Retreat Vivant | Almieres, France
In the historical hamlet of Almieres, this intimate experience is limited to 10 participants.
June 6-13, 2027 Retreat Vivant Located in the mountainous Occitanie Region of Southern, France, Retreat Vivant is is a week-long immersive experience designed for women who are ready to come home to themselves — to rest deeply, reconnect with desire and creativity, and remember what it’s like to feel fully alive.
At the heart of Retreat Vivant is a simple but powerful intention:
To create a space where women can rest, reconnect, and reawaken — so they return home nourished, energized, and more fully themselves.
Together, we will explore:
What brings you alive
What nourishes your inner world
What you long for more of
What it means to live from alignment instead of obligation
Mornings begin with “fait à la maison” (homemade) locally sourced breakfast, downtime for walks in the hills or journaling followed by a daily experiential workshop. Afternoons and evenings include a mix of creative practices, time in nature, yoga, sound baths and sumptuous and nourishing shared vegetarian meals.
For the caregivers, creatives, leaders, and space-holders who are ready to refill their own well.
Retreat Vivant is designed for women who…
Are ready for significant shift or change in their life
Are often the caregiver, leader, holder, or guide for others
Crave time to rest, reflect, and be deeply cared for
Long to reconnect with creativity, play, and curiosity
Are ready for a digital detox
Want to feel more alive, embodied, and present
Are interested in investing in their continued personal growth
Are drawn to soulful experiences rooted in beauty, depth, and meaning
Where is Retreat Vivant Located?
Almières Retreat Center is a rare and breathtaking sanctuary nestled in the unspoiled countryside of southern France, overlooking the dramatic cliffs of the Tarn Gorges. Set on a UNESCO World Heritage site, this restored 18th-century stone hamlet offers an atmosphere of deep stillness, beauty, and simplicity. Designed as a true digital detox, Almières invites you to slow down, soften, and reconnect — with nature, with yourself, and with what matters most.
Sample ScheduleThe daily schedule is intentionally crafted to meet the unique needs of every participant, offering a curated blend of structure and free time. While we provide a supportive framework for the group, we leave ample space for you to pursue your own interests — whether that be a soak in the outdoor hot tub overlooking the valley below, or simply enjoying a quiet nap in your room. Ultimately, we want you to embrace a cadence that resonates with your spirit, transforming your stay into a truly soulful and restorative experience
7-9am
Breakfast Buffet
9-10 am
Free Time
10-12noon
Experiential Workshop
12-1pm
Lunch
6:30-8pm
Dinner
8-9:30pm
Evening Experiential Gatherings
Various Guided Activities:
Creative Expression Workshop, Yoga, Nature Experience, Village tour.
1-4pm
Free Time:
Nap, Sauna, Hot Tub, Nature Walk, Hammock…
4-6:30pm
Sit back and
watch this video.
See how you feel after just two minutes
of “being”
at Almières.
Meet Heather
As a licensed psychotherapist in private practice, women's group facilitator, and community organizer, I spend my days working with women to help them contemplate life's big questions, understand their obstacles, and find their way toward thriving in a disconnected world. I do this work in hour-long increments stolen from their busy schedules. On retreat, there is no rigid schedule, no time to steal — because it is already entirely yours.
As someone who has been on retreat to restore, reconnect, revitalize, and remember who I am, I welcome you. I know what it means to crave space for self-focus, play, creativity, and connection with others. After years of both facilitating retreats and attending them, I know how to create the conditions for you to leave feeling rekindled and fully alive.
Meet Kristen
I’m Kristen Abbott, a full-time mixed media painter and textile artist based in Boulder, Colorado. My work is rooted in curiosity, intuition, and a deep attention to process— values that shape not only my studio practice, but also how I design creative experiences for others. I’m drawn to the quiet magic of making things with my hands, meaningful conversations, and the kinds of moments that invite us to slow down, pay attention, and reconnect with ourselves.
As an experienced retreat leader and community gatherer, I care deeply about creating welcoming spaces where women can rest, connect authentically, and rediscover their inner creative spark. Retreat Vivant is not about becoming an artist; it’s about learning to live creatively in whatever form feels true to you. As Elizabeth Gilbert writes, “When I refer to ‘creative living’… I’m talking about living a life that is more strongly driven by curiosity than by fear.” At the retreat, I guide participants through creative practices and workshops designed to nurture that spirit of curiosity, play, and genuine exploration without pressure or perfection, so you leave feeling renewed, inspired, and more open to what might be possible in your life.
In France, a meal is never merely "food"—it is a love letter to the land and a ritual for the spirit. At Almieres, this heritage is honored by treating every dish as a vital part of your transformation. The plant-based cuisine is a celebration of the seasons, sourced from neighboring local artisans and harvested by hand from the historical grounds.
A retreat is a return to center, and the food that sustains you is the bedrock of that journey. Whether you choose the quiet reflection of a solo meal or the vibrant connection of a group table, you are being deeply held.
From the first sensory delight of morning coffee to the balanced, grounding flavors of dinner, the menu is designed to leave you feeling profoundly attended to. At Retreat Vivant we don’t just feed the body; we replenish the soul.
What’s included:
Seven nights of luxury in a beautifully restored and designed French hamlet, nestled within a private nature preserve.
Artisanal, plant-based dining prepared by a private chef using locally sourced ingredients. This includes all daily meals, with the exception of one lunch enjoyed together during our village excursion.
An abundance of refreshments, including coffee, tea, and seasonal snacks available throughout the day.
Curiosity-driven art workshops led by Kristen Abbott, designed for all levels of experience—no prior artistic skills are required.
All creative materials and art supplies provided for the week’s workshops, plus additional supplies for your personal use during your stay.
A full-day guided excursion through the French countryside, featuring a visit to one of the officially designated “Most Beautiful Villages in France.”
Deeply intentional practices co-led by Kristen and Heather: Gatherings designed to foster meaningful female connection and self-discovery.
Guided group experiences led by Heather Carlson in her signature style, focused on personal growth and lasting change.
Daily indoor and outdoor yoga led by certified instructors to support your physical well-being.
A restorative evening sound bath led by a local guide for deep relaxation and integration.
On-site wellness amenities, including a sauna and cliffside outdoor hot tubs.
Generous periods of rest to stroll the preserve, linger in a hammock, or simply breathe in the surrounding forest.
What’s not included:
Airfare from your location to the nearest airports: Montpellier (1.5 hours) or Rodez (50 minutes).
Shuttle service to and from the retreat venue (your hosts will assist in coordinating these transfers).
Additional lodging before or after the retreat. Note: If family is joining you for your travels in France, we recommend scheduling that time prior to the retreat.
Travel insurance (required for all participants).
Off-site meals and any dining not specifically listed in the itinerary.
Alcoholic beverages at the retreat venue.
Optional Enhancements
To further personalize your experience, the following are available for an additional fee:
On-site Spa Treatments for deeper relaxation.
Private 1:1 Sessions with Kristen and/or Heather for tailored creative guidance or personal growth.
*(Note: While Heather does not provide clinical therapy during your time on retreat, she is available for dedicated sessions to help you craft a clear "return to life" plan. These sessions are designed to help you troubleshoot obstacles and ensure the growth you experience on retreat is seamlessly integrated into your daily life.)
Book Your Stay
There is a particular kind of peace found only where the pavement ends, a stillness that doesn't just silence the racing mind, but settles the spirit back into its rightful place.
