Rains Retreat 2026-27

Imagine three months of your life held in silence and community—where the only sounds are birdsong, the rhythm of bells, and the quiet footsteps of fellow seekers walking the paths of an ancient monastery. The Rains Retreat 2026-27 at Plum Village invites you into a practice that stretches back to the time of the Buddha himself: a 90-day immersion in mindfulness, lived in harmony with the seasons, the sangha, and your own awakening.

Led in the lineage of mindfulness teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, this retreat honors a monastic tradition where communities gather during the rainy season to deepen their spiritual practice. Whether you arrive for the full three months or join for a week or two, you'll practice alongside resident monastics and lay practitioners from around the world, grounding yourself in the gentle, rigorous rhythm of collective contemplation. There is no performance, no spotlight—only the opportunity to live more fully in the present moment and discover what it means to belong to a healing community.

Held across Plum Village's three hamlets in the Dordogne region of France, the retreat weaves together meditation, communal work, study, and meals taken in noble silence. This is where transformation happens not through intensity but through showing up, day after day, to the simple, profound act of being alive.

What to Expect

The Rains Retreat follows the rhythm of monastic life rather than themed teachings. Your days unfold through meditation sittings, mindful movement, communal meals, and work practice—from gardening to kitchen duties—each activity an opportunity to bring awareness to every gesture and breath. Mentoring groups (held primarily in English, with French and Vietnamese translation available) offer space to clarify your practice and deepen your understanding alongside teachers and fellow practitioners.

You'll live in simple, thoughtfully arranged accommodations within one of Plum Village's three hamlets, creating an environment where people of all genders can practice safely together. The pace is intentional and gentle, designed to help you unwind from the speed of ordinary life and reconnect with what truly matters.

About the Artist

Thich Nhat Hanh was a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk and pioneering mindfulness teacher who brought present-moment awareness into mainstream spiritual consciousness across five decades. Through his writings, retreats, and tireless peace activism, he offered a bridge between ancient contemplative traditions and contemporary life, showing seekers everywhere that mindfulness is not a luxury but a path to healing, compassion, and liberation.

Venue & Logistics

Plum Village, nestled in the rolling countryside of Thénac, Dordogne, France, hosts the retreat across three interconnected hamlets. The retreat begins Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for meditation and seasonal weather. Simple accommodations and vegetarian meals are provided. Those interested in accessibility needs should contact Plum Village directly when registering.