Asta Caplan
KPJAY/ SYC Level 2
13th - 19th June 2026
Join Asta Caplan for an immersive week of Ashtanga yoga, mindful exploration, and deep connection — both within yourself and with the surrounding natural beauty. This retreat invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover your steady center through the rhythm of daily practice.
Whether you are an experienced practitioner or simply looking to reconnect with your practice, this retreat offers a nurturing environment for growth and renewal. Asta’s thoughtful guidance and steady presence invite each student to explore their personal path toward greater awareness, flow, and balance.
About
The retreat
Morning practice in the peace and tranquility of the shala is the heart and gateway to a deep dive into your individual practice of Ashtanga yoga.
The individually guided and assisted morning practice is complemented by afternoon workshops with Asta. These classes will help you deepen your understanding of this powerful yet subtle practice of movement and breath, bound together in meditation and self-discovery. The afternoon workshops will focus on sustainable access to asana with an increased understanding of the body’s alignment and technique through the balance of flexibility and strength. We’ll explore the gateway between our two nervous systems, body, and mind through the introduction and practice of pranayama breathwork.
The detailed content of the afternoon workshops will be adjusted to the needs of the participants. This retreat is suitable for practitioners of all levels, from beginners to advanced series B (fourth series), and will provide an opportunity to develop your skills, refine your technique, and deepen your connection with the practice of Ashtanga Yoga.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this retreat will offer you the opportunity to cultivate inner peace, physical strength, and mental clarity.
Accommodation
Ashtanga France is located at Château de Gueyze, an elegant historical 11th century Château in the idyllic and secluded region of Southwest France. It is nestled in the middle of vineyards, with uninterrupted views of the countryside.
Choose from elegantly styled rooms and inviting suites, where regal design and contemporary comfort come together to create the perfect setting for everyone.
The rooms are stunning, spacious and all with gorgeous furnishings. Most have 1 king or double sized bed. A limited number of rooms offer twin share accommodation. The bedrooms themselves are either in the Château itself or in the cottage – a secondary building located in the same grounds. Both the Château and the cottage each have their own swimming pool.
Delicious and wholesome food
All meals are lovingly prepared by our chef, Jeanne, with care and mindfulness inspired by yogic and healing principles. During Asta’s retreat, all dishes will be vegetarian, and most dietary needs can be accommodated. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy nourishing refreshments, including herbal teas, coffee, fresh baguettes, nuts, and seasonal fruits.
Meet our chefs,
Jeanne and Octave, who prepare wholesome, nourishing meals for our retreats using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally.
Things to do and see
Asthanga France is located in a peaceful, scenic setting — perfect for rest and relaxation. But if you feel like taking a break away from the house or the calm rhythm of the retreat, there’s plenty to enjoy in the nearby area. Here are a few suggestions:
• Cycle along the canal
• Visit charming local villages such as Nérac, Condom, Lectoure, and Agen
• Shop fresh produce and handmade goods at the local markets
• Take a gentle walk in nature
• Or simply pick up a yoga book from the library and relax by the pool
Sightseeing day
To give everyone a chance to explore a bit more of the region, there will be one free day with no workshops during the retreat. Students will vote on their preferred destination from the following options: Bordeaux, Toulouse or Saint-Émilion. If there is enough space in the car, the host will be happy to drive students to the chosen destination. Otherwise, travel by train will be the alternative (1h20 min journey).
Please note: train tickets are not included in the retreat price.
More information
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Yoga Retreat Schedule — June 2026
Saturday, 13th June 2026
Check-in: After 15:00
19:30 – Welcome Dinner: Introduction and guidelines about the retreat
Sunday, 14th June 2026
07:00 – 09:30 – Led Primary Series & Pranayama
11:30 – Brunch: Organic vegetables from local farm will be served by the pool (weather permitting)
12:30 – 15:00 – Free time: Explore the region, go for walks in nature, or relax by the swimming pool. Tea, coffee, nuts, and seasonal fruits available throughout the day
15:00 – 18:00 – Afternoon Workshop: Breathing in Ashtanga Yoga: Transition & Rhythm
Q&A & Pranayama
18:30 – Dinner
Monday, 15th June 2026
07:00 – 09:30 – Mysore Class
11:30 – Brunch
12:30 – 15:00 – Free time: Explore the region, go for walks in nature, or relax by the swimming pool. Tea, coffee, nuts, and seasonal fruits available throughout the day
15:00 – 18:00 – Afternoon Workshop: Hip Opening & Leg Mobility
18:30 – Dinner
Tuesday, 16th June 2026
07:00 – 09:30 – Mysore Class
10:30 – Brunch
Sightseeing Day: Students vote to visit Toulouse, Bordeaux, or Saint-Émilion. Please note: Train tickets not included
19:30 – Dinner
Wednesday, 17th June 2026
07:00 – 09:30 – Mysore Class
11:30 – Brunch
12:30 – 15:00 – Free time: Explore the region, go for walks in nature, or relax by the swimming pool. Tea, coffee, nuts, and seasonal fruits available
15:00 – 18:00 – Afternoon Workshop: Backbending & Heart Opening
Pranayama
18:30 – Dinner
Thursday, 18th June 2026
07:00 – 09:30 – Mysore Class
11:30 – Brunch
12:30 – 15:00 – Free time: Explore the region, go for walks in nature, or relax by the swimming pool. Tea, coffee, nuts, and seasonal fruits available
15:00 – 18:00 – Afternoon Workshop: Balance & Inversion Exploration
Pranayama
18:30 – Dinner
Friday, 19th June 2026
06:30 – 09:00 – Led Primary Series & Farewell
Check-out: After brunch
Please note:
Check-out: Students are kindly asked to vacate rooms by 10:30am, though they may stay on-site longer if their flight/train is later in the day.
