Testimonials

Facilitating a weeklong women’s retreat at Chateau de Bardouly was a wonderful and unforgettable experience. The Chateau provides a bright and beautiful space, in which every detail feels intentional, warm and welcoming. From the moment we arrived, our group felt nurtured, appreciated, and taken care of. With stunning facilities, delicious food, rich history, spacious land, and incredibly kind staff, we were all able to truly relax and let go.

Complementary to the empowering inner work we were doing, it was easy to feel like royalty while roaming these luxurious grounds. Lisa was incredibly helpful and attentive and never did we, as facilitators, feel alone in the planning process. I highly recommend running a retreat at this fairy-tale like Chateau in this charming part of France.

Our experience at Chateau de Bardouly in the Dordogne region of France far surpassed our expectations.  The accommodations were elegant yet comfortable.  Our rooms were filled with lovely details like high thread-count sheets, lush towels and luxurious soaps and shampoo.  The quiet and picturesque French countryside was the perfect setting for a yoga retreat.  We really felt like we could just exhale and relax.  The yoga studio was professional-grade and had all the equipment we needed.  Doing yoga on the outdoor platform surrounded by the gorgeous vistas was heavenly.

The food was also exceptional.  We started our mornings with coffee and tea and home-made pastries.  Lunches and dinners were prepared by their private chef.  She used local fresh ingredients to create healthy meals that somehow also felt gourmet and decadent.

We also thoroughly enjoyed the Southwest of France.  Although it is not as well known as some of the other parts of France, we all fell in love with its charm and history.  The day trips visiting castles, wine tasting and canoeing on the Dordogne river were all wonderful.  One of the  highlights was going to the local open-air markets and indulging in every French delicacy you can imagine — including the best cheeses, breads and fresh fruits we’ve ever tasted.

The yoga retreat ran smoothly from start to finish.  There was extensive assistance with the planning and organization of the retreat.  The on-site staff was caring and responsive to our needs.  We highly recommend Bardouly having run two retreats there and will happily return.

The great fitness escape will be revisiting Chateau Bardouly for a Pilates, dance and fitness retreat for the third time this September.  We are looking forward to the  warm welcome from Lisa, Jean-Claude and the staff.

I can definitely say without a shadow of a doubt that the rooms at Bardouly are amongst  the most elegant and beautifully presented rooms I have taken clients to over the last seven years.  I have visited many venues across Europe and the facilities from the studio, the pool, the yoga deck and gardens are second to none.  We do yoga and pilates in the morning and  at sunset on the deck in the garden  and use the fully equipped studio during the day, which can even be heated.

The catering of locally sourced and prepared food from Southwest France is very tasty and well presented to a very high standard.  Lisa arranges all transfer and transport and restaurants to make sure our stay runs as smoothly as possible.  We can’t wait to revisit in September for more rest relaxation and of course le fromage et le Vin rouge.

“Tucked away among the vineyards of south eastern France you’ll find Bardouly, a chateau which delights all senses. The food is delicious and skilfully crafted by Anne-Marie who uses only the finest, local, seasonal produce and the chateau itself is a feast for the eyes! With the frontage covered in wisteria, the house instantly charms and inside, the rooms are truly lovely. It is worth spending some time tearing yourself away from the house and discovering the grounds- the wild flowers which surround the outside Pilates platform and the extensive grass lawns, tennis courts and woodland that surrounds the property. Overall, a wonderful destination to relax and unwind from the everyday.”

A lovely weeks yoga with Charlie, beautifully restored chateau with lots of facilities, great food. Lisa and Jean-Claude excellent hosts.

I cannot imagine a better yoga retreat, or for that matter a better WEEK than the one we just had at Bardouly. Surrounded by vineyards and wheat fields, the house has the bones of a very old estate but has been renovated into a comfortable, welcoming home. The bedrooms and living areas are spacious and luxurious. The food was unbelievable. Every meal was a well thought out, carefully prepared feast of local French cuisine, never heavy, always fresh and tasty. And the wine was amazing. Lisa and Jean Claude shared not only their home, but their wealth of knowledge of the area and their estate. When we went canoeing on the Dordogne, it was arranged through one of their acquaintances just like the bicycle tour in Bergerac and the horseback riding and the wine tasting. We received first hand, insightful stories of this gorgeous area. I would go back in a minute.

I have attended a group training at this beautiful facility. The property is decorated and cared for by its owners Jean-Claude and Lisa Le Goater. The accommodations were well beyond my expectations. There is a peaceful and welcoming ambiance. Jean-Claude and Lisa were amazing hosts, friendly, respectful, and went the extra mile to insure happiness and comfort. The prepared meals were well beyond anything I had imagined or expected. As a vegetarian, my options are more limited than other diets, but I was never disappointed or hungry. The food was fantastic; never the same thing twice and there was always plenty to eat. My whole experience in France and especially at Bardouly has been amazing. I highly recommend the Château for any group gathering, but especially for yoga.

