Flex, Eat, Hike, Relax!
Whether you enjoy this mini break in the Vallée Brevon, as a stand-alone trip (as I did), or tag it on as part of a longer adventure, you’ll be sure to feel rejuvenated.
Combining wellness with adventure and good food, this hiking weekend ticked all my feel-good boxes. Staying in a lovely family run hotel with great facilities (including an outdoor pool, sauna, tennis courts) and a restaurant serving authentic local cuisine, was a brilliant foundation. Topped off with 3 yoga classes, 2 hikes and optional extras, turned it into a mindful weekend in nature.
Friday
Arriving on the Friday afternoon with ample time to stroll around the village (which is set against the backdrop of stunning mountain scenery), has to be my first must-do! The early evening hatha yoga class helped me to decompress from my usual pace of life. As an introductory session we were encouraged to feel into our bodies and incorporate our own practice on the mat if we saw fit. From there we floated over the road for an al-fresco apéro with the group before heading into the restaurant for a typically French 4 course set meal with local wine (and cheese!) of our choosing.
Saturday
Our main hike day fell on Saturday so after a hearty breakfast we were invited to create our own picnic. I made the most incredible baguette sandwich using an array of fresh food, cuts of local meats and cheese, whilst others opted for salad boxes to make the best of the spread!
The 5 hour hike beneath the Roc d’Enfer incorporated forest trails and wildflower woods to find the hidden lake of Lac de Petetroz. The Alpage made a great setting for a snack stop, meditation in nature or impromptu yoga stretch.
After a late afternoon dip, Nina the yoga goddess dropped by to share her intermediate yoga class. Plenty of flow and yin eased any post-hiking aches away, ready for day two on the mountain. But not before another fantastic four course set meal, this time I didn’t know if I preferred my meal or my friend’s vegan option… good to know that dietary requirements are taken seriously!
Sunday
After Sunday morning yoga and a relaxing brunch we opted for a gentle hike to the waterfall to take advantage of the weather window. In case of inclement weather, it’s nice to know that alternative itineraries are always proposed. The yoga space was at our disposal and the restaurant was very accommodating – offering a soup based lunch if required.
Optional extras included airport transfers, massages and birth chart readings. I took an Indian Head Massage which was like a salon shampoo, back massage and facial, all rolled into one. (Another must-do experience!)
We want that weekend!
With three yoga classes, the weekend offered a great opportunity to experience how your body feels at different times of the day, what styles of yoga benefit you and when, and how you can incorporate this into your yoga practice back home – as a newbie or regular yogi.
As this trip also runs in the Winter (swapping hiking boots and picnics for snowshoes and hearty soups) – I think I’ll be back!
Live Breathe Hike offer Yoga and Hiking trips on scheduled weekends. If booking as a group please inquire about tailored itineraries for your preferred dates. Single room supplements are low and family rooms are available.