Free student pick-up and drop-off service to/from Agen train station will be organized closer to the retreat date.
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Cottage:
Shared bedroom (2 singles), shared bathroom: €1,239
Private double bedroom, shared bathroom: €1,489 - single occupancy only
Click here to visit the Cottage rooms
Please note: if you wish to share the double bed with another person, an additional fee applies.
Please contact us for the shared-rate price.
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Château:
Shared bedroom (2 singles), luxurious ensuite: €1,489 per person
Private king bedroom, shared bathroom: €1,689 - single occupancy
Private king bedroom, luxurious ensuite: €1,829 - single occupancy
Click here to visit the Château rooms
Please note: if you wish to share the king bed with another person, an additional fee applies.
Please contact us for the shared-rate price.
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What is included
• 6 nights in a beautiful and comfortable accommodation
• Daily Ashtanga Asana Class (Mysore Style and/or Led Sanskrit)
• Workshops
• Pranayama, Philosoy lessons
• Delicious and nourishing vegetarian meals twice a day (brunch and dinner)
• Seasonal fruits, nuts, tea, coffee and fresh baguettes available all day
• WIFI (Star Link 200MBS connection speed)
• Time to explore the beautiful French countryside
• Yoga equipment (Manduka Pro Yoga mats, blocks, belts and blankets)
• Yoga Library for you to read during your stay at Ashtanga France
• Free Group pick-up and return from/to Agen station, from/to Ashtanga France
What is NOT included
• Massages and other therapies (available on request)
• Train tickets
• Flights
• Taxis
• Car hire
• Sightseeing activities that require
payment
• Food and drinks when we are outside exploring
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Closest Airports: Toulouse and Bordeaux
Bordeaux Airport:
Hire a car: at the airport and drive to Ashtanga France / Château de Gueyze (approx. 1h15).
Train: Take a taxi to Bordeaux St Jean train station, then a train to Agen Station (approx. 1h30). Pick-up from Agen Station is provided.
Train tickets can be purchased in advance at www.trainline.com
Toulouse Airport:
Hire a car at: the airport and drive to Ashtanga France / Château de Gueyze (approx. 1h30).
Train: Take a taxi to Toulouse Matabiau train station, then a train to Agen Station (approx. 1h30). Pick-up from Agen Station is provided.
Train tickets can be purchased in advance at www.trainline.com
From Paris:
Direct trains from Paris Montparnasse to Agen Station (approx. 3h11). Pick-up from Agen Station is provided.
Train tickets can be purchased in advance at www.trainline.com
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To confirm your booking, please fill out the form below and indicate your preferred accommodation option (subject to availability).
Deposit Details
To secure your place, please send a deposit of €500 to the following account:Account Holder: Joice Duarte Ferreira
IBAN: FR76 1330 6003 6323 1258 7908 064The remaining balance can be paid in two installments:
First installment: due by March 13th, 2026
Second installment: due by April 13th, 2026
After Payment
Once your payment is made, please confirm by email at retreat@ashtangafrance.com, including:Your full name
Date of payment
Booking Confirmation
Your booking will only be confirmed once we have received and verified your deposit. A confirmation email will be sent once your payment has been processed.Important Notes
The deposit is non-refundable.
Please read our Terms and Conditions before making your payment.
Bring a friend or a partner
If you'd like to share the same bed with a close friend (who won’t be joining the yoga sessions) or your partner, they are very welcome to join the retreat for an additional fee of €690. They'll enjoy all the same amenities and experiences with you — except for the yoga classes and workshops, which are reserved for registered participants.
About
Asta Caplan
Asta discovered Ashtanga Yoga in 1998 while training as a professional ballet dancer and has been a dedicated practitioner ever since. In 2012, she received Level 2 Authorization to teach the method from Sharath Jois, grandson of Pattabhi Jois, the founder of Ashtanga Yoga.
Over the years, Asta has studied under many of the tradition’s most respected teachers, including Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Sharath Jois, Manju Jois, Eddie Stern, Tim Miller, Mark and Joanne Darby, Rolf Naujokat, Lino Miele, Philippa Asher, Harmony Slater, Petri Räisänen, and Louise Ellis, among others. She completed teacher training with Sharath Jois in Mysore in 2014, attended a 3rd Series Teacher Training with Tim Miller in California in 2015, and completed a teacher’s course with David Swenson in 2017.
From 2015 to 2024, Asta had the privilege of serving as the main teacher of a traditional Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga program, following the lineage of Pattabhi Jois. Between 2017 and 2024, she was the owner and lead teacher of Ashtanga Spirit Munich Shala. In the summer of 2024, Asta relocated to Clermont, Florida (USA), where she continues to teach internationally.
Asta believes that a yoga shala should be an inclusive and safe space for self-discovery. In her teaching, she aims to offer students a full and authentic perspective on the Ashtanga practice, while helping each individual build a personal and sustainable foundation. Her approach emphasizes compassion, accessibility, depth, and practicality — qualities she believes are essential for students to deepen their practice and cultivate lasting physical and mental well-being.
Asta views her own personal practice as an essential source of inspiration and as a way to lead by example — demonstrating steady dedication, humility, and openness to learning. Through her teaching and daily practice, she hopes to share the transformative power of Ashtanga Yoga and inspire students of all levels, backgrounds, and ages to experience its profound impact on their lives.