France Cycle/Yoga Retreat - Yoga with Emma - Frequently Asked Questions
WHO IS THIS YOGA & CYCLING HOLIDAY AIMED AT & SUITABLE FOR?
Individuals who enjoy both cycling and yoga: This is the core appeal, explicitly combining cycling and your love of yoga
Cyclists of varying levels: The retreat offers two-cycle groups to accommodate different paces and levels, and we ensure that "no one gets left behind." This means it's suitable for both experienced cyclists and those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
Yoga practitioners: While the yoga is curated around the needs of cyclists, we are keen that seasoned yoga practitioners will also find inspiration and Emma is keen not to dilute the teachings of the tradition.
People seeking an active holiday with a focus on well-being and recovery: The yoga sessions are designed to benefit the body, aiding recovery and enhancing cycling enjoyment. Meditation and pranayama sessions are also included.
Those looking for a genuine retreat experience: We aim to offer you a genuine retreat, with the option of cycling and inspirational yoga in magical settings with warm kindred spirits.
Individuals or couples: The accommodation offers shared double or twin rooms, or for a supplement you can have a room to yourself as a single guest. You can find a friend to join you, or if you’d like us to find you a roomie we can. The retreat can facilitate non-cycling partners who are welcome to join the yoga sessions. Likewise we can facilitate non-yoga-ing partners who just want to peddle.
People interested in exploring the Girona and Catalonia region: The holiday is situated in a stunning area of Spain and offers opportunities to enjoy the local scenery and culture.
Guests who appreciate quality accommodation and local food: The accommodation is in a beautiful 17th century Catalonian homestead with luxury touches, and the food is local and plentiful.
Those who value flexibility in their activities: Everything is optional and there is so much scope to do as much or as little as you wish.
In summary, it's designed for active people who want to combine yoga and cycling in a beautiful setting, with options to suit different skill levels and preferences.
TRAVEL
What are the travel options to Can Campolier, Banyoles, Girona?
- TRAIN. TGV train from Paris is fast, comfortable and your most carbon friendly option. If you are taking the train, you go to Girona from Paris. You then catch the bus Girona - Olot E1 bus via Banyoles. These take just over 30 minutes and cost very little. They travel throughout the day. Here is a link - https://www.teisa-bus.com/en/rutes . From Banyoles we can arrange for you to be picked up.
- DRIVING. Drive towards Banyoles and then follow signs to the south of the lake and Porqueres. The property is a left hand turn just beyond Les Estunes Restaurant and is clearly marked as Rocacorba Cycling on google maps. Here is a link - click here
- FLYING. Girona Airport is the most straightforward airport to fly to and is only 35 minutes from the venue. From here we can arrange a taxi pick up or drop off and these cost around 60€ split between guests in the car. It’s worth a chat to see who else is travelling and at what times, so that we can co-ordinate folk in taxis efficiently.
ACCOMMODATION & FOOD
Where will we be staying?
Can Campolier, 1734, Poqueres, Province of Girona
What are the check in/check out times?
- Check in is not before 2pm
- Check out by 10am
If I arrive earlier on Saturday can I drop off my luggage?
- Yes you can drop off your luggage to be able to explore.
What facilities are there?
- Each room has an en-suite or a private bathroom.
- There is a sauna.
- There is a large outdoor swimming pool.
- Safes are in each bedroom and there are plenty of hairdryers
- WiFi
- Massages can be booked on site throughout the week.
- Yoga equipment if provided. Our classes maybe inside or outside. A choice of layers is always useful when planning your yoga wardrobe.
I have a special diet, can you accommodate me?
- Most special requirements can be accommodated. Please contact us if you have any specific dietary needs.
Is alcohol permitted on this yoga retreat?
- Yoga and activity holidays don’t lend themselves to excessive alcohol consumption as it tends towards a less pleasurable experience the next morning. Ultimately we aim to be facilitating an enjoyable healthy environment and experience for our guests. There is an honesty bar at the venue and drinks can be purchased with your meals, however, these are in addition to the price of the holiday.
Are toiletries provided?
- Locally produced shower gel, shampoo and moisturisers are provided in your bathroom.
BIKE HIRE
Can I hire a bike at the venue?
- Yes, Rococobra Cycling have high end bikes for rent. These are either road, gravel or touring e-bikes. We do tend to encourage everyone to hire gravel bikes as it gives us really interesting route options that avoid any busy stretches of road.
How much is bike hire?
- This starts at 75€ a day but drops to 55€ a day for 6 days hire. You can hire your bikes directly - click here . Alternatively you can bring your own bike.
YOGA
Do I need any prior yoga experience?
- This holiday is suitable for those people already established in their yoga practice and not really designed for the complete yoga beginner. If you are new to yoga, I recommend you try a beginners course in the months prior to you attending this holiday. You’ll get so much more from it as a result.
- The yoga practice is designed to complement your day. The morning sessions incorporate meditation and asana so as to begin your day intentionally, there is breath work and restorative classes in the evening.
- My training and practice of Sivananda, Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga, ensures spiritual space, flowing transitions and clarity. There is something for everyone and everybody and whilst the physical needs of cyclists are curated into our practice, I do not dilute the essential teachings of yoga.
What equipment do I need to bring?
- All yoga equipment is provided so save on your luggage allowance
Where is the yoga held?
- Our practice is either held alfresco in the dutch barn or in the main house.
How often is the yoga?
- 4 daily morning sessions - 60 minutes
- 4 evening restorative sessions - 90 minutes
CYCLING
How proficient a cyclist do I have to be?
- We cater for most abilities of cyclist. The advent of e-bikes means that no-one get left behind. You can cycle as much or as little as you like.
Are the rides guided?
- We guide two rides each day. One short, one longer. You, of course have the option of riding independently and we can help and advise on great local routes.
Do I need proper lycra style cycling gear?
- Whilst many of us feel like imposters in such clothing, its evolved because it’s the most comfortable way of riding consistently. Good quality shorts are a must. Personally when it’s hot and sunny, I tend to wear a cotton shirt instead of a lycra top as I find it cooler.
THE LOCAL AREA
What is there to do other than cycling?
- Banyoles is a captivating town centred around a beautiful, clear lake. It’s ideal for swimming, paddle-boarding, or simply enjoying a meal by the water. The medieval square hosts a historically themed market every weekend, adding a unique charm. From here, you're well-placed to explore the Dalí Museum, experience Barcelona, visit Girona, or wander through the narrow, shady streets of many small medieval villages nearby.
- There is a well stocked village shop open daily 0800 to 1900 for supplies of picnic stuff, bread, snacks, general food items, postcards, stamps, sun creams, newspapers, basic toiletries etc.
Is there a pharmacy?
- Yes, there are a number of pharmacies in the town.
Is there an ATM?
- Yes, there are ATM’s in town.
How much cash do I need to bring?
- Ideally you’ll want a bit of cash to pay for your hot chocolates, lunches, honesty bar bill, massages, dinner out and any staff tips you want to leave. If we have organised for your taxi, we’ll need you to pay for this in cash on arrival please.
THE TYPICAL SCHEDULE
What does the schedule look like?
Daily
07:30 Meditation & pranayama & wake up stretch
08:30 Breakfast
10:00 Bike Ride, either
17:15 Yoga
19:30 Dinner
Thursday
08:00 Breakfast & day Off
