Choose Again in the South of France
Renew and rejuvenate in the natural setting of Les Labadous, South of France
Our yearly France retreats are held at the Choose Again Centre in the South of France. Just a short walk from the historic Rennes-le-Château, a little place called Les Labadous provides the venue for incredible transformation and healing.
Based on the Six Steps to Freedom Process, all Choose Again retreats offer an intensive holistic wellness program carefully designed to help you reset both mind and body and give you tools to continue to thrive after returning home.
Based on the Six Steps to Freedom Process, all Choose Again retreats offer an intensive holistic wellness program carefully designed to help you reset both mind and body and give you tools to continue to thrive after returning home.
Holistic Mental Wellness Program
Healing Mind and Body in the South of France
|
|
|
DAILY HEALING CIRCLES
The foundation of every retreat is the Six Steps to Freedom, a simple, proven therapeutic process for discovering and undoing the root cause of recurring negative patterns in our lives. The Six Steps process combines the Core Belief Work of CBT with mindfulness and forgiveness practices from universal spiritual teachings. With this innovative yet simple approach to healing, you will learn how to work with your thoughts and emotions to locate and release negative core beliefs formed in childhood, and return to a sense of inner peace and clarity.
The Six Steps to Freedom is taught and practiced in daily therapeutic processing circles, guided by a team of highly trained counsellors. Each workshop has a maximum of 12 participants for a nearly 1-2 counsellor-client ratio. This guarantees each participant daily opportunities for personal processing, as well as the chance to learn from others' processes in a supportive and confidential environment.
The result is the capacity to notice habitual thought patterns and ways of dealing with life challenges, inviting a shift to a new perception and sense of purpose in every situation. A deeper connection to self and a clarified sense of purpose are the foundations for living a rich and full life.
SUPPORTIVE EXPERIENTIAL PRACTICES
The mental wellness focus is supported by a carefully designed program of experiential somatic and mindfulness practices. The purpose of the somatic component is to help you integrate what you have learned, access deeper emotional states, while releasing hidden stress.
These simple and proven practices also help to lay the groundwork for continued self-care after you return home
The foundation of every retreat is the Six Steps to Freedom, a simple, proven therapeutic process for discovering and undoing the root cause of recurring negative patterns in our lives. The Six Steps process combines the Core Belief Work of CBT with mindfulness and forgiveness practices from universal spiritual teachings. With this innovative yet simple approach to healing, you will learn how to work with your thoughts and emotions to locate and release negative core beliefs formed in childhood, and return to a sense of inner peace and clarity.
The Six Steps to Freedom is taught and practiced in daily therapeutic processing circles, guided by a team of highly trained counsellors. Each workshop has a maximum of 12 participants for a nearly 1-2 counsellor-client ratio. This guarantees each participant daily opportunities for personal processing, as well as the chance to learn from others' processes in a supportive and confidential environment.
The result is the capacity to notice habitual thought patterns and ways of dealing with life challenges, inviting a shift to a new perception and sense of purpose in every situation. A deeper connection to self and a clarified sense of purpose are the foundations for living a rich and full life.
SUPPORTIVE EXPERIENTIAL PRACTICES
The mental wellness focus is supported by a carefully designed program of experiential somatic and mindfulness practices. The purpose of the somatic component is to help you integrate what you have learned, access deeper emotional states, while releasing hidden stress.
These simple and proven practices also help to lay the groundwork for continued self-care after you return home
- Daily group therapeutic circles using our Six Steps Process, led by senior Choose Again counsellors
- Powerful 2-hour breath-work sessions
- Daily Meditation & Mindfulness training
- Yoga, yoga nidra, and guided nature hikes
- Digital Detox - Turn in your devices and reclaim your mind
- A beautiful local excursion in Mary Magdalene country
- Delicious, healthy food made by private chef
- Beautiful accommodation at Les Lababous in the South of France
Our France Retreat Centre: Les Lababous
YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Les Labadous is a special place, its name in the Occitan language refers to a cleansing place. Many find a healing energy and a creative energy here, some feel the energy of Mary Magdalene who is said to have lived and preached here.
