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The Bloom & Nourish Women’s French Gardening and Cooking Retreat

Building a Life Anchored

in Home, Wholeness & Tradition

August 24th - 29th, 2026

 

Join us for a transformative women’s retreat in saint Priest Ligoure, France at a French country estate La Croix de La Jugie

 

Spaces are limited · Tickets are non-refundable
 

 

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Dear friends, 

We invite you to join us in the heart of the French countryside for a retreat devoted to slowing down, reconnecting with the land, and rediscovering the beauty of old-world living. Set within the peaceful landscapes of rural France at Manoir La Croix de La Jugie, this experience is designed to nourish both body and soul through meaningful connection, seasonal food, and timeless traditions. Days unfold gently—fresh French breakfasts shared around the table, afternoons in the garden learning traditional growing practices, and evenings gathered together over beautifully prepared meals inspired by the region.

 

Throughout the retreat, we will explore what it means to live more intentionally through from-scratch cooking, wellness workshops, and hands-on experiences rooted in French country life. Together, we’ll wander local markets overflowing with fresh produce and artisan cheeses, visit historic villages and renowned porcelain shops in Limoges, and meet local farmers and dairy producers who still steward the land with care and tradition.

 

Each experience has been thoughtfully chosen to immerse you in the rhythms of rural France—from cooking classes using garden herbs and local dairy to long dinners beneath the evening sky featuring regional dishes, homemade breads, and seasonal desserts prepared by a private chef.

 

There is also space woven throughout the week for rest and reflection. Quiet mornings, walks through the countryside, optional massages, afternoons by the pool, and unhurried conversations create room to breathe deeply and reconnect with what matters most.

 

This is more than a retreat—it is an invitation into a slower, richer way of living. A chance to gather around the table, learn old-world skills, savor extraordinary food, and experience the timeless beauty of the French countryside in a deeply personal and meaningful way. We would be honored to welcome you to France for this unforgettable week of connection, nourishment, and inspiration.

Schedule

Monday, August 24th

​Day 1 – Arrival at the French Countryside Manor

 

4:00 PM onwards – Arrival at Manoir La Croix de La Jugie
• Settle in with a welcome glass of wine & light snacks
• Explore the manor, gardens, and surrounding grounds

 

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Dinner
Elegant 3-course catered dinner from local French restaurant Suzette
 

8:00 PM – Welcome Gathering
• Opening welcome message led by Jessica
• Introduction to the retreat experience
• Relaxed evening to unwind after travel

 

Tuesday, August 25th

Day 2 – Gardening & French Country Living

9:00 AM – French Breakfast

 Fresh French-style breakfast prepared by a private chef

 

10:00 AM – Wellness & Gut Health Workshop - Homemade Yogurt

Educational workshop led by Jessica

 

12:00 PM / 1:00 PM – Lunch

Light Seasonal French lunch prepared by the private chef

2:00 PM – Gardening Experience

Learn traditional growing methods and work with seasonal plants and herbs with Jessica

 

5:00 PM – French Cooking Class

 Interactive cooking class led by the private chef

 

6:30 PM / 7:00 PM – Dinner

Multi-course French dinner prepared with locally sourced produce

 

8:00 PM – Free Time or Evening Activity

Relax at the manor, enjoy conversation, or unwind for the evening

 

Wednesday, August 26th

Day 3 - Visit to Limoges

8:00 AM: Breakfast - Alternative French-style breakfast prepared and served by private chef: e.g. crêpes, pastries

9:00 AM: Travel to Limoges (1 hour)

Coach pick-up from the Manoir 

10:00 AM

Explore Limoges

Options, visit local porcelain and chinaware shops, explore the botanical garden, visit a local museum or spa

12:00 PM

Lunch at Le Boullion

Top-rated traditional French restaurant in Limoges

1:30 PM: Local markets and produce shops

3:30 PM: Travel back to the Manoir (1 hour) - Coach pick-up from central Limoges

4:30 PM: Free time or activity

6:30 PM: Dinner

Alternative French-style dinner prepared with local produce and served by private chef: e.g. coq au vin, terrine, beef bourguignon

8:00 PM

Free time or activity

Thursday, August 27th

Day 4 - Farm & Dairy Experience

9:00 AM: Breakfast

Alternative French-style breakfast prepared and served by private chef: e.g. brioche, French toast

10:20 AM: Travel to Au pré de mon arbre (working farm)

Coach pick-up from the Manoir 

10:30 AM: Tour of Au pré de mon arbre

Explore farm and visit produce shop

12:00 PM: Travel to St-Yrieix-La-Perche (30 minutes)

