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Frequently Asked Questions

I have never done yoga before. Are your classes suitable for beginners?

We often have guests who have never practiced yoga before, but want to try it on holiday before committing to classes at home. Consequently, my classes comprise a full range of abilities. This works very well and our 'beginner' guests leave saying that they intend to continue with regular yoga classes, and many have returned to us for another yoga holiday.

What are your qualifications, and how long have you taught yoga?

I qualified with the British Wheel of Yoga in 1981, and, before moving to France, I taught for more than 20 years with Adult Education classes, sports centres and private classes in the UK. I trained in Hatha yoga, which is the original physical form of yoga, and from which other disciplines, such as Iyengar, Astanga, Bikram, etc., are derived. I have also studied Iyengar for 3 years, and additionally Viniyoga, Sivananda and the Desikachar method.

What style of yoga do you teach?

My classes are based on Hatha yoga, but I combine elements of other disciplines, and adapt them as I find suitable for the ability and needs of my students. Consequently, yoga guests who practice specific forms of yoga are able to participate naturally and enjoy the variations in my classes.

Do I need to bring any yoga equipment?

You need to bring loose comfortable clothing for the yoga classes. We supply mats. blocks and belts for yoga, and cushions and blankets for meditation.

Do I need a car?

It depends what you want to do during your holiday. Some of our guests just completely relax and chill-out; sunbathe on the terrace, swim in the lake and maybe take some bike rides. The local shop has all the basic groceries, and you can cycle to Mas d'Azil where there are two mini supermarkets, a butcher and a baker/patisserie, and on Wednesdays a market with local farm produce. Also, Dagmar drives into St. Girons during the week, and will offer a lift if you need a large supermarket. So, for these guests, a car is not necessary.

However, you may wish to explore this beautiful and unspoilt corner of France. There is so much to see and do. We can help with maps and recommendations; see the magnificent cave paintings at Niaux; walk to the impressive Cascade d'Ars; canoe down the river Ariege and horse ride in the mountain forests, etc. But, to do any of these things you will need to hire a car.

Where can I hire a car?

Guests have hired locally, but it has been a hassle. If you are flying, you will probable get a better deal hiring from the car hire company associated with your airline, when you book your flight tickets. Driving from the airport will save you transfer costs

If you are traveling by train, then you can hire a car either in Toulouse or Foix. Try the French Railway, Hertz or Renault.

Can I hire a taxi?

Yes, but taxis are expensive and sometimes need to be booked a day or so ahead. We are in a very rural part of France; it is very unspoilt and beautiful, but, some amenities that you take for granted at home, are not so readily available in La France Profonde.

Can I hire a bike?

We have 4 mountain bikes freely available for our guests. We can adjust the height of saddles and handlebars if required.

Do I need to bring any towels and bed linen?

We supply bed linen and bathroom towels. However, we do ask you to bring your own towels for outside use, such as sun bathing and swimming.

I can only get flights on a Sunday. Can you accommodate me on a Sunday to Sunday basis?

We appreciate that sometimes it can be difficult or impossible to travel on Saturdays. If you are unable to arrive and/or depart on a Saturday, then we will try our best to accommodate you, providing we have room. However, it may require you to change rooms on the Saturday.

Do you accept children?

We welcome children from the age of thirteen. From this age they will be able to participate in the yoga classes and meditation sessions.

Can you accommodate families?

Yes, subject to availability, we will allocate Spring Cottage for the exclusive use of a family.

What sort of weather can I expect?

The seasons in this part of France are much more pronounced than English seasons; summers are hotter; winters are colder; spring suddenly bursts open and autumns are like an Indian summer:

May & June: Spring flowers and snow-capped mountains. Usually sunny, in the mid to high 20 ºC, but with occasional showers. Evenings can be cool, so bring a sweater.

July & August: The hottest months, but the countryside is still beautifully verdant. Temperatures often up to mid-30 ºC. Occasional rain, or a dramatic evening thunderstorm.

September & October: The summer heat has passed, but it is still warm and sunny. This settled weather often lasts well into November and even December.

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