Hoffman at the French Retreat
For those of you who may not yet have heard of the French Retreat, it’s a wonderful wellbeing venue and sanctuary just outside of Bordeaux, South West France. The French Retreat was established in 2013 by Supervising Hoffman Facilitator and relationship coach Matthew Pruen and his wife Emma, a Systemic Constellations coach, shamanic practitioner and Hoffman graduate.
The Hoffman Summer Retreat 2025
When planning our first Hoffman event at the French Retreat back in 2017, we thought of the many Hoffman graduates we’d spoken to who had said they wanted to rekindle their Process magic, and have more space to integrate and hang out with one another in a beautiful natural environment.
Matthew and Emma took the teachings of a three-day Hoffman Q2, spread it out over five days, and sprinkled on some teachings from their own unique specialisms to build on and deepen the insights of the Process. And so our annual Hoffman Summer Retreat was born.
This summer, while we all continue to mourn the passing of Matthew and his huge contribution to the Hoffman community, we’ll be carrying on his legacy by keeping the Summer Retreat alive in the place he called home.
This Summer, Supervising Hoffman Facilitator Serena Gordon will be joining Emma Pruen for another unique, five-day, residential experience from Monday 2 – Saturday 7 June 2025. This residential retreat is open to couples, siblings, friends and Process groups as long as you’re all Hoffman Process graduates.
‘I did the Process 20 years ago and, approaching a very different period in my life, this was exactly the refresher I needed to remind me of my Quadrinity and my inner-strength. In the beauty of the French countryside, I have found peace again.’ ~ 2024 attendee
The work
At the French Retreat, your work is done in the mornings and evenings, leaving the middle part of the day free to enjoy all the beauty of the French countryside and to relax, swim, walk or socialise with other grads (if you choose). The days will contain a mix of Hoffman tools and techniques that you will remember from your Process, and there’s also the chance to explore new techniques from other methodologies that may be new to you.
The pace of the Summer Retreat is less intense than our three-day Q2, however, it’s also a deep dive into what’s not working in your life and gives you time to assess any areas that need some attention. Be prepared to contribute fully to the work and reinforce your connection to the tools and set some new intentions about the future.
‘This retreat was fantastic! It had the depth one expects from the Hoffman Process but also the lightness and joyfulness that comes from having some unstructured time in an idyllic setting with like-minded individuals. Highly recommend it!’ ~ 2024 attendee
To reserve your place, please call Emma on +44 7508 920583 or email emma@retreat.fr
The practicalities
Location: The French Retreat is located in Yviers, 16210, Charente, France. The nearest airport is Bordeaux (Merignac) and train station is Chalais.
Timings: Arrival is from 3.00pm on Monday 2 June. The course ends at 2:00pm on Saturday 7 June. Flight times can be recommended to you so you can benefit from the free transfer to the venue.
Accommodation: The French Retreat comprises a beautifully restored French Manor house and a converted barn as well as three luxury individual bell-tents in its grounds. There is also a Yoga deck, an open-air saltwater pool and a variety of outdoor seating areas. To meet demand, accommodation may be shared (with a maximum of one other person of the same gender) – this can be discussed at the time of booking. All food is seasonal, freshly-prepared and locally-sourced.
Cost: The cost for the five days (including meals, accommodation, facilitation and airport transfers) is £1,500 per person. Any extras like massages, 1:1 constellation work and outings to local vineyards will be at your own expense.
To reserve your place, please call Emma on +44 7508 920583 or email emma@retreat.fr
To reserve your place, please call Emma on +44 7508 920583 or email emma@retreat.fr
The Summer Retreat – what people say:
‘This week was exceptional on every level. Building on the foundations of the first Hoffman Process, this retreat was much more solid and meaningful for me as I felt better equipped to take more in. The pace and flow were ideal and we had more down time to recharge which also served me well and ensured that I came fully open and refreshed to each session. The actual retreat space was outstanding, perfectly in harmony with nature and all that we were trying to connect with. And lastly I couldn’t end without mentioning the (exceptional) food, rooms, pool and outdoor space, which were the icing on the cake and the ideal setting.’
‘Highly impactful, several blockages undone, gorgeous environment, exceptionally talented facilitators, delicious food, authentic, fun, human, will definitely return for an MOT’
‘I signed up for the Hoffman Summer Retreat to further let go of a past trauma and to take a break at the same time. Thanks to the variety in the program, the talents of the facilitators, and the work with my fellow Hoffies, I went home completely recharged. The Retreat was healing and refreshing and I would recommend it to anybody who needs a short break in their busy lives.’
‘One year after doing the Hoffman, the French retreat felt like a bit of a luxury, surplus to requirements. Having just spent the week at the retreat along with 15 fabulous fellow Hoffman graduates, I realised that this step is critical in crystalising and integrating all the program work. The 5 day structure gives you the time to reflect and enjoy the time in nature with with fellow likeminded souls. It also gave me time for each breakthrough to truly land in a considered and reflective way. It was truly magical. A must for anyone who wants to build on their toolkit for life.’
To reserve your place, please call Emma on +44 7508 920583 or email emma@retreat.fr
