Join us for a week of monastery life and mindful hikes in the beautiful countryside around Plum Village.
During this week, we invite you to practice mindful and peaceful hiking in the beautiful nature around our monastery. On a typical day, after sitting meditation with the sangha and a short teaching we may hike around 15 kilometers. Be aware that we will walk faster than walking meditation during our normal retreats.
We always walk in silence and can talk to each other mindfully during breaks.
We’ll pack lunch after breakfast, have a silent lunch outdoor in nature and we will be back at the monastery before dinner.
Arrival day & check-in times: Friday 6th March 2026, from 3pm to 7.30pm
Departure day: Friday 13th March 2026, from 7am – 12pm
Location: Upper Hamlet monastery, 437 Chemin du Pey, Thenac, 24240 France
Language: English
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.
Important: Participants should be physically fit enough to walk 15 km per day at roughly 4 km per hour.
Tentative sample schedule:
05:45 – Wake up
06:30 – Sitting meditation
07:15 – Breakfast and pack lunch
09:00 – Short Dharma talk, hiking, lunch in nature
16:00 – Activities like mindful service, Dharma sharing, total relaxation etc
18:00 – Dinner
20:00 – Evening activity
21:30 – Noble silence
Essential items to bring: Small backpack, lunch box, water bottle, hiking shoes (some trails may be muddy) and rain gear.
Please note that: Following many years of preparation, from March 2026 to the end of May 2026, Upper Hamlet will be undergoing major construction work to expand and improve our facilities so we can better welcome our community. We’re doing what we can to reduce the disruption, but please be aware that from Monday to Friday, 8am to 17.00, there may be some noise disturbances during the day. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. We thank you for your presence and your compassionate understanding as we grow.
Registration is closed
This retreat is in the past. View upcoming hiking retreats in our calendar.