Christmas Holiday Retreat

There is a particular quiet that arrives when the holiday rush falls away and nothing is asked of you except to be here. The Christmas Holiday Retreat at Plum Village France in Thénac, Dordogne, is a week set aside for that quiet: walking gently in nature, sitting in stillness, and working together in joy. It is a mindfulness and meditation retreat for anyone who wants to spend the season with more presence and less noise.

Held across the three hamlets of Plum Village, the retreat is rooted in the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, who wrote, "When we stop, we begin to see clearly, and we can appreciate the wonders of life." The week offers a shared space of practice to nourish body and mind and to open again to the deeper dimensions of daily life, whether you are new to Plum Village or returning to a practice you know well.

What to Expect

The week blends silence, practice and community. Days include:

- Noble silence: moments of shared stillness woven into the week.
- Collective practice: sitting and walking together as a community.
- Mindful service: working together in joy as part of the retreat.
- A simple Christmas Day: December 25 is marked by a day of heartfelt, uncomplicated celebration in community.

The atmosphere is one of slowing down and touching peace and joy in being together. Teachings are offered in English with French translation. Participants are asked to stay for the full retreat, arriving and departing only on the designated days, to support the stability and collective energy of the practice.

Those who wish to stay longer can extend into a second week and join the New Year's Retreat, which runs from December 28 to January 4, 2027.

Venue & Logistics

The retreat takes place at Plum Village France, 437 Chemin du Pey, Thénac, in the Dordogne. You can choose between the Lower Hamlet, New Hamlet and Upper Hamlet when you register. Check-in begins at 3pm on the opening Monday, and departure is between 9:30am and 12pm on the closing Monday.

The contribution varies by price tier and the type of lodging you choose. It includes lodging (unless you book as a "Commuter"), three daily vegan meals, teachings and activities. Payment is made online by credit card or SEPA direct debit, and your contribution is split into two payments, one for the practical aspects of the retreat and one supporting the monastic community.

Families are welcome, though the retreat does not include dedicated activities for children or teenagers. If this is your first Plum Village retreat, the organizers have a guide for newcomers on their website.