In the safe and compassionate space of Plum Village, we come together to honor the tender places in our hearts touched by grief and loss. Throughout this week, we will gently explore how mindfulness, conscious breathing, deep listening, and community support can help us hold our sorrow with kindness and spaciousness.
Surrounded by nature and the collective energy of practice, we learn to touch the beauty that still nourishes us, to reconnect with stability and trust, and to discover that healing becomes possible when we allow ourselves to rest, to feel, and to be embraced by the present moment.
This week is an invitation to walk with our grief, not alone, but hand in hand with a loving community.
These are some of the practices we will engage in during this week:
- Live Dharma talks, presentations, and a questions-and-responses session
- Sitting meditation together
- Outdoor walking meditation and gentle hikes in the surrounding countryside • Mindful meals in silence — taking the time to truly enjoy our food and the presence of the community
- Dharma Sharing in small groups
- Deep Relaxation — learning how to rest and release tension in body and mind
- Mindful Service — working together in harmony and ease
- Noble Silence — observed from after the evening activity until after breakfast clean-up We will also offer a simple ritual of remembrance. You are warmly invited to bring a photo or small object representing your loss to support this moment of honoring and healing.
What to Bring
- Note book
- Pen
- A photo or a small object that represents the loss.
More information
Arrival day & check-in times: Friday from 3pm to 7.30pm
Departure day: Friday from 7am to 12pm
Language: English with French Translation
Location: Lower Hamlet: Village des Pruniers, 1336 Route de Lalande, 47120 Loubès-Bernac, France
Costs: Contributions vary according to the price tier and the type of lodging you choose in the registration section below. The price includes lodging (except if you book as a “Commuter”), daily vegan meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), teachings and activities.
Who can register: Women, Men, and couples (mixed/women)
Registration
In the buttons below:
- Indicate whether you are coming alone or with someone.
- Next, select your gender identity.
- Then carefully review the information about the price tiers and choose the tier that applies to you.
- Once you’ve selected a tier, click the “See Availability” button at the bottom of the price section to view the accommodation options.
Click here to view our updated payment and cancellation policy
Registration & Payment
Payment Structure
For retreats from January 3, 2026 onwards, your contribution will be split into two payments:
- Main payment to Bienvenue Aux Pruniers S.A.S. (BAP) for practical retreat aspects (food, accommodation, facilities, administration, taxes)
- Monastery contribution to Congrégation Bouddhique Zen Village des Pruniers (CBZ) to support the monastic community
Your bank statement will show two charges, and you will receive two invoices.
Note: For retreats taking place in 2025 until January 3, 2026, retreat contributions are received by Communaute Bouddhique Zen du Village des Pruniers, the religious nonprofit 1901 association operating our activities from 1988-2025.
Payment Methods
Our online booking system accepts:
- Credit card payments (worldwide)
- European direct debit (SEPA) for European bank accounts
All payments are processed via the secure Stripe payment gateway. We do not store payment details. Due to strict French regulations, we cannot accept cash, cheques, or manual bank transfers for retreat payments.
Cancellation Policy
To ensure fair access for all, we have revised our cancellation policy to encourage participants to book a retreat place only when certain they can attend.
Cancellation by Participants
If you need to cancel:
- 28+ days before arrival: Full refund minus €100 admin & cancellation fee
- 14-27 days before arrival: 50% refund after deducting the €100 non-refundable admin fee
- 13 days or less before arrival: No refunds possible
We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover retreat cancellation fees in case of unforeseen circumstances, including personal illness or family emergencies.
For those generously coming to Plum Village to help as a volunteer, the cancellation fee is €25 (to cover admin costs).
Cancellation by Plum Village
Plum Village reserves the right to cancel a retreat under any circumstances. If this occurs, you will receive a full refund of all payments made to us, including the admin fee.
Plum Village accepts no further liability beyond the retreat registration fee refund. We cannot be liable for funds spent on advance travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and visas. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance that covers this.
More information about coming to practice with us