WHEN
Arrival: Sat, 8th of August 2020
Departure: Sun, 16th of August 2020
WHERE
Dampierre en Yvelines, a village reachable within 1 hour from Paris by car or train.
DETAILS
Dear Friends,
to celebrate the centennial, we will be holding a convocation retreat from August 8 to 16 following the SRF program online. Devotees are welcome to come earlier and leave later as the retreat is open year-round.
The retreat, known as Le Village, is an old farmhouse located in the heart of the charming village of Dampierre en Yvelines, 2mn away on foot to the shops (restaurants, grocery store, bakery, ect.), the historical 17th century castle and the various nature trails going through forests, fields and quaint nearby hamlets all situated in the protected regional park of La Haute vallée de Chevreuse, 45mn South of Paris and easily accessible by trains (trains every 10-15m from various Paris locations including two airports). We are also 20mn away from Versailles and its renowned castle.
Needless to say that the region offers plenty of cultural and outdoors activities all a stone throw from Paris and its own many attractions. Conveniently, the village has an electric car that can be rented for a whole day or by the hour to go on outings. Electric bicycles can be rented in a nearby town and we also have our own.
The house itself has two large bedrooms and a garden. If you like camping we also have an additional garden with a beautiful view on the lake of the castle which we can make available (it is just across the street from the house). In between the bedrooms is the SRF meditation chapel which seats comfortably 10 people. However, in order to accommodate everyone at this special time we will make full use of our own “Temple of Leaves” enjoying meditating outside with plenty of fresh air and space.
The retreat has one bathroom, 2 toilets and a new kitchen with a large American fridge. The vast terrasse is ideal for the energization exercises.
At Le Village, you’ll also enjoy the company of our animal friends:, a bunny and her piggie (guinea pig that is), two cats who visit us often and soon a few hens that will provide fresh eggs to retreatants.
We look forward to welcoming you to Guruji’s home!
Emilie & Caleb
COSTS
The cost per person during a retreat is 20 euros per day to allow everyone an oppotunity to stay but additional donations are welcome to cover expenses. Those who wish to camp outside may contribute only 15 euros per day. Meals are 4 euros for breakfast and 8 euros for lunch as well as for dinner, in other words 20 euros per day if you have your 3 home-made vegetarian meals at the retreat (meals are optional outside of organised retreat times).
Members with manual skills (eg: painting, renovating/building wooden cabins, garden landscaping, masonry or other useful skills can stay for free outside of organised retreat time. This summer, we are especially looking for painters!
REGISTRATION
If you would like to register for the convocation retreat or come at any other time, please email me with details at: eml_leroux@yahoo.com. You can also join us on Facebook at Le Village Meditation Gardens and Retreat to get the latest information and learn about events.