A Gentle Pause — A Non-Agenda Retreat for Women 40+ in France
A Gentle Pause — A Non-Agenda Retreat for Women 40+ in France
12 Kerillan d'en Bas, Le Mené, France
Up to 3 in group
Aug 22 - 29, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Retreat Highlights for Midlife Women:
- Agenda-free: Designed for relaxation and renewal, with no strict schedule.
- Small group: Maximum of 3 women per week for meaningful, intimate connections.
- Solo-friendly: Enjoy companionship when you desire, or solitude when needed.
- Creative sessions: Optional workshops with local artists (painting, gilding, etc.).
- Rural escape: Peaceful setting in the heart of the Breton countryside.
- Gentle outings: Explore nearby local attractions at your own pace.
- Home-cooked meals: Nourishing French cuisine provided.
- No pressure: Rest, wander, create, or simply be—your retreat, your choice.
- Supportive host: Guidance from a host experienced in soulful living and creative care.
- Perfect for midlife renewal: A week to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.
About this Retreat
Your host, Tracey, has lived and worked around the world in the creative industry, bringing a rich blend of cultures and perspectives to her home in Brittany. Her years in Asia shaped her respect for wellbeing and simplicity — from studying Thai massage at Wat Pho in Bangkok to practising yoga across Asia and Australia.
Five years ago, she chose a slower, more intentional life, rediscovering the peace of being fully present. That same spirit shapes Just Be.
“I’ve learned we don’t always need to chase transformation. Sometimes we just need stillness, good food, nature and honest company. I create the space — and nature does the rest.”
We’re delighted to introduce Emma Gale, a local artist who offers inspiring workshops for Just Be guests at her nearby studio in Brittany.
Emma, a British-born visual artist based in Le Mené. At her beautiful Studio 58, she guides relaxed, small-group sessions focused on creativity and personal expression.
Workshops (all levels welcome) includes life drawing, or still life
Prices start from €85 for a 2-hour session.
Afternoon classes begin at 2:30 pm, with full-day options also available.
Kate Pickin is a gilding expert with over 30 years of experience, having worked in some of the UK’s most prestigious stately homes and taught gilding and art in educational settings.
Kate’s workshops include:
2-3 hour gilding workshop with materials: €95
Full-day workshop (including lunch): €150
Details of this retreat
Just Be – A Unique Retreat for Women 40+
Just Be is a soulful women’s retreat in rural Brittany, designed for women 40+ who need time to pause, breathe and reconnect. With space for just three guests each week, it offers nourishing meals, restful comfort and gentle companionship — no pressure or expectations.
Here, stillness becomes medicine. This mindful, restorative experience soothes the nervous system, restores balance and renews clarity and confidence.
Your days unfold naturally, guided by French mealtimes and your own rhythm. Enjoy quiet mornings, or join gentle outings to a silent abbey, forest walk, or local artist’s studio.
This isn’t a bootcamp or therapy retreat. It’s a sanctuary for women who are ready to give back to themselves — space, softness and time to rediscover the calm, creative and confident woman within
Just Be is a soulful women’s retreat in rural Brittany, designed for women 40+ who need time to pause, breathe and reconnect. With space for just three guests each week, it offers nourishing meals, restful comfort and gentle companionship — no pressure or expectations.
Here, stillness becomes medicine. This mindful, restorative experience soothes the nervous system, restores balance and renews clarity and confidence.
Your days unfold naturally, guided by French mealtimes and your own rhythm. Enjoy quiet mornings, or join gentle outings to a silent abbey, forest walk, or local artist’s studio.
This isn’t a bootcamp or therapy retreat. It’s a sanctuary for women who are ready to give back to themselves — space, softness and time to rediscover the calm, creative and confident woman within
Schedule
Retreat Daily Flow:
Morning
Breakfast: 9–10 am – Relaxed start to the day, with nourishing food.
Free time: Rest, explore, create, or simply unwind.
Afternoon
Lunch: 12:30–2 pm – Enjoy a leisurely meal.
Optional creativity sessions: Available with local artists (additional cost).
Optional outings: to local sights (Abbaye Notre-Dame de Boquen, the unspoilt coast or forest / lake walks).
Free time: Rest, explore, create, or simply unwind.
Evening
Dinner: 7:30 pm – Shared evening meal.
Relaxed time: Gather for conversation or solitude.
Saturday
Arrival: Settle in, unwind, and enjoy a welcome apéro and dinner.
Saturday (Departure)
Breakfast: Slow morning and farewell, with time for departures.
Morning
Breakfast: 9–10 am – Relaxed start to the day, with nourishing food.
Free time: Rest, explore, create, or simply unwind.
Afternoon
Lunch: 12:30–2 pm – Enjoy a leisurely meal.
Optional creativity sessions: Available with local artists (additional cost).
Optional outings: to local sights (Abbaye Notre-Dame de Boquen, the unspoilt coast or forest / lake walks).
Free time: Rest, explore, create, or simply unwind.
Evening
Dinner: 7:30 pm – Shared evening meal.
Relaxed time: Gather for conversation or solitude.
Saturday
Arrival: Settle in, unwind, and enjoy a welcome apéro and dinner.
Saturday (Departure)
Breakfast: Slow morning and farewell, with time for departures.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Just Be , 12 Kerillan d'en Bas, Le Mené, France
Directions
Fly to Paris, Rennes, Nantes, or Brest, then take a train to Lamballe-Armor (pick-up can be arranged).
Ferries to Saint-Malo (1-hour drive) or Roscoff, Caen, Cherbourg — a car is recommended.
Free on-site parking available
Ferries to Saint-Malo (1-hour drive) or Roscoff, Caen, Cherbourg — a car is recommended.
Free on-site parking available
Accommodation
Each female guest has their own private bedroom, each thoughtfully designed for single occupancy with a comfortable double or queen-sized bed. Every room includes a bedside table, a cozy chair, and a wardrobe for your belongings. To enhance your comfort, we provide basic toiletries, soft cotton dressing gowns, and slippers — making your stay feel like a restful home away from home.
Garden Room en suite & private terrace
Oak Room
Skylight Room
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Tucked away in a serene Breton village, our charming granite farmhouse—with its warm oak beams and lovingly restored by French artisans—blends timeless beauty with modern comfort. Wrapped in 2.5 acres of whispering trees, a gentle stream, and a peaceful valley, it’s a haven for quiet reflection. Just 40 minutes from the wild, untouched Brittany coast, and surrounded by forests and lakes, it invites you to wander, breathe, and simply be.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
We serve traditional French-style meals at set times, following a seasonal menu based on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Our menu features a variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes.
What's Included
- All-Inclusive Women's Sanctuary
- 7 nights private accommodation (double room, single occupancy)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with wine included at dinner
- Complimentary tea, coffee, water and snacks
- Gentle hosting and a supportive environment
- Maximum of three women only per week
- Free Wi-Fi and private parking
- Access to communal lounge, terrace and land around the property
- Optional gentle outings to local places of interest
What's Not Included
- Art or gilding classes, start at €85
- Pick-up and drop off at Lamballe Armor train station, nearest train station to property
- Additional drinks outside the complimentary selection are available for purchase.
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