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Toulouse, France - Upside Down Yoga Retreat


  • S.A.S. OCCITANIA RETREATS 1 Rue de la Republique, LE CHATEAU Rieucazé France (map)

Turn Your World Upside Down

A Unique Yoga & Handstand Retreat

For the very first time, Kim Witmer, Nico Luce, and Thomas Bersier are joining forces to offer an extraordinary retreat that blends the transformative power of yoga with the exhilarating challenge of handstands. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Château Rieucazé in the heart of France, this immersive week-long experience is designed to awaken your body, sharpen your focus, and elevate your practice—both on and off the mat.

Why This Retreat Is Unlike Any Other
Imagine waking up in a historic château nestled on a hilltop, surrounded by panoramic views of rolling valleys and the majestic Pyrenees. The air is fresh, the atmosphere serene, and the energy vibrant with possibility. This is not just a retreat; it’s an invitation to shift your perspective—literally and figuratively.

For one transformative week, you’ll learn how to prepare your body and mind to confidently turn upside down, cultivating the strength, balance, and mental clarity needed to take your inversion practice to the next level. Whether you’re new to handstands or looking to refine your technique, you’ll gain the tools to progress safely and effectively.

What to Expect:
🌅 Morning Asana Practice – Start each day with an invigorating, dynamic Vinyasa flow led by Kim & Nico, designed to awaken your body, build strength, and enhance flexibility. These sessions will not only energize you but also lay the foundational mobility needed for inversions.

🤸 Afternoon Handstand Workshops – Dive into the art of hand-balancing with daily themed workshops led by Thomas, with expert support from Kim. Each session will break down the essential components of handstands, focusing on technique, alignment, and drills to help you develop balance and confidence—whether you're working on freestanding holds or just getting comfortable upside down.

🌙 Evening Yin & Restorative Yoga – As the sun sets, Kim & Nico will guide you through gentle, grounding practices designed to release tension, calm the nervous system, and promote deep relaxation. This is your time to reset, integrate the day’s work, and prepare for restful sleep.

More Than Just Movement
Beyond the physical practices, this retreat is a chance to reconnect with yourself and a like-minded community in a setting that inspires growth and reflection. You’ll have time to savor nourishing vegetarian meals prepared with love, explore the beautiful French countryside, and simply be present—free from the distractions of daily life.

Who Is This Retreat For?

  • Yogis looking to deepen their practice

  • Movement enthusiasts eager to master or refine handstands

  • Anyone craving a week of mindful connection, personal growth, and fun

  • All levels are welcome, with personalized guidance to meet you where you are

Join Us for a Life-Changing Experience
This retreat isn’t just about handstands—it’s about discovering new perspectives, facing your fears, and celebrating your progress in an environment that’s supportive, uplifting, and filled with joy.

Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring journey.

📩 Reserve your spot today and get ready to turn your world upside down—one breath, one movement, and one handstand at a time.

Situated in the department of Haute-Garonne, one hour from Toulouse and its international airport, Château Rieucazé is nestled at the top of a hill, offering captivating views of the valley and the Pyrenées mountains to the south. Located on the edge of a tiny village, the main house is backed by a courtyard of eighteenth century barns and enjoys 10 acres of park and gardens ensuring complete privacy. 

The historic château was constructed in 1786, just 3 years prior to the outbreak of the French Revolution, belonging to the family of the Comte Du Pac until 1960. The property encompasses a sprawling park with gardens designed under different themes: French, English, Asian and Mediterranean. The grounds also includes a large pond where koi fish and wild ducks swim, a salt-water pool, a handmade mosaic Hammam, a weight room and a large greenhouse.

The château can host up to 14 people in 8 rooms, with either private or shared bathrooms. The interiors of the house have been meticulously restored, preserving numerous period features, including intricate plasterwork, marble fireplaces, wainscotting and beautifully detailed hardwood floors throughout the main rooms. The house has been artfully revived to recapture its authentic charm and elegance, balanced with modern elements and imbuing it with the enduring ambiance of a genuine home.


Sample Daily Schedule:

8:30 to 10:30        Dynamic vinyasa practice

11:00 to 12:00       Brunch

12:00 to 17:30       Free time to enjoy the property or sightsee

17:30 to 18:30      Handstand workshops

18:30 to 19:30      Gentle yin & restorative practice

20:00 to 21:00     Dinner

Discover the beauty of the Pyrenées region and treat yourself to a week of transformative yoga practices, delicious healthy meals, relaxing facilities, historic surroundings and meaningful connections to like-minded people.

Included in the price

• 7 nights of accommodation in single, double or dorm rooms 

• 6 vegetarian brunches and 6 vegetarian dinners (Tuesday evenings are off for participants to explore dinning in the area)

• all classes and discussions

• yoga room fully equipped with mats, bolsters, blankets, blocks and straps

Not included in the price

• Flight or train to Toulouse

• Rental car or transfer to/from the retreat center

• Day trips

• Bike rentals

• Massages


Cost per person in Euro

Euro 1,400. - For shared accommodation in a dorm of 4 beds

Euro 1,800.- for shared accommodation in a double room

Euro 2,200.- for private accommodation in a single room

Check in / Check out

You should aim to check in at the retreat center on Saturday after 16:30. The center is unable to receive guests before that time, so please organize travel arrangements accordingly. There will be a meet & greet at 7:00 pm, followed by an opening dinner.

Your first class will be on Sunday morning.

Check-out is the following Saturday at 10:30.

Flight / Transfer

Occitania Retreats is located one hour south from Toulouse airport, with direct flights to 83 cities in 20 countries. Book your flights far in advance to take advantage of better prices. For those coming by public transportation, you can take a direct bus from the airport to Toulouse main train station (Toulouse Matabiau) and from there a one hour train takes you to Saint Gaudens, a town just 10 minutes away from Occitania Retreats. Finally from Saint Gaudens, you can book a 10-minute taxi in advance to Rieucazé.

Rental car

We definitely recommend that you share a car rental with other participants for this week, and we can help you coordinate that. Occitania Retreats is wonderfully secluded in nature, surrounded by rolling hills and forests that are great for hiking or biking through lovely villages, fields, and forests. The cities of Toulouse and Lourdes are also easily explored in an afternoon, as they are each just an hour away.  

Bookings / Deposit 

A non-refundable/non-transferable deposit 300 EUR/per person is required to save your spot. The remainder is due one month before the retreat starts.

Earlier Event: August 2
Toulouse, France - Yoga Retreat
Later Event: August 30
Toulouse, France - Yoga Retreat