The first Yoga holiday here in Cornillon, South France was well worth it!
Thats me, on the far left of the picture above, I am currently helping Simon out for a month as a Workawayer and was here for the first of hopefully many Yoga holidays. I was lucky enough to get to take part with all the group activities aswell as give Simon a hand looking after the group. We welcomed 6 lovely ladies from England and Canada, who all knew or had taken classes with the Yoga teacher Kathleen. I am a Yoga novice and had thought of starting to go to classes but never got around to it. So I was very much a Yoga newbie and I had no idea what I was letting myself into! Im now a convert, believer.. whatever you want to call it – ive been snagged hook, line & sinker. If I could, I would try and smuggle Kathleen back to Köln and do Yoga everyday with her. 🙂 For more info please check out our dedicated Yoga page HERE.
The first session started a couple of hours after everyone arrived at Maison Broche. Eventhough everyone was feeling abit jaded after the journey and lunch enjoyed
outside in the sun, we had a light session which involved mainly stretching and breathing exercises. Cork blocks & yoga belts were used to do various exercises and even though I couldnt understand everything I could relax and really enjoy the session. Kathleens voice and soothing words are so easy to relax. I love her voice 🙂
It was decided that there would be at least one if not two Yoga classes a day. The classes were on at times that suited everyone and it became clear that this was going to be a very chilled out group so no 6am starts! Sun salutation, the warrior, the downward dog & the cobra – the classes were a mix of poses and moves that most people know and have seen before… At times the classes were very dynamic, with an emphasis on strength and holding certain positions. I certainly felt the burn in my muscles with little droplets of sweat forming on my brow! And the most important part: “RELAX”! I felt great: Mind, body & soul.
Everyday life at Maison Broche et Clos Neuf!
The Vallee de la Ceze and surrounding area has plenty to offer to help you relax and enjoy your holiday. For a comprehensive list of activities and things to do please click here.
Some of the group decided to grab and book and read in the sun, while others went for a walk around the surrounding area visiting the local villages and checking out the river Ceze (there are numerous books here in both German & English for those who forget books!). My highlights were those that were organised by Simon. There was a specific activity organised everyday and all everyone was free to do as much or as little as they wanted. Myself & the Yogis did not have to organise anything, easy life :))
My favourite activity was a Horse trek around the Vallee de la Ceze!
This was both fun and hilarious! I haven’t been on a horse for 12 years and for the first 5 minutes all I did was sit on the horse while it didnt move. Thankfully France, the owner & guide of the horse-trek business La Ballade du Val de Cèze showed me the ropes and we were soon on the move. She obviously loves and trusts her horses and we were soon trotting through the forests behind Goudargues. Our groups had a mixture of beginner & experienced riders and the pace was leisurely and safe. Im glad to say that no-one fell off and there were no injuries!
Our route winded its way through fields, forests, wine fields and through charming little villages. We also did 
some celebrity snooping and got a peek at Gérard Depardieu house! Unfortunately he wasn`t home, probably in Russia hanging out with Putin… After about an hour we were back in the stables and were glad that we had only done a short tour! We all dismounted and walked around with a cowboy swagger. Any muscle soreness was quickly sorted by Kathleen that evening during the Yoga session 😉
My second highlight was something everyone visiting the area must do at least once. Simon organised a Dégustation or Wine tasting in the nearby Vinyard of Chusclan. Chusclan is located around 12km away and is a well-known producer of Cotes du Rhone red.
Sommelier Frédéric greated us with an enthusiastic smile and then mostly through English, some French and a few choice German words (just for me!) talked about and told us about French wine in particular the “Cotes du Rhone” region. We tasted 5 different wines, but before we started he explained in detail the proper way to do a wine tasting. He had plenty of pens and paper at the ready and challenged us to try and describe and discuss each wine. This type of tasting is something you must do if you are interested in Wine. The knowledge that Fréderic has and his enthusiasm he shows is infectious and the 2 hours we spent with him flew by. Fréderic loves his job and it was great fun doing the tasting with him.
Proper wine tasting practice and etiquette is to spit but why should we let the wine go to waste? We probably should of listened to his advice, but who wants to waste
it…….
So, to all Yoga lovers, whether you ar a beginner, just curious or someone who is looking for something more than just a sun holiday treat yourself to a great holiday at Maison Broche et Clos Neuf. The next group is in May with Shelby and Sara. For more info please check out our dedicated Yoga page HERE.
Anna
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