Les Labadous is a “Domaine des Amis”, a house for friends. With nicely equipped rooms, studios and apartments, and a large communal hall where we have our group sessions.
Les Labadous is a place to rest, to create, to heal and be healed, to meditate, to write or paint, to reflect on life and to find your destiny. We at Choose Again are thrilled to call Les Labadous our Home Away from Home, and we know you will feel the same way, Les Labadous really is "A house of friends".
Les Labadous is a “Domaine des Amis”, a house for friends. With nicely equipped rooms, studios and apartments, and a large communal hall where we have our group sessions.
Les Labadous is a place to rest, to create, to heal and be healed, to meditate, to write or paint, to reflect on life and to find your destiny. We at Choose Again are thrilled to call Les Labadous our Home Away from Home, and we know you will feel the same way, Les Labadous really is "A house of friends".
Excursions & Outings
|
|
Our workshop schedule will include several outings to the local areas of interest, such as the beautiful Church of Mary Magdalene, The Fontaine des Amours, various Cathar Castles such as The Chateau de Puilaurens, and Chateau de Bezu.
The wonderful staff at Les Labadous have extensive knowledge of the local area and the people, and they keep us informed about local events. If there are interesting events in the vicinity that will contribute to healing and growth, they will be included in the program. For example, last September we attended a piano concert in the castle in Rennes Le Chateau, a sacred sound healing event, and a drum circle to mark the equinox. |
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
My heart is filled with gratitude for what you and your team and Diederik are giving the world. My daughter attended a workshop last year in France. I have no words to express the gratitude I feel as she was way down the rabbit hole of victimhood. She is stepping up into her power using the Six Steps all the time now. She came out of an extremely painful situation with flying colours, without attacking and blaming, using the Six Steps relentlessly on the situation. I get a mouthful all the time now and I love it, because as "you teach you learn". The things she says to me are my reminders which I surely need too. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Family of Retreat 2022 Participant
. / .
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
"No words can express what I experienced finding a practical guidance to the knowing, wise, and loving self within me and sharing it with a wonderful group of people in a wonderful surrounding." - France Retreat Participant
Retreat Participant, 2019
. / .
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 0
- 1
2024 Retreat Dates
|
Sept 7-13, 2024
led by Fred Wilberts and senior facilitators Freedom from
|
Room |
Euro |
USD |
CAD |
Single (sold Out) |
€2200 |
$2400 |
$3200 |
(sold out) Premium Single |
€3,000 |
$3,200 |
$4,350 |
(Sold out) Double |
€4,000 |
$4,400 |
$5,800 |
(Sold out) Shared |
€1,800 |
$2,000 |
$2,600 |
About this workshop
Are you tired of reacting to loved ones in ways that are painful?
Discover a way to dramatically reduce relationship conflict and establish a deeper connection with yourself and others.
You will:
Discover a way to dramatically reduce relationship conflict and establish a deeper connection with yourself and others.
You will:
- Understand the root cause of toxic emotional & behavioral patterns.
- Learn how to change painful dynamics without waiting for others to change.
- Learn how your relationship can help you to re-discover your authentic self in the process.
Accommodation Options & Cost
Rates cover all aspects of the therapeutic program as well as meals, lodging and outings. All payments are billed in Canadian Dollars at rate on day of billing
Room |
Euro |
USD |
CAD |
SINGLE (SOLD OUT) |
€2,200 |
$2,400 |
$3,200 |
Premium Single |
€3,000 |
$3,200 |
$4,350 |
Double |
€4,000 |
$4,400 |
$5,800 |
Shared |
€1,800 |
$2,000 |
$2,600 |
Sept 7 to 22, 2024
Fall 2-week package
Our two weeks program allows you to join two consecutive workshops and enjoy the time in between to reflect and meditate or discover the natural beauty of Southern France
THE TWO WEEK PACKAGE IS SOLD OUT: SECOND WEEK ONLY AVAILABLE
About this workshop
Our two weeks program allows you to join two consecutive workshops and enjoy the time in between to reflect and meditate or discover the natural beauty of Southern France.