Coach pick-up from the farm 

12:30 PM: Lunch at Suzette

Top-rated French restaurant in St-Yrieix with changing menu

1:30 PM / 2:00 PM: Tour of Les Délices de Justine (dairy farm)

Guided tour of dairy farm and visit to produce shop

4:00 PM: Travel back to the Manoir (30 minutes)

Coach pick-up from the farm 

5:00 PM: Cooking class led by private chef - Focus on French dairy products as picked up/learned about on farm tour

6:30 PM Dinner: Alternative French-style dinner prepared using dairy products and served by private chef: e.g. raclette, tartiflette, creme brulee

8:00 PM

Free time or activity

Friday, August 28th

Day 5  - Hike and Massages

9:00 AM

Breakfast

Alternative French-style breakfast prepared and served by private chef: e.g. fresh meats, cheeses sourced the day before

10:00 AM

Local hike

 

12:30 PM

Lunch

Alternative French-style lunch prepared and served by private chef: e.g. quiche and fresh salad

1:30 PM / 2:00 PM 

Massages from visiting masseuses Marie and Anne

Other guests can unwind and use the pool whilst they wait

6:30 PM

Dinner

Alternative French-style dinner prepared with local produce and served by private chef: e.g. fish and vegetables, clafoutis

 

8:00 PM

Free time or activity

Saturday, August 29th

Day 6 - Departure Day

 

 

8:00 AM

Early breakfast

Alternative French-style breakfast prepared and served by private chef

10:00 AM Say Goodbyes and Check-out

Coach pick-up from the Manoir to the local station

Jessica Kelly

Retreat Host 

Jessica Kelly is the founder of The Kitchen Gardens, an online educational platform helping families reclaim their health through scratch cooking, land stewardship, and intentional living—rooted in faith, simplicity, and the wisdom of the old ways.

A devoted follower of Jesus, homeschool mama, and experienced nurse & health educator, Jessica believes true wellness begins at home. Not in fads or fear, but around the kitchen table—through nourishing food, shared work, and skills that strengthen both body and soul.

Her teaching centers on deep scratch cooking, traditional baking, and using the homestead as a living classroom where children learn responsibility, resilience, and reverence for the land. Through everyday rhythms—baking bread, tending animals, growing food—Jessica equips families to live healthier, more connected lives while passing down practical skills that endure.

Through The Kitchen Gardens, Jessica invites families to slow down, return to what is time-tested, and rediscover the joy, dignity, and healing found in doing life the old way—together.

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The Retreat is Purchased Here

*tickets are per person

$3500

FAQ

What airport should guests fly into?
The easiest international route is typically flying into Paris and then taking a train to the Limoges area. Guests can also choose to fly into the smaller regional airport in Limoges for a shorter transfer. From Limoges, transportation to the retreat location at Saint-Priest-Ligoure is included. 

What is included in the retreat accommodations?
The retreat includes accommodations at a beautiful historic French villa in Saint-Priest-Ligoure, France. Most meals are included, wellness experiences, daily excursions and cooking classes, and gardening-inspired education throughout the retreat. Transportation to and from the train station are included. Meals out and massages are not included. 

How many guests will attend?
Between 10-17 guests for an intimate encounter.

Will there be free time?
Yes. Each day includes spacious time to rest, journal, swim, or simply be together.

Are dietary needs accommodated?
Yes. We can accommodate most dietary needs and allergies when shared in advance.

Will I have my own room?

Room arrangements will vary depending on the accommodation selection. Some rooms may be private while others may be shared. Specific room details and pricing options will be provided during booking.

Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is designed for women who are looking to relax, rejuvenate, and be inspired. It is also ideal for women who want to learn more about gardening, from-scratch cooking, wellness practices, and intentional living in a beautiful French countryside setting.

Do I need gardening or cooking experience to attend?
Not at all. The retreat is designed for all experience levels. Whether guests are complete beginners or already passionate about gardening and from-scratch cooking, the experience is intended to be educational, approachable, and inspiring.

What should I pack for the retreat?
Guests should pack comfortable walking shoes, light layers for changing weather, modest activewear for movement sessions, swimwear for the pool, and relaxed yet beautiful outfits for dinners and sightseeing. A full recommended packing list will be provided before the retreat.

How active is the retreat? The retreat is moderately active. There will be a fair amount of walking during sightseeing days, a countryside hike, and general movement throughout the retreat activities. Guests will also have time to relax by the pool and move at their own pace when desired.

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