About this event
In this retreat, you will treat yourself with a combination of peace and adventure to take a break from the stress of everyday life. Do you want to make some changes in your life? Join us at La Forêt du Dragon to enjoy the beautiful mountains and forests that the region of Aveyron has to offer.
How long has it been since you truly felt connected with nature?
Have you been worrying about your bills? Your next paycheck? Are you concerned with a deadline at work or replying to your family in time?
Do you have the feeling that you’ve forgotten what truly matters?
Life can be so much simpler
Phones off, campfire on. Join us for workshops to relax at the start of the week. Start everyday with yoga and breathwork to let go of worrying thoughts and land in your body. Be outdoors. Join us for an adventure later in the week. Reflect and go home with a new plan!
Who is this retreat for?
Those looking for quality time without screens
Escape the rush and enjoy pure connection. If you're searching for a unique way to spend time with yourself, friends, or family without the distractions of modern life, this retreat is for you. You’ll embark on a beautiful hiking journey through the French wilderness, experiencing moments of pure connection with nature and your fellow participants. Stay in simple, rustic environments, recharge, and reconnect. Enjoy campfires, walks through quiet forests, and moments of reflection.
Those wanting to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature
Learn to live in harmony with nature and discover a simpler way of life. You’ll have the opportunity to create new habits with daily yoga and breathwork. And participate in outdoor activities such as kayaking, acroyoga and via ferrata. These experiences will help you reconnect with yourself and the world around you while learning how simplicity and self-sufficiency can enrich your life.
Those seeking coaching or personal growth
Free yourself and live from your inner strength. If you feel stuck in a system that no longer fits, or if you wonder how to follow your own path and make choices from your core, this retreat offers the perfect setting. Through daily workshops and activities, you will develop the mental tools to live with freedom and direction.
A week of peace and adventure!
The first half of the week is all about finding peace with yoga, breathwork and reflection. All of these will be organized outside, in the grass or forest to connect with nature. At the end of the week you can choose an adventurous activity to rekindle your spark. Our experienced guides and coaches Rick and Marjolein will help you along the way.
What to Expect During the Week:
Day 1: Saturday – Arrival at the Dragon Forest 🤗
Arrive in a breathtaking natural area where simplicity and tranquility are at the heart of the experience. Meet the group, settle into the surroundings, and get ready for the adventure ahead. We’ll begin with a simple meal and an introduction to the week by the campfire. 🔥
Day 2: Sunday – Yoga and breathwork 💨
Every day will start with an hour of yoga and breathwork to settle into our bodies. In the afternoon we organise a guided hike to explore the area. At night, we cook together in the outdoor kitchen. You’re free to share the meal together, eat with your own friends or family, or enjoy the dinner by yourself.
Day 3: Monday – Foraging and Cooking with Nature 🍄
Explore the abundance of nature and learn about edible plants. 🌿 We’ll forage together and prepare a meal with the ingredients we find. This workshop will change the way you look at food and nature.
Day 4: Tuesday – Cold Training ❄️ and Firemaking
Engage in a day of physical challenge in the cold. A cold plunge in the river (or snow) will challenge the mind in a controlled and safe manner. Rick has plenty of experience to guide cold exposure, everyone at their own level. These practices help to center your mind, and trust your body in heating itself. After the cold training, we will practice building fires even in winter weather conditions.
Day 5: Wednesday – Rest Day or Activity Upon Request
A day dedicated to rest and reflection. Enjoy the serene nature, write in your journal, or spend time engaging with the animals and nature. This day allows you to integrate the experiences of the previous days.
Day 6: Thursday – Vision Quest ⛺
Challenge yourself with a personal legend. A vision quest is a quest of solitude. You set out together with the group on a 1.5h hike into the forests of Aveyron. Food and water will be prepared. Everyone takes a journal and writes down a question of personal development. After that, everyone chooses a spot to set up their tent in solitude and silence.
Day 7: Friday – Vision Quest ⛺
After 24h of solitude, we will reflect on the vision quest and take the afternoon to relax. A vision quest is often paired with little sleep, so rest will be welcome. In the afternoon you can spend time indoors to reflect on the week and on your personal question
🎉Friday night - Party
Celebrate everything you’ve gained from this (first) week. With live instruments we will create a campfire party you won’t forget. There might even be a firewalk involved for the bravehearted people... 🔥
Day 8: Saturday – Departure from the Dragon Forest 👋
After a week of learning, growth, and connection with nature and yourself, depart with new insights, skills, and a sense of freedom that you can integrate into your everyday life.
Practical Information
Dates:
Saturday April 25th (Arrival)
April 25th – May 1st (Workshops)
Saturday May 2nd (Departure)
Location: In one of the least populated French provinces, Aveyron, in the heart of La Forêt du Dragon.
Transfer: Transfer from the nearest trainstation can be arranged for a price of 30€
Cost: 10% Early bird discount until Jan 10th 2026!! Use code ELEBIRD to get the discount.
From €889-1,189 per person (including, breakfast, dinner, workshops and guidance).
Accommodation options: (We recommend the camping option and sleeping beneath the stars!✨)
Stone house (max 4p)
Tiny house (max 2p)
Birch room (max 4p)
Tipi (max 2p)
Campsite (Plenty of space for you and your friends!)
Check the accommodations here:
https://laforetdudragon.fr/accommodations
Bonus:
A personalized reflection journal, specially designed for your journey to freedom, will accompany you during and after the week(s).
What to Bring:
- An open mind
- Winter sleeping bag (comfortable up to -5*C)
- Isolated mattress
- Tent
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Pocket knife
- Lunch box
- Thermal underlayers
- Comfortable clothing (many layers!)
- Wind and rainproof jacket and pants
- Your food (think of snacks, extra food for lunch)
- A desire for adventure
(Anything for the workshops (such as yogamats and writing material) will be provided by your hosts)
Interested?
- You can join a webinar with a Q&A session soon enough, send me a message to subscribe
- You can check out the website (www.wildelemens.com) for more information, and video footage, and reviews/testimonials
- If you have a question, don’t hesitate to send me a message via Whatsapp (+31647846001, take note, this is a Dutch number) or to rickbvd@gmail.com
If you’re ready to reconnect with nature and feel free and alive again - this retreat will be perfect for you!
I look forward to hearing from you!
Rick & Marjo
Spoken language
Dutch, English
Save