Pricing for two workshops includes a (4) night stay at Les Labadous retreat centre, at no additional cost. Guests are responsible for all of their own meals, local transportation and the cost of any outings taken on the days between workshops.
Fall 2-Week Package includes:
Freedom from trauma: Sept 7-13, 2024
+ Healing intimate & family relationships: Sept 16-22, 2024
Pricing for two workshops includes a (4) night stay at Les Labadous retreat centre, at no additional cost. Guests are responsible for all of their own meals, local transportation and the cost of any outings taken on the days between workshops.
Fall 2-Week Package includes:
Freedom from trauma: Sept 7-13, 2024
+ Healing intimate & family relationships: Sept 16-22, 2024
Accommodation Options & Cost
Rates cover all aspects of the therapeutic program as well as meals, lodging and outings. All payments are billed in Canadian Dollars at rate on day of billing.
Room |
Euro |
USD |
CAD |
Single (Sold Out) |
€4,400 |
$4,800 |
$6,400 |
Premium Single (Sold Out) |
€6,000 |
$6,400 |
$8,700 |
Double (Sold Out) |
€8,000 |
$8,800 |
$11,600 |
Shared (Sold Out) |
€3,600 |
$4,000 |
$5,200 |
A Healing & Restorative Environment
The area of Rennes Le Chateau not only provides a rich and beautiful backdrop to the transformation and healing you will experience at a Choose Again workshop, it is an active agent in that healing. Rennes-le-Château is best known for its “million dollar priest” Saunière, but also for its rich history. Dating back to ancient times, it has been considered a sacred place. There is much to be seen. The church dedicated to Mary Magdalene, with the statue of Asmodeus, the Tour Magdala and the Villa Bethania and of course the beautiful garden.
Rennes-le-Château is located in the middle of the “Pays Cathare”. With its Cathar castles and initiation caves. But there is more. Like the magical mountains Pech Cardou and Pech Bugarach. Sacred springs and sources, such as the Fontaine des Amours. Special churches and abbeys. UFO sightings, sacred geometry, the Knights Templar, the Holy Grail and the Arc of the Covenant…
Over 600 books have been written about these places, inspired by the treasures, magic and mysteries of Rennes-le-Château. These books include the bestsellers “The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail” and the “Da Vinci Code”. The nature surrounding this treasure of a village is unspoiled, you can walk for hours without meeting anyone. And the food is wonderful, as are the wines, especially the Rosé, the Rivesaltes and the famous Blanquette de Limoux.
Rennes-le-Château is located in the middle of the “Pays Cathare”. With its Cathar castles and initiation caves. But there is more. Like the magical mountains Pech Cardou and Pech Bugarach. Sacred springs and sources, such as the Fontaine des Amours. Special churches and abbeys. UFO sightings, sacred geometry, the Knights Templar, the Holy Grail and the Arc of the Covenant…
Over 600 books have been written about these places, inspired by the treasures, magic and mysteries of Rennes-le-Château. These books include the bestsellers “The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail” and the “Da Vinci Code”. The nature surrounding this treasure of a village is unspoiled, you can walk for hours without meeting anyone. And the food is wonderful, as are the wines, especially the Rosé, the Rivesaltes and the famous Blanquette de Limoux.
For more information about the fascinating history of Rennes Le Chateau see the press pack:
| rennes_le_chateau_press_pack_2014.pdf |
What our clients are saying
|
|
|
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
“Over the years we have had many powerful growth experiences. Yet, our seven days at Choose Again were the most significant of our lives and we continue to grow daily from our experiences there."
– James Dunn, Board Certified Intervention Specialist
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
"The love, peace, and happiness that I have experienced in the few weeks since I have made contact with the people at Choose Again is a priceless gift. The weekend was among the most positive, life-changing experiences of my life. I am profoundly grateful to the program participants, Diederik, and his staff for their courage and their love."
