a one-day retreat, one hour from Paris
Joy of Life Retreat
A full day in the countryside to celebrate the joy of being alive.
Saturday 28 November10am to 7pmLavender House, Amilly
When was the last time you focused on your joy?
When's the last time you let yourself feel all the emotions you're actually feeling? Say exactly what you mean? Do what you actually want to do?
At Joy of Life, we create space and stillness to open up, so we can get back in touch with the feelings we're too busy to feel. Dreams that feel too big to dream. Memories that feel too painful to remember. We welcome it all.
Because there's no light without darkness. We can't feel full joy until we let ourselves feel sadness, anger, and frustration. Embracing it all is what gives us the joy of being alive.
So for one full day, we give ourselves permission. We ask the questions we usually don't have time for.
And we let ourselves get messy. With paint, with our feelings, with our stories. We make space for all of us to emerge.
Expect depth and delight. There'll be moments that move you and moments that make you laugh out loud. You might get paint on your hands and tears in your eyes. You come as strangers in the morning, and you leave as kindred spirits by candlelight.
what to expect
Flow of the day
- Morning
Permission to feel
We start in stillness, then writing, movement, and honest questions. We look at the masks we've been wearing so long we forgot they were masks.
With Anu
- Lunch
Permission to savour
A long lunch around one big table. Good, vibrant, comforting food, made with love and shared slowly. We feed body and soul.
Everyone, together
- Afternoon
Permission to create
Paint and paper. No skills needed. Get out of your head and into your hands.
With Kat, art therapist
- Late afternoon
Permission to express
Storytelling. We uncover the stories we've been telling ourselves, tell new ones, and help each other find the next chapter.
With Joei
- Evening
Permission to play
Closing party. Candles, cacao, and a celebration with strangers who become best friends.
Everyone, together
you'll go home with
A full heart and a full belly
- Something you made with your own hands.
- A new story about who you are, said out loud.
- Permission to feel, create, express, and play, long after the day is over.
- New friends who met the real you.
Moments from past retreats at Lavender House and our gatherings in Paris.
where we gather
Lavender House, in Amilly
We spend the day at Lavender House, one hour by train from Paris. It's a home full of art and colour, with big sofas to write on, a long table for lunch, and gardens planted with lavender.
There's a pool and a sauna too.
at the table
Food is one of the great joys of life
All meals are crafted entirely from scratch, using vibrant, seasonal vegetables grown in the gardens at Lavender House. Every sauce and element is homemade, infused with creativity, care, and love.
Our guests often say the meals alone were a highlight of their retreat experience.
made by hand, for you
Little treasures to take home
Every guest will leave with a goodie bag of little treasures, handcrafted by us or gathered from the garden at Lavender House: think lavender eye mask, a hand-bound notebook, and a few other wonderful surprises.
your hosts
Three friends, cooking magic
Bénédicte “Anu”
photographer, holistic retreat host
A photographer for 30 years, named one of the world's top 10 wedding photographers by Wedding Style Magazine. A SIAF Holistic Counselor, she has led silent retreats and workshops across India, Europe, and the United States for over two decades. Now hosts retreats at Lavender House, her home.
what gives me joyMaking a cup of tea. Dancing barefoot in the garden. Walking in silence. Cooking for a long table with vegetables from the garden. The moment a room of strangers falls in love with each other.
Katharina
art therapist
A trained art therapist and art educator who studied at the Royal Academy of Art. Runs art therapy sessions and workshops in Paris that blend expressive arts, mindfulness, and nature.
what gives me joySeeing people connect, genuinely, like on the street: giving each other flowers, food, attention, care. Kids playing outside without screens. Birds in the morning. When my bf goes grocery shopping and comes home with my favourite coconut water. Cats. When I see one I cannot not stop and try to play with it.
Joei
magical storyteller
Former brand director who spent 12 years helping billion-dollar tech companies tell their story. Now a TEDx speaking coach and host of magical storytelling circles and retreats, helping people express their magic.
what gives me joyA new friend sharing a story and saying “I've never told anyone that before!” Coincidences too perfect to be coincidences. Connecting the dots. Things making sense in hindsight. Sharing a long table of delicious food with new and old friends. A great matcha. Dogs!
The practical bits
- When
- Saturday 28 November, 10am to 7pm
- Price
- €222 per person. Early bird: €185 until 31 Oct!
- What's included
- Everything you'll need. You just need to show up. A wholesome, nutritious, delicious lunch, snacks and teas, cacao, all art materials, and all workshops and facilitation. Plus handcrafted goodies to take home: think lavender eye mask, a hand-bound notebook, and a few other wonderful surprises.
- Getting there
- 9am train from Paris Bercy to Montargis, arriving at 10, then a 20-minute shared taxi to the house. Train home at 7:45pm.
- Travel cost (not included)
- The train is around €40 return and the taxi is €5 each in a shared cab. We'll suggest train times and help you share a cab.
- Who it's for
- Open to all. Anyone who's looking to reconnect with themselves and others, and celebrate the joy of life.
- What to bring
- Comfortable clothes you can move in and get paint on, a notebook, warm socks. And a swimsuit if you'd like to enjoy the sauna and pool.
good to know
Questions you might have
Do I need to be a creative, or good at art, writing or dancing?
Not at all. No skills needed for any of it. We're here to remember how to play, make a mess, and have fun.
Can I come on my own?
Of course! Most people come on their own. You come as strangers and leave with new best friends.
Who is it for?
Open to all. Anyone who's looking to reconnect with themselves and others, and celebrate the joy of life.
Do I need to speak French?
Not at all. The retreat is hosted entirely in English. But we all speak French too :-)
How do I get to the retreat?
From Paris, you'll take a scenic 1-hour train from Gare de Bercy to Montargis, followed by a 20-minute taxi to Lavender House. We will help organize shared taxis. Instructions for booking travel will be provided once your spot is reserved.
What's included, and what isn't?
Everything you'll need on the day is included: a wholesome, nutritious, delicious lunch, snacks and teas, cacao, all art materials, and all workshops and facilitation. You'll also go home with handcrafted goodies: think lavender eye mask, a hand-bound notebook, and a few other wonderful surprises. You just need to show up. Travel is separate: your train ticket and your share of the taxi.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Tell us in the form below and we'll plan lunch around you.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes you can move in and get paint on, a notebook, warm socks. And a swimsuit if you'd like to enjoy the sauna and pool.
What is the cancellation policy?
Payments are non-refundable. If your plans change and you can't attend, you have the option to transfer your spot to a friend within 7 days of the retreat start date.
Otherwise, travel insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment and cover any unforeseen circumstances.
Come join us
Saturday 28 November · Lavender House, Amilly · €185 early bird until 31 October, then €222 (or €185 each with a friend)
We're so happy that you're interested in joining the Joy of Life Retreat. Tell us a little about yourself below. We'll get in touch shortly to say hello, confirm your place, and send payment details to save your spot.
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