Autumn Mindful Living Weekend (3 Hamlets)

Imagine spending a full weekend held by the collective energy of a thriving monastic community, where every moment—from waking to eating to sitting in silence—becomes an opportunity to return home to yourself. The Autumn Mindful Living Weekend at Plum Village in Thénac, Dordogne, is a three-day meditation retreat (Friday evening through Monday morning, September 4–7, 2026) rooted in the transformative teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. Across three integrated French hamlets, you'll practice mindfulness not as theory but as a living, breathing way of being—guided by sisters and brothers of the monastic community who embody what they teach.

This retreat is designed for seekers at any stage of the path: whether you're new to Plum Village or returning to deepen your practice. Small family groups of 20–30 people create intimate, supportive conditions where genuine transformation becomes possible. All teachings are offered in English with French interpretation, making this a truly bilingual gathering. The retreat emphasizes stability and collective practice—full attendance from start to finish allows you to move with the rhythm of the community and feel the full arc of deepening awareness.

What to Expect

You'll wake with the monastic schedule, begin your day with guided meditation and mindful movement, and participate in dharma talks that bring ancient wisdom into present-day living. Each day unfolds with group practice, teachings, dharma sharing circles, and mindful meals—all vegan and prepared with intention. The three hamlets (Lower and New with sisters, Upper with brothers) each offer distinct but integrated environments, so you'll experience the monastery as a living mandala of practice. Between formal sessions, you'll have space for personal meditation, walking in the peaceful Dordogne countryside, and quiet reflection. By Monday morning, you'll leave carrying not just insights, but a felt sense of how mindfulness can shape your daily life.

About the Artist

Thich Nhat Hanh (Mindfulness Teacher)

Thich Nhat Hanh was a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk and pioneering mindfulness teacher who brought the practice of present-moment awareness into mainstream spiritual consciousness across five decades. Through his prolific writings, international retreats, and lifelong commitment to peace activism, he demonstrated that mindfulness is not a retreat from the world but a doorway into engaged, compassionate living. His legacy continues to guide practice at Plum Village, where the monastic community carries forward his accessible, heart-centered approach to awakening.

Venue & Logistics

Plum Village, Thénac, Dordogne, France

The retreat runs Friday, September 4 (evening arrival) through Monday, September 7 (morning departure), 2026. All lodging, meals (vegan), teachings, and activities are included. A tiered pricing structure ensures accessibility. Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for meditation and movement. The monastery welcomes practitioners of all backgrounds and experience levels.