Are there any recommended books?

We have lots of books here, including an extensive library of alternative health reads which was donated by alternative health expert and published author Jane Alexander.

Meanwhile, if you'd like to start before hand, you can research a little about the Cathars and the Albigensian Crusade in terms of history of the region. Lots can be found on the web, from the academic historical to the New Age hysterical. :-)

The yoga and philosophy books which continue to inspire Gertrud are:

• Erich Schiffmann's Moving into Stillness. He has published other books also.
• Christopher Wallis's books on non-dual shivanism and philosophy: Tantra Illuminated and Recognition Sutras
• Mark Whitwell's Promise

Will I be able to use my phone?

There is good mobile phone reception in the area and free wifi in the house.

However, if you come on retreat, we would encourage you to switch off your phones and electronic devices for at least part of the day, and during silent periods.  You may therefore wish to let everyone at home know that you are out of contact. In case of emergencies, you will always be contactable through us.

I'm coming to stay, what do I need to bring?

We will provide

• Towels, bedding, slippers
• Hand soap
• Yoga mats, cushions, blankets
• If you are planning to do Gertrud's skin and hair detox, we will provide natural oils, face mask and no-shampoo cleansers.

What you need to bring

• Your own toiletries, although you can also buy everything you need in the nearby pharmacy
• Soft loose fitting trousers and t-shirt/jumper for yoga
• Good walking shoes
• A warm jumper or jacket (April/May/October), but please do check the weather forecast
• Swimming gear
   
• Please bring your EHIC Card for free medical cover for those from the UK and other EU countries, or make sure you have adequate travel insurance 

I have injuries

On formal retreat

When you book on retreat, you are sent a questionnaire to complete on which you will indicate any injuries and concerns.  

We can support guests with injuries or challenges, but you are responsible for your body and we recommend that you speak with your physician before joining us on retreat.

On retreat, you will be expected to join in all sessions, but you are encouraged to listen to your body, to slow down or stop when you feel that a posture or movement is not right for you at that time. In that case, you are welcome to simply lie down, relax, breathe and stay with the group in a way that is comfortable and suitable for you.

On self-retreat or residence

When you stay outside retreat times, you are not obliged to join any yoga or meditation sessions.

Responsibility

You are at all times responsible for your body, your choices and your experience.  Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.

What is Noble Silence and why do we practice it?

When you come and stay here with us at the Lounge, you'll encounter short periods of silence each day. Remaining internal like that is a really beautiful way to recharge, to spend time with yourself, and to practice clear, compassionate investigation of exactly what our inner voice is saying, how it compels us into "unconscious" action, and how it is affecting our outer reality. It forms a key part of any mindfulness practice.

As a rule, we rise in silence and remain so until 10am each day.  On some of the retreats, the periods of silence are a little longer, for example on the Breathe from The Soul retreats, we remain silent from after dinner until mid-day the next day.  

Recently Gertrud wrote an article for Queen of Retreats explaining why sound, and silence, are so important and how either affects our mental, physical and spiritual health.  

You can read the article here.

I have allergies

Food

At the Lounge, all our food is vegan and free from sugar and wheat.  This means that we don't offer anything containing dairy or meat.  We do use locally sourced honey and nuts are a regular ingredient.  If you have a dangerous nut allergy, we cannot guarantee a nut free environment.

When you book on retreat, you are sent a questionnaire to complete where you must indicate any special requirements. 

Animals

Please be aware that we have cats visiting our garden. They are not permitted in the house.

What are the nearest airports or train stations

We are located in a medieval village called Chalabre, in the foothills of the Mediterranean Pyrenees in the South of France.

Our nearest airports are (distance in brackets):
 

• Carcassonne - budget airlines (45 km)
• Toulouse - national, international and budget airlines (100 km)
• There are other airports a little further afield, such as Perpignan, Montpellier, Beziers, Barcelona 

Our nearest train stations are (distance in brackets):

• Carcassonne (45 km)
• Quillian, Limoux, Foix (local trains 25 km - 50 km)
• Toulouse (100 km)

How can I get from the airport/train station to Chalabre

We can assist with finding local persons to come and meet you, this is less expensive than a formal taxi or Uber, but may still be more than hiring a car, if you are staying for less than a week. Please check your options.

A price guide per car return journey from the following cities/towns is as follows:
 

• Toulouse - €100 
• Carcassonne, Foix, Limoux, Quillan - €50

We can co-ordinate with other guests to share a car journey. 

Use this scheduler to book an airport collection.