
ON OUR RETREAT:
You will learn how to use photography to increase your awareness and reveal the magic and beauty that is normally hidden from view, and how to slow down to open all of your senses to your daily experiences. You will learn photography skills taught through a mindfulness and meditative approach, led by the International award-winning photographer, trained energy healer, and spiritual counselor, Raina Stinson. While resting at the beautiful 18th-century farmhouse of La Belugue, Raina will lead daily mini-presentations to open your eyes and enhance your photographic skills and increase your creativity. You will take daily excursions to local-only known spots in Provence for your experiential practice in being mindful while capturing unique images from your experiences. Additionally, you will be immersed in the slow life of living in Provence. Kelly Goehler, a certified yoga instructor, chef, and owner of La Belugue, will lead you through morning yoga sessions, and daily Provencal cooking classes. This retreat is a very unique experience as you will be guided by two Americans who have been living the Provençal life for many years.
Your Local Hosts
ABOUT RAINA
Raina is an American International award-winning photographer and has been living in Provence for the past 5 years following her passion as a full-time photographer. She worked for 34 years as a registered nurse and decided to take early retirement to follow her dream of living in France and pursuing a photography career full-time. She is an expert on how to experience and capture your travels with new ways of seeing through the lens of your camera.
Raina is also a trained energy healer and spiritual counselor. She teaches meditation, guided imagery, and self-care and brings mindfulness skills into photography.
ABOUT KELLY
Kelly, an American who landed in Provence 8 years ago after 20 years of climbing the corporate ladder. She is the owner of La Belugue an 18th century Farmhouse and home to La Belugue Wellness & Wandering Retreats and La Belugue Cooking School. A graduate from French Culinary School and a certified yoga instructor. Originally from Nashville, TN, her southern hospitality and French culinary training are sure to make you feel right at home in Provence.
What is Included:
Photography Workshops
Daily mindfulness photography practical and hands on teaching sessions with Raina. Learn a new way of seeing and experiencing your environment while telling a unique story of your travels through your imagery.
Cooking Classes
Gathering with your new friends while enjoying time in the kitchen together creating Provencal dishes with chef Kelly in her beautiful kitchen.
Accommodations
Stay in a beautiful 18th-century village house with your choice of private and shared rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Wi-Fi, pool, and bathroom essentials included.
Meals
All scheduled meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included.
Morning Yoga Sessions
Indulge in some personal care with morning yoga session, followed by a delicious breakfast with French pastries.
Daily Excursions to Locals only Known Spots in Provence
We handcraft a seasonal agenda of sites and experiences to see while you are here. See our itinerary below.
Transportation
Transportation to and from Aix en Provence TGV station on arrival day and departure day and to all excursion sites included.
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED?
All cameras are welcome from mobile phones, DSLRs, and film cameras, and a photo processing program on your mobile phone or computer. If you don’t have one it’s okay. I will guide you with some simple processing applications.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
Principles and practice of mindfulness photography
Centering techniques to increase your awareness and center your mind, body, and soul
Rules of composition and learn when and how to break those rules
How to tell unique stories of your travels through your imagery
How to enhance your photos using photo editing applications
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS PHOTOGRAPHY?
Mindfulness photography is a method to increase your awareness and reveal the magic and beauty that is normally hidden from view. It is to learn to slow down and open all of your senses to your experience. It is a wonderful way to see and experience each moment. It is not about focusing on the technical aspects of photography, but rather about being present in each moment and creating images based on fresh perceptions. In this process, you will experience a deeper connection to yourself, be open to a new level of creativity, and experience a renewed sense of peacefulness and joy.
So what are you waiting for? Come and join us in Provence!
OUR EXAMPLE ITINERARY:
Please note due to weather conditions or other circumstances, schedules can change and an equally enjoyable activity will be arranged
May 29th Monday
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Pick up in Aix en Provence at 4 pm for transport to La Belugue in the charming medieval village of Beaumont de Pertuis in the Luberon National Park
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After settling into your room you will enjoy a welcome aperitif and dinner overlooking the vineyards of Beaumont de Pertuis with your new friends.
May 30th Tuesday
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You will start this day on the right foot with a morning yoga session led by Kelly who is a registered yoga teacher.
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After yoga, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast on the terrace at La Belugue.
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After a bit of freshening up for the day, you will settle in with Raina for your introduction to mindfulness photography.
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A beautiful lunch will be prepared for you and shared in the garden of La Belugue.
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After lunch, we will head out with our cameras in hand for a contemplative walk through the village and in nature led by Raina.
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The later afternoon will have some time for reflection, relaxation, pool time, and photo editing followed by another lovely aperitif and dinner at La Belugue.
May 31st Wednesday
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After a peaceful night’s sleep, you will rise for another morning yoga session followed by a leisurely breakfast.
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We will visit a local goat farm and learn how to make goat cheese that will be ready for your final feast on Saturday.
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Lunch at La Belugue
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We will return to La Belugue and gather in the kitchen of La Belugue for a Provencal Cooking Class led by Kelly. We will learn how to make fresh goat cheese from the fresh goat milk we purchased from the goat farm.
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After our cooking class, we will visit the village of Forcalquier to visit and a mindfulness photography walk.
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Dinner in the local village
June 1st Thursday
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Welcome the day again for another optional morning yoga session by the pool, followed by a leisurely breakfast.
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We will head out for a day in Aix en Provence for exploring, shop, and practicing mindfulness photography.
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Lunch in Aix en Provence
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After lunch more time to explore Aix en Provence.
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We will return to La Belugue for a bit of downtime and then gather in the kitchen of La Belugue for a Provencal Cooking Class led by Kelly.
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After class, we will prepare a beautiful table and enjoy our culinary creations, and take time to photograph the beautiful table setting and food. Raina will provide you with tips on still life and food photography.
June 2nd Friday
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After a peaceful night’s sleep, you will rise for another optional morning yoga session followed by a leisurely breakfast.
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After a bit of freshening up for the day, you will settle in with Raina for a mini-presentation on mindfulness photography.
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Today we will visit a market in the beautiful village of Lourmarin. We will gather food during the market to share for a picnic lunch.
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After lunch, we will visit the nearby village of Cucuron for a mindfulness photography walk.
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We will return to La Belugue for a bit of downtime and then gather in the kitchen of La Belugue for a Provencal Cooking Class led by Kelly.
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During the evening you will have time to share your photos and have individual coaching on your images with Raina.
June 3rd Saturday
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After a peaceful night’s sleep, you will rise for another optional morning yoga session followed by a leisurely breakfast.
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Today we will travel to Chateau Lacoste to explore the art installations and practice your mindfulness photography skills whilst taking in the beauty of the vineyards, and outdoor and indoor art installations.
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Scheduled lunch
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After more exploring of Chateau Lacoste, we will return to La Belugue for a bit of downtime and then gather for our final feast and photo sharing.
June 4th Sunday
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Our final day will start with a leisurely breakfast on the terrace of La Belugue.
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After a bit of freshening up for the day, you will settle in with Raina for a photo-sharing session.
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We will share our final lunch together and say our goodbyes.
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Private photo shoots can be scheduled with Raina after lunch for a small additional fee.
Cancelation Policy:
Due to the involved logistics & upfront costs, we have a no-cancellation policy or refunds under any circumstances. Please make sure you can come before making your reservation. We encourage you to purchase travel insurance in the event of strikes, natural disasters, health problems, and other unforeseen events in your life or in the world.
**Please know due to weather or other reasons activities may change. If this is the case an equally enjoyable activity will be arranged.