Ellen Johannesen
30th August - 05th September
Ellen Johannesen returns to Ashtanga France for a Transformative Ashtanga Yoga Retreat
This is a unique opportunity to study directly with Ellen Johannesen, a KPJAYI Level 2 Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher with over 30 years teaching experience. Ellen’s deep knowledge and extensive practice will guide you through the transformative practices of Ashtanga Yoga, Buddhist teachings, and meditation.
In addition to her vast experience in yoga, Ellen holds a Master’s degree in Tibetan Buddhism and Himalayan Languages, bringing a rich, holistic perspective to her teaching. Throughout the retreat, she will share the timeless wisdom of the Buddha and introduce meditation techniques that are accessible to all, regardless of experience level. These practices have the potential to bring lasting change to your life, both on and off the mat.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga and meditation, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to deepen your practice, expand your understanding, and connect with a vibrant community.
We invite you to join Ellen for this life-enriching experience and transform your practice.
Information
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Sunday, 30th August 2026
Check-in: After 15:00
19:30: Welcome Dinner
Join us for an introduction and guidelines about the retreat.
Monday to Friday | 31st August - 04th September 2026
07:00 - 09:00: Mysore Practice
09:00: Refreshment break
Enjoy fresh snacks, tea, coffee, and juice.09:30: Workshop
about Buddhism and meditation. Deepening your knowledge about the Ashtanga practice11:30: Brunch
A nourishing meal served by the pool, featuring organic vegetables from local farmers (weather permitting).Afternoons:
Free time for relaxing, swimming, exploring the woods or vineyards, enjoying massages, and sightseeing.Throughout the Day:
Fruits, tea, coffee, and nuts available.18:30: Dinner
*Please note: on one day, Ellen will not be running a workshop to give students the opportunity to enjoy a day of sightseeing
Saturday, 04th September 2026
07:00 - 09:00: Led Class
Check-out:
Please vacate your room by 12:30 AM. You are welcome to stay on the property if your flights are in the afternoon or early evening.11:30: Goodbye Brunch
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Shared bedroom (2 singles), shared bathroom: €1,239
Private double bedroom, shared bathroom: €1,489
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Shared bedroom (2 singles), luxurious ensuite: €1,489
Private king bedroom, shared bathroom: €1,689
Private king bedroom, luxurious ensuite: €1,829
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WHAT IS INCLUDED
Mysore Classes
Workshops
Fruits, tea, coffee and nuts available all day
Delicious and organic meals twice a day
Comfortable and beautiful accommodation
Wifi (StarLink 200MBS connection speed)
Time to explore the beautiful French countryside
Yoga equipment (Manduka Yoga mats, blocks, belts and blankets)
Group pick-up and return from/to Agen station to here
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Massages and other therapies (available on request)
Train tickets
Flights
Sightseeing (available on request)
Food and drinks when we are outside exploring
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TOULOUSE AND BORDEAUX ARE THE CLOSEST AIRPORTS
1) From Bordeaux airport there are two choices:
• Hire a car at the airport and drive to Ashtanga France/ Château de Gueyze (1h15 min journey)
• Or from Bordeaux airport, get a taxi to the train station Bordeaux St Jean and hop on the train to Agen Station (1h30 min journey). From there we can arrange pick-ups
2) From Toulouse airport, there are also two choices:
• Hire a car at the airport and drive to Ashtanga France/ Chateau de Gueyze (1h30 min journey)
• Or get a taxi to the train station Toulouse Matabiau and hop on the train to Agen Station (1h30 min journey). From there we can arrange pick-ups
IF YOU ARE COMING FROM PARIS
• There are direct trains from Paris Montparnasse station to Agen train station (3h11 min journey). From there we can arrange pickups.
*Train tickets can be easily be purchased in advance on 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 May 30th, 2026
Second installment: due by June 30th, 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.
Accomodation
Ashtanga France is located in a 16th-century Château, fully renovated with comfortable and spacious bedrooms, cozy living areas, and a sumptuous dining room.
The house is set on 30 acres of grounds, which include woodlands, ancient trees, a beautiful lake, and singing birds every morning. The Château also offers two swimming pools, sun loungers, and plenty of space to rest and relax.
Location
If you are looking to deepen your Ashtanga yoga practice, escape to tranquility, and immerse yourself in the beauty of never-ending vineyards and countryside, then you have found the perfect place to nourish your body and elevate your experience.
Our food
During our retreats, we focus on providing wholesome, nourishing, and freshly prepared vegetarian meals. We source organic vegetables and fruits from local farmers, supporting sustainable practices and ensuring the highest quality ingredients. We believe that the best meals are those made with care and finest, seasonally available produce.
About Ellen
Ellen Johannesen, originally a professional dancer, has practiced and taught Ashtanga yoga for more than 30 years. She first visited Mysore and studied with Pattabhi Jois in 1997, and was later authorized as an Ashtanga Level 2 teacher by Sharath Jois.
Ellen also completed a two-year Teacher Training with John Scott and initiated the first Mysore programs in Norway and Nepal. Her growing interest in Buddhist practice led her to Bylakuppe, South India, where she spent nearly three years at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
She later moved to Nepal, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages from Kathmandu University. Ellen now teaches yoga and Buddhism internationally, conducting retreats and pilgrimages throughout Nepal. Since 2020, she has been running In-Depth Yoga 200/300-hour courses in Oslo, Norway.
