The Gordes Retreat

Why the South of France in September?

September in Provence is the season at its most generous — the light turns golden, the summer crowds have gone, and the vineyards are ripening toward harvest. The pace slows in the most beautiful way. The markets are full, the afternoons are warm without being relentless, and the villages feel entirely yours again. It is, quite simply, the moment I have always waited for.

Where exactly will we be staying?

Our home for the week is a private villa in Gordes — one of the most storied hilltop villages in the Luberon. The village center is a fifteen-minute walk from the door. You will have a private bedroom with an en suite bathroom, and the shared spaces — terraces, salons, and dining room — are designed for exactly the kind of unhurried gathering this retreat is built around.

How do I get there?

Guests are responsible for making their own way to Aix-en-Provence TGV station on the official arrival day. From there, scheduled group transportation to the villa in Gordes will be provided.

A single transfer window will be arranged for the group and confirmed in advance. Because this is a shared transfer, guests should plan their travel accordingly.

For departure, return transportation may be arranged through our trusted local drivers at a flat rate, whether you are returning to Aix-en-Provence TGV station, continuing elsewhere in France, or heading to the airport. Departure transfer costs are not included in the retreat price unless expressly stated otherwise.

What time should I plan to arrive on Saturday?

The villa welcomes guests from 5:00 PM on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Guests should plan to arrive at Aix-en-Provence TGV station within the designated transfer window, which will be shared in advance. Some guests may choose to fly into Paris a day or two early, spend time in the city, and continue south by TGV on the day of arrival. Others may prefer to arrive in Aix-en-Provence the evening before — a night in a good hotel, a morning to wander the Cours Mirabeau at your own pace, a cafe lunch, and then a short ride to the station to meet the group.

Whichever rhythm you choose, I simply encourage you to arrive rested, unhurried, and ready for the week ahead.

What will our days look like?

Each day begins with breakfast at the villa, unhurried. From there, the days are shaped around a morning excursion into Gordes or a nearby village — Lourmarin, Roussillon, the Abbaye de Sénanque — followed by lunch together, and an afternoon that belongs to you. Aperitif and dinner gather us again in the evening.

No two days are identical, and the itinerary is designed with genuine breathing room built in. Rest is not an afterthought here; it is part of what you have come for.

What kind of experiences can I expect?

Morning markets and unhurried hours in antique shops where the finds are genuinely worth finding. Chef-prepared dinners at the villa that taste of the season and the place. Excursions to iconic Provençal villages chosen for what they still are, not what they have become. Shopping that rewards a discerning eye. Meals at tables where the conversation is as good as the wine.

I will share what I know about living beautifully in France — not as performance, but as practice. The full itinerary will be sent in the weeks following booking and refined as we get closer.

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is designed for women who have arrived at a particular moment in life — accomplished, curious, and ready to travel with intention rather than obligation. The guests who find their way here tend to be in their forties, fifties, and beyond: women who no longer need to be entertained every moment, and who appreciate a well-chosen silence as much as a well-chosen wine.

A note on mobility: Provence is hilly, cobblestoned, and gloriously uneven. There will be meaningful walking each day. Guests should be comfortable on their feet and prepared for terrain that rewards the willing.

Is this retreat only for solo travelers?

Not at all. You are welcome to come with a friend, a sister, or a colleague — someone who shares your sensibility for this kind of travel. All guests register individually, and all rooms are private with en suite bathrooms.

How many guests will be on the retreat?

This retreat is intentionally small — nine guests in total. Intimacy is not incidental to the experience; it is the experience. You will leave knowing everyone in the room.

Is there an application or interview process?

Yes, and I mean that warmly. Before confirming any reservation, I speak personally with each prospective guest. This is not a formality — it is how I ensure that the group we assemble is genuinely aligned in spirit and expectation.

A retreat this small only works when everyone is on the same wavelength. That conversation protects your experience as much as it protects the integrity of the group, and I look forward to it.

What is the pricing and payment structure?

Pricing is shared directly upon inquiry. A deposit secures your space, with the balance due at a later date. We prefer to discuss investment privately so we can answer any questions you may have. For more details, please read the full Booking & Rates Schedule.

What is the cancellation policy?

All deposits and balances are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before making your deposit. Please review our full Cancellation Policy before reserving your place.

Only 3 spaces remain — how quickly should I decide?

At our current pace, this retreat will be full before the summer. If you are genuinely interested, the right moment to reach out is now. There is no pressure — but there is reality.