South of France Mindfulness Retreat with Teddi Dean

Chateau de la Gonette: Mindfulness of the Body, Breath, and Food

September 17-24, 2025

Teddi Dean, the Head of Mindfulness and Movement at MEA Wisdom Baja Mexico and Santa Fe New Mexico, will be leading an intimate mindfulness retreat at the exquisite 16th Century Chateau de la Gonette.

This immersive experience has been thoughtfully curated by Teddi along with the La Gonette team to naturally shift from the trappings of the mind, opening up to the vast experience of the senses through meditation, movement, nature, and food. This will truly be a nourishing experience of connection, rejuvenation, and relaxation while being held in the natural beauty of Southern France.

Limited to 12 guests – sign up early to secure your place!

Retreat Offerings:

Mindful Movement:

Start each day with guided yoga sessions that focus on the relationship between mind and body. Experience movement as a way to enhance physical awareness and create a deeper sense of spaciousness.

Mindfulness Meditation:

Following yoga, we will set the tone for the day with a 25-minute guided meditation led by Teddi, tapping into the body's natural rhythms to cultivate restful awareness and innate wisdom. Open discussions on mindfulness principles will follow.

Formal Teachings in Mindfulness:

• How to use the Body as a Refuge
• Riding the Waves of Abundance and Loss
• Our Natural Rhythm is always Available

Evening Unwind:

As the evening unfolds, immerse yourself in a Restorative Soundbath, where the soothing resonance of sound bowls, gentle programmed music, and a heartfelt Dharma talk guide you into a state of deep relaxation, preparing you for a night of restful sleep. Later, gather by the warmth of the fire for Fireside Poetry & Reflections—a sacred space to share poetry, personal insights, and daily reflections, fostering a profound connection with yourself and those around you.

Culinary Mindfulness:

Harriet Olive is a food writer, editor, and cook passionate about food’s role in community and connection. She started at Australian Gourmet Traveller, then trained in restaurant kitchens before moving to France. She is now based between Paris and Sydney, Harriet and her team will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner setting the tone to savor the exquisite flavors of local, organic cuisine prepared with artistic flair while embracing mindful eating in a warm communal setting.

Offsite Excursions:

Embark on enchanting offsite excursions that immerse you in the rich history and natural beauty of the Luderon region. Stroll to the nearby 12th-century Château de Simiane-la-Rotonde, a stunning fusion of Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Wander through surrounding meadows, foraging for wildflowers and aromatic herbs.

We will also take a short van ride to explore the vibrant market in Banon, where charming cafés, artisan shops, and France’s largest independent bookstore, La Bleuet, await. And lastly we will step back in time with a visit to the 1,000-year-old Prieuré de Carluc, a sacred site steeped in history, complete with ancient Druid ruins. Each experience offers a deeper connection to the land, culture, and spirit of Provence.

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is suitable for individuals of all levels, whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to mindfulness. Rejuvenate, reconnect, and rediscover the joy of living in the present moment amidst the enchanting South of France.

Sample Daily Schedule:

7:30-8:30 AM: Morning movement & mindfulness meditation
9:00-10:00 AM: Breakfast
10:30-12:30 PM: Mindfulness teachings & dharma talk
1:00-2:00 PM: Lunch
3:00-5:00 PM: Yoga flow or offsite excursions
6:00-7:30 PM: Dinner
8:00-9:00 PM: Restorative soundbath or fireside poetry and reflections

Room Options

Ondaatje
$5,200
(double occupancy)

Upper floor bedroom with a king bed overlooking the lavender fields. Own ensuite bathroom and separate study with writing space. 36 sqm. Option: 1 or 2 twin beds can be added to this room for an added fee.

Neruda
$4,800
(double occupancy)

Upper floor bedroom with a king bed, parquetry floors and large windows overlooking the main garden. It shares a bathroom with the Woolf Room. 40sqm.

Garner
$4,800
(double occupancy)

Lower floor bedroom with one king bed overlooking the Plaine tree garden. It shares a bathroom with the Neruda room. 20 sqm.

Erneaux
$4,800
(double occupancy)

Upper floor bedroom with one queen bed and a large window overlooking the main garden. It shares a bathroom with the Duras room. 14sqm.

Duras
$4,800
(double occupancy)

Upper floor bedroom with one king bed overlooking the medicinal herb garden. It shares a bathroom with the Ernaux room. 16 sqm.

Verlaine
$4,800
(double occupancy)

Upper floor bedroom with one king bed overlooking the medicinal herb garden. It shares a bathroom with the Ernaux room. 16 sqm.

Roy
$4,800
(double occupancy)

Lower floor bedroom with one king bed and french doors opening to terrace, with views of the main garden. It shares a bathroom with the Kime room. 20 sqm.

Kime
$2,500 per bed
(shared room)

Lower floor bedroom with three single beds and French doors opening to terrace, with views of the main garden. It shares a bathroom with the Roy room. 38 sqm.

About Château de la Gonette:

Perched in the Luberon Mountains of Provence, this 17th-century estate combines historic charm with natural beauty. Surrounded by lavender fields and olive groves, it offers a sanctuary of peace and inspiration, ideal for retreats and special events.

How to Get to Chateau de la Gonette:

From Paris, take a 2-hour 45-minute scenic train ride from Gare de Lyon to the cute town of Avignon. A shuttle van will meet you there and transport guests from Avignon station to La Gonette. For those arriving from Marseille, a 35-minute train to Avignon is available. Car rental options are also available at Avignon train station.

Teddi Dean • teddidean.com • Instagram @teddidean

Harriet Davidson • Catering/Styling • Instagram @harriet.olive

Chateau de La Gonette • Venue • Instagram @chateaudelagonette