~ GS
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
“I am happier now than I can ever remember being, and I feel a sense of peace that comes from a very deep sense of knowing the truth about myself that is unchangeable no matter what is going on around me.”
~ M.C.
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 0
- 1
- 2
Travel Information
Airport Information
The closest airports are Carcassonne and Perpignan, but Toulouse-Blagnac offers many more flights. From Toulouse to Les Labadous is around 2 hours by car, from Carcassonne it’s an hour. To find the most suitable flight route from where you are, you can search on Skyscanner (or similar) and it will find your best option.
While you can reach Les Labadous by taxi, it is certainly advantageous to rent a car, also to reach shops, restaurants, banks, etc.
While you can reach Les Labadous by taxi, it is certainly advantageous to rent a car, also to reach shops, restaurants, banks, etc.
Driving
Getting to Centre Les Labadous by car is no problem, since all navigation devices find Les Labadous. Follow signs from the town of Couiza (in the Aude valley): Centre Les Labadous is just below Rennes-le-Château, the village perched on the hilltop.
Driving Directions From Carcassonne: (exit Carcassonne-Nord if you are arriving on the A61 motorway) take the D118 to Limoux. Continue through Limoux on the D118 in the direction of Quillan . After Alet-les-Bains and Luc-sur-Aude you will reach Couiza . After passing through the traffic lights, take the second turn on your left. This is the D52 to Rennes-Le-Chateau (see also the chambre d'hote sign at the bottom of the road). Follow this winding road as far as a crossroads at the col below the village. Here the main road bears round to the right and continues up towards the main village, while a smaller road leads left to Peyrepicade. Take the middle road straight in front of you, sign posted Les Labadous. Follow this road and take the first turning on the right (again signposted Les Labadous). Follow this single-track road downhill until you reach La Source on your right.
Driving Directions From Carcassonne: (exit Carcassonne-Nord if you are arriving on the A61 motorway) take the D118 to Limoux. Continue through Limoux on the D118 in the direction of Quillan . After Alet-les-Bains and Luc-sur-Aude you will reach Couiza . After passing through the traffic lights, take the second turn on your left. This is the D52 to Rennes-Le-Chateau (see also the chambre d'hote sign at the bottom of the road). Follow this winding road as far as a crossroads at the col below the village. Here the main road bears round to the right and continues up towards the main village, while a smaller road leads left to Peyrepicade. Take the middle road straight in front of you, sign posted Les Labadous. Follow this road and take the first turning on the right (again signposted Les Labadous). Follow this single-track road downhill until you reach La Source on your right.
Taxis
Taxi from your airport: http://www.taxi-du-minervois.com/taxi-fares.asp There are many taxi services online and you may be able to get a better deal. While there are many taxis waiting outside, please be sure to reserve when traveling from any of the airports.
Public Transport
Public transportation will get you from the airport to Couiza, a small town in the Aude valley, some 7km from Les Labadous.
There is a shuttle bus running many times a day from the Toulouse airport to the train station in Carcassonne. The cost (at the time of writing) is around €5. From Carcassonne there is an irregular, but efficient train and bus service that runs from Carcassonne to CouizaMontazel. Once in Couiza you will hire a taxi to take you up the hill to Les Labadous. Please note that the 'train' service is sometimes a bus, or it can be that you will get off the train in Limoux, and are put on a bus for the rest of the journey. This is unpredictable and there is no way of knowing until the day of departure. Nonetheless, it is efficient and takes more or less the same time. Even if it is a bus service, you must get your ticket at the train station. They will inform you of the situation. This is just par for the course.
Rail Europe https://www.raileurope.com/index.html
Taxi in Couiza Taxis Hostes T.: +33(0)4 68 74 25 36
There is a shuttle bus running many times a day from the Toulouse airport to the train station in Carcassonne. The cost (at the time of writing) is around €5. From Carcassonne there is an irregular, but efficient train and bus service that runs from Carcassonne to CouizaMontazel. Once in Couiza you will hire a taxi to take you up the hill to Les Labadous. Please note that the 'train' service is sometimes a bus, or it can be that you will get off the train in Limoux, and are