“I’ve taught retreats around the world for years; my experience at bardouly was perfection. Luxurious accommodation, idyllic grounds, perfect indoor/outdoor yoga spaces. Lisa and jc are charming hosts and the food exquisite. I will return to this hidden gem every year.”

Dear Lisa and Jean Claude, Thank you! I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Chateau de Bardouly during my yoga teacher training; you have gone out of your way to make me feel welcome in your beautiful home. I have so enjoyed the relaxing and luxurious surroundings, the tasteful furniture, the stunning house, gardens and countryside, the comfortable bed and bedding and modern bathroom! The catering has been awesome! Such varied menus, perfectly cooked fresh local produce and some ‘orgasmic’ puddings!! Bravo and thank you to Anne Marie for first class catering and Isabelle who is always bright and cheerful. The whole experience will be a memorable one and has been everything I hoped it would be and more thanks to the Bardouly hospitality and location. The Yoga deck in the middle of a field surrounded by nature, the modern Yoga studio, and eating Al fresco weather permitting, have all added to the relaxing experience. I have no hesitation in recommending Chateau de Bardouly as a first-class yoga retreat/teacher training venue and Anne Marie’s catering company. I hope to return again in the near future with family and friends to repeat the experience at Bardouly and explore the pretty countryside and character full nearby villages and reputable Vineyards. I would definitely return for a retreat or to run one of my own!

The stay at chateau de Bardouly is fantastic. The park is huge with lots of hidden charming little gardens. The rooms are spacious and it feels like home. The food is amazing, different every meal and worth 3 Michelin stars with only fresh food and high quality and quantity. The hosts are very nice, helpful and present whenever we need, ready for any advice and taking us by car for visiting the region during the weekend. This place is a piece of paradise, perfect for meditative walks or resting sessions. The yoga facilities are amazing both the inside studio and outside platform. I would definitely return!

I had a good fortune of staying at the Bardouly for a week long yoga retreat in late May. Rooms (each different), yoga studio, dining and living area (indoor and outdoor) were all very enjoyable. We had morning and late afternoon yoga in newly finished studio. During the daytime, we went out for hikes around Bardouly, visiting local towns and markets, historical castles and gardens. Also, Lisa and JC arranged local wine tasting and a visit to Foie Gras making. Thus we were pretty busy every day! The food! Joining the yoga retreat, I did not expect the food to be so good (of course, this is France!). We had 3 course meals (starter, main and dessert) every day! They are simple but all tasted very good. And the wines! Everyone look forward to dinner time every evening! The only regret I have was that I should have spent more time on the ground of the Bardouly since it is simply beautiful and tranquil. I could spend all day by the beautiful pool side surrounded by greens and roses (they were in full bloom when I was there. Just gorgeous!). The last but not least, Lisa and JC were gracious hosts. They were always around to make sure everything OK. All in all, I highly recommend the Bardouly. I would love to go back to stay.

My first ever yoga retreat at Chateau de Bardouly was nothing short of amazing! With yoga classes twice daily in an idyllic setting and lingering over delicious, fresh, French meals with my fellow yogis, I had the trip of a lifetime in the French countryside. There was so much to do. I fondly recall scenic walks near the property, lounging by the pool with friends, riding horses, canoeing down the Dordogne and taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of the local farmer’s markets. And, there was a day or two that I just stayed in at the chateau to take in the beauty and tranquility of the place. I felt that my week long experience at Chateau Bardouly was a uniquely French one, far away from the madness of my own city. And, as a foodie, I must mention that I’ve never eaten so well in my life. The beautifully appointed and curated rooms at this sprawling residence just lend themselves to the charm of the property and the warmth and hospitality of the chateau’s owners permeates the place. I certainly hope to return to Chateau de Bardouly for another lovely stay!

Lisa and Jean-Claude, Frank and I speak of our yoga retreat experience at your palace all the time!  Best trip of our lives thus far…. and getting to know you and your husband…beyond wonderful. We love Bardouly so much we’d love to come back there to get engaged!  Please know that you are in our conversations ALL the time and the fabulous week we had at the property.  We can’t wait to come back – hope it will be in 2016!

Chateau de Bardouly is a gem nestled in the Dordogne region of France. I went there for a yoga retreat and end up with an amazing French countryside experience. The manor house well appointed, and grounds are beautiful. The region offers castles, nature walks, markets, historical sites, and much more. The owners, Lisa and Jean-Claude LeGoater, are warm and welcoming. They work with a local chef who is out of this world. The food is organic, healthy, flavorful and outstanding. I joke that the trip was “bait and switch,” in that I signed up for a yoga retreat and end up with a gourmet French experience (where I did not even gain any weight because the food was so healthy). Incroyable!