Weekend Retreat at Healing Spring

Some weekends ask nothing of you except to slow down. This wellness retreat at Healing Spring Monastery, a Plum Village practice center near Paris, offers a simple rhythm of sitting, walking, eating and resting in the company of a monastic community. There is nothing to achieve here, only a chance to be nourished by peace and togetherness.

The retreat runs from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon and is led by the Healing Spring monastic Dharma teacher. It is open to adults of all genders. It suits newcomers looking for an authentic introduction to mindfulness without intensity, and experienced practitioners who want a grounding return. One past participant called it "wonderful" and "very strengthening for my practice and mental health."

If you are tired and want a weekend to quiet the mind, this is a gentle place to begin.

What to Expect

The weekend follows the unhurried rhythm of monastic life, and you practice alongside the monastics and other lay practitioners. The program includes:

- Sitting meditation and walking meditation
- Mindful meals, with three vegan meals a day
- Service to the community
- Sharing and Dharma teachings

Mornings generally begin around 6:30 am. Noble silence begins at 9:30 pm and continues until after the breakfast dishes are washed the next morning. This is not a whole-day silent retreat, so there is room for sharing and connection. On Sunday you may also practice with visitors who come for a day of mindfulness.

You leave with a deeper sense of rest and a clearer sense of how to meditate in community. The retreat is held in English only.

As with all Plum Village programs, the schedule embraces impermanence. If conditions require, parts of the retreat may be adjusted, rescheduled or canceled.

Venue & Logistics

The retreat takes place at Healing Spring Monastery, a home for monks near Paris. Check-in begins at 3:00 pm on Friday, and check-out is at 3:00 pm on Sunday. Because the monastery is a monks' community, the retreat can sometimes have more men than women.

Participants must be 18 or older. You may bring children or teenagers, but there is no special program for them. You remain fully responsible for their care, and some adult activities may not be suitable for them.

The contribution is a donation that supports the monastery and depends on your financial situation. Your reservation is confirmed after payment. If you are able, choosing a higher rate helps cover the upkeep of the monastery and supports participants facing financial difficulty. Reductions are available based on individual need, and the monastery invites you to get in touch after booking if you need support, even if the scholarship rate is no longer available.