Wellness retreat in a restored Périgord farmhouse in the Dordogne hills, combining yoga, organic farm-to-table cuisine, forest bathing in the chestnut woods, and optional truffle hunting experiences.
Dordogne Eco Retreat offers multi-day wellness immersions in the rolling hills of the Périgord, one of the most lush and historically rich landscapes in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Set in a restored stone farmhouse among chestnut, oak, and walnut woods, the retreat combines classical yoga practice, organic seasonal cuisine, and immersive encounters with the natural world of the Dordogne valley.
The property is a converted Périgord farmhouse built in the region's characteristic golden limestone, with stone-walled guest rooms and small garden cottages offering private terraces or balconies overlooking the wooded hillsides. The retreat grounds extend into working organic gardens, where much of the seasonal produce used in the kitchen is grown: heirloom tomatoes, courgettes, herbs, and salad leaves in summer; squash, root vegetables, and mushrooms in autumn.
Daily programming begins with morning yoga in an open-air wooden pavilion, the sessions framed by birdsong and views over the Dordogne hills. The yoga traditions offered typically combine Hatha and Yin, with an emphasis on breath work and deep stretching. Forest bathing sessions in the chestnut and oak woodland draw on the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku — immersive nature walking with guided attention to sensory engagement with the forest environment, a practice with documented effects on cortisol reduction. Optional truffle-hunting experiences in season (November through February) add a distinctly Périgourdin dimension to the programme, led by local hunters and their trained dogs across the regional woodland.
Meals are prepared by an in-house cook using predominantly organic, locally sourced produce. Périgord cuisine — duck confit, walnut oil salads, cep mushroom fricassée — is adapted to a lighter, plant-forward wellness menu while retaining its regional character. Evening meals are communal, eaten around long wooden tables lit by candles in the farmhouse kitchen or on the garden terrace. Group sizes are kept small, typically capped at 12 participants, ensuring the atmosphere remains intimate and the pacing unhurried throughout the stay.
| Price | €600-1200 |
|---|---|
| Session length | 3-7 days |
Treatments
- Hatha yoga
- Yin yoga
- Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku)
- Breathwork and pranayama
- Truffle hunting excursion
Highlights
- Restored Périgord golden limestone farmhouse in organic chestnut woodland with stone garden rooms
- Morning yoga in an open-air pavilion overlooking the Dordogne hills
- Guided forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) sessions in ancient chestnut and oak woodland
- Optional seasonal truffle hunting with local hunters in November through February
- Organic farm-to-table cuisine with adapted Périgourdin recipes using local walnut oil and ceps
Tips for visiting
- Book the autumn season (October–November) for the best combination of mushroom foraging, truffle hunting, and golden foliage
- Bring waterproof walking shoes — forest bathing sessions proceed in light rain and on uneven woodland paths
- Group sizes are typically capped at 12 participants for intimacy; the retreat suits solo travellers and couples equally
- Phone signal can be weak in the Périgord hills — treat this as part of the digital detox experience
- Confirm dietary requirements at booking — the plant-forward menu can accommodate vegan and gluten-free diets
Frequently asked questions
What level of fitness is required for the retreat activities?
The yoga classes and forest walks are designed to be accessible to all fitness levels. No prior yoga experience is required. Guests are invited to rest or adapt any activity that does not suit their physical condition.
How far is the retreat from the nearest town?
Most Dordogne eco retreat properties are located 30–45 minutes from Périgueux or Sarlat, the main towns of the Dordogne department. A rental car is recommended as public transport to rural areas is very limited.
Is truffle hunting available year-round?
The prized black Périgord truffle (Tuber melanosporum) is in season from late November through February. The summer truffle (Tuber aestivum) has a longer season but is less prized. The retreat coordinator can confirm seasonal availability.
What is typically included in the package price?
Standard packages include accommodation, all meals, yoga and meditation sessions, forest bathing walks, and one guided excursion per day. Truffle hunting is generally offered as a paid supplement.