La Région Charmante de Charente
Welcome to the enchanting Cognac region of France, where Ceangal retreats unfold amidst the serene landscape of vineyards and rolling hills. Our retreats typically held at the historic Logis du Paradis, a haven of tranquility that allows you to connect with nature, yourself, and others while enjoying the best of French culture and Irish hospitality.
Logis du Paradis
Logis du Paradis is a charming 18th-century complex, built around a classic Charentais courtyard. Nestled near the small river Né and amidst the vines of the Grande Champagne Cognac region, it provides a perfect setting for our retreats. The property features a number of comfortable and spacious chambre d'hotes with ensuite bathrooms, luxury self-catering cottages, an outdoor swimming pool, and walled gardens, all designed for your relaxation and enjoyment.
The Cognac Region
The Cognac region is renowned for its production of the world-famous Cognac brandy. Rich in history and culture, the area offers a plethora of experiences for visitors to explore, from visiting Cognac houses and distilleries to strolling through picturesque villages and markets. The region also boasts stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, ensuring a memorable stay during your retreat.
Proximity to Cities and Attractions
Our retreat location is just ten minutes from Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire, and thirty minutes from the cities of Cognac and Angoulême. In the vicinity, you can find a range of attractions and landmarks to visit, including historic chateaux, charming villages, and local vineyards.
Outdoor Activities
The beautiful surroundings of the Cognac region offer a variety of outdoor activities for guests to enjoy during their retreat, such as hiking, cycling, and exploring the picturesque countryside. Take a leisurely walk through the vineyards or visit nearby attractions for a taste of local history and culture.
Accessibility and Transportation
Reaching the retreat location is easy, with the nearest airport located in Bordeaux, just an hour's drive away. The region is also well-connected by train, with the closest station in Angoulême. We also provide transport to and from Bordeaux airport included as part of your retreat, taking any stresses of navigating the other side of the road off your plate.
Climate and Weather
The Cognac region experiences a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures, making these seasons ideal for exploring the outdoors and participating in retreat activities. Be sure to check the local weather forecast before your visit to pack accordingly.
Upcoming Experiences
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Ceangal's upcoming retreats. From the serene mindfulness retreats designed to calm your body and mind, to our gourmet cookery and cognac experiences that indulge your senses, there's an immersive experience waiting just for you. As we continue to create retreats that appeal to a variety of interests, each of our offerings aims to provide an authentic taste of the French countryside, its rich culture, and history.
Mná Mindfulness Retreat
29th September - 1st October 2023Join us at the exclusive Logis du Paradis, nestled within the breathtaking Cognac region of France, for a very special mná retreat aimed at rejuvenating both your mind and body. Led by Martin Towey, a qualified mindfulness teacher, this retreat introduces participants to various practices that help cultivate awareness, kindness, and compassion towards oneself and one's experiences.
Christmas Cuisine Weekend
8th - 11th December 2023Join us from 8th to 11th December for lots of fun in the kitchen as you learn from the wonderful Maggy some very special French recipes to dazzle your guests over the Christmas season. Enjoy the perfect balance between chilling and cooking as you pick up endless hints and tips to entertain and impress friends and family.
New Year Cuisine Weekend
26th - 28th January 2024Begin the New Year with lots of fun in the kitchen as you learn from the wonderful Maggy some very special French recipes to dazzle your guests throughout the year. Join us from 26th to 28th January for a weekend of cooking and relaxation as you pick up endless hints and tips to entertain and impress friends and family.
Cookery & Cognac
18th - 24th February 2024Join us for a delightful Cookery & Cognac Retreat from the 18th to the 24th of February, 2024. This immersive experience, returning by popular demand, combines the art of French cooking with the allure of the Charente region, home to the world-famous Cognac.
Mná Yoga & Meditation Weekend
12th - 14th April 2024Join us for a very special Yoga and Meditation Retreat which offers a unique blend of physical and mediative practice. There will be daily yoga and meditation sessions with Tina and Martin, designed to connect to our bodies and senses, and develop a mindful approach to our daily lives. There will be time to get to know other mná, savour quintessential French cuisine, enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside and create some magical memories.
Plein Air Painting with Michelle Boyle
16th - 20th May 2024Welcome to the great outdoors for a watercolour painting residency immersed in the beautiful landscape of Grand Champagne de Cognac. Join Artist in Residence Michelle Boyle for an immersive getaway that will nourish both body and soul. Develop your observational and painting skills and explore your unique artistic voice under Michelle's professional guidance.
A Month of Mindfulness Online
12th, 19th, 26th & 30th June 2024Move through 2024 more mindfully by pausing and listening to what’s really going on within the body, the heart and the overactive mind. Take time to cultivate your capacity to be more mindful day to day, more present to yourself and to others, and look forward to brighter days.
French Food & Wine Tasting Experience
20th - 24th November 2024Join us from 20th to 24th November for a very special food & wine tasting experience. a sensory immersion in the food and wine of the Aquitaine region of France. Hosted by Olive & Charlie, you will embark on a journey of sensory delight...savouring the foie gras of Aquitaine, the oysters of Arcachon, the renowned wines of Bordeaux, Medoc, Saint-Emilion - Pomerol - Fronsac, Entre-deux-Mers, Graves, Sauternes, Blaye, Côtes de Bourg and much more...
Spring Revival Retreat
15th - 18th May 2025Join us in Spring 2025 at the beautiful L'ancienne Distillerie, nestled within the breathtaking Cognac region of France for a special restful retreat aimed at restoring body and mind. Led by Natalia Ripsher, founder of The Little Room of Harmony, this experience will introduce you to practices, which help relax and still the body, quieten the mind and centre the spirit.
Celtic Wellness Retreat
25th - 28th September 2025Join us in the luxurious Loughcrew Estate in County Meath, Ireland for a very special retreat offering a unique blend of mediative and physical practice. Daily yoga and mindfulness sessions with Tina and Martin are designed to help participants gently connect the body with the senses and develop a mindful approach to daily living. This carefully curated retreat also offers plenty of time to rest, relax and socialise if you wish. Come join us in this peaceful haven, where you will create new connections and magical memories.