Frequently Asked Questions
If you have other questions at any time, do Email me!
I’m thinking about coming on my own. Will I feel comfortable doing this?
Absolutely! With the Before-Retreat Support, you will already be familiar and likely very at ease with your fellow participants.
Will I have time to myself or is everything done with the group?
We've designed this retreat in a way that will honor both your introvert and extrovert selves. Our group activities are richly-connecting and every one of them is optional. This puts you in charge of your rhythm and pace.
Even if you participate in every group activity, there is still plenty of time and space for you to be alone with your thoughts, to rest, to journal... whatever the moment and your body, mind and spirit call for. If I want a roommate, can you find me one?
Yes, there are 2 rooms that have two twin beds in each of them, that can be reserved for those who'd like to share space: The Chapel Suite and The Cozy Room. These rooms are offered at an affordable double-occupancy rate.
You may also prefer to come on the trip with a dear girlfriend of yours and you can request to share a room. I'm more of an introvert and I like some solo time every day; is this retreat a good fit for me?Most of the rooms are private. All activities are optional. You get to listen to yourself in designing your own experience. There's lots of down time already built in. There are oodles of getaway nooks, indoors and out, for taking some "cave time". Being a natural introvert myself, I've also designed several helpful handouts to assist you in creating an easeful experience while getting ready to travel, traveling, and arriving.
I want to make the most of my airfare to Europe and do some other travel while I'm there. Any recommendations?YES! Add on a few days in either Barcelona or Paris at the front end of the trip. As two of the top three visitor destinations in the entire world, the sights and sounds of these 2 cities would make perfect bookends to your retreat.
If you want to do both cities, plan on doing Barcelona first. If you are just picking one, we strongly suggest doing it on the front end of the retreat, due to local train schedules/arrival times. If Barcelona's your pick, we have a Barcelona-lovin' Sweet Spot Retreat Team member who is offering a valuable service in helping you make your connections from the Barcelona airport (BCN) to the train station, which can be tricky even for a seasoned traveler. She can get you easefully via train from Barcelona to Beziers on Friday evening and we can pick you up there. You can then stay in one of the B&Bs on Friday night. (The train from Barcelona to Beziers is about 4 hours. Beziers to Roquebrun is a 45-minute car ride.) What if I want to come in early
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Is airfare included?
Airfare is not included. People are coming from all over, so it's best if everyone makes their own arrangements. You might like to use your frequent flyer miles if you have 'em.
Are all the meals included?
Yes, except for lunch on Thursday, when we're taking a road trip together to nearby St. Chinian for the classic French open-air market. There are a number of restaurants and cafes around the market plaza where you can chose your perfect lunch spot, solo or with any of your fellow retreaters.
Can you pick me up/drop me off at the airport/train station?
Yes, if you fly or train into Montpellier. We'll make sure to get copies of everyone’s itinerary so we know when you're coming and can check for any delays. Please let us know at least 2 weeks in advance so we know what size passenger van to rent. The cost is $50 per person each way if booked 2 weeks in advance, or 50 euros cash otherwise.
How much money should I exchange before I come?
It’s nice to have about 100 euros upon arrival for coffees, snacks, and any other things you might need at the last minute. While we don’t recommend that you get a lot of cash beforehand, Roquebrun does not have a a bank or an ATM machine. The airports do, and we recommend pulling some euros out of the airport ATM upon arrival.
Do local merchants accept U.S. credit cards?Visa is widely accepted. AMEX is not accepted in France at all. The village's art co-op, wine co-op and art gallery all accept Visa. You'll do best with cash in the village for any extra bakery, gelato or newstand purchases. Though, you'll likely find yourself quite sated with the meals and snacks provided in the all-inclusive retreat package. For example, the croissant and pain au chocolat you'll be served for breakfasts will come straight from the village bakery!
What's the weather like there in early Autumn?Sparkling, warm, bright and aahhh... September and October are the two loveliest months of the year in the Languedoc. Expect warm days in the upper 60s to low 80s, nights in the upper 50s to upper 60s.
What to pack?
The Languedoc is called the "other" south of France, and one of its characteristics is a very casual, comfy, laid-back style, especially here in the village. Create comfort for yourself; the high fashion sense of Paris is a world away from this south of France.
Bring comfortable layers, walking shoes that have already been broken in, and a packable raincoat. My husband, Ken Plattner, a seasoned traveler who has written for PBS travel guru Rick Steves, will be compiling a Packing List and Travel Tips Sheet you can use as a reference. This will also be a topic on our Discussion Forum. What kind of art supplies do I need to bring?We will supply you with all of what you will need so you can travel light. You'll get a short list of optional items you may choose to bring along, such as your favorite journal.
I want to pack light. Are there laundry facilities?Yes, there are laundry rooms in both houses that are free for you to use, including laundry soap, bleach and stain-remover spray. Dryers are uncommon in France, so there are drying racks for you to hang your laundry to air dry.
If you have other questions at any time, do Email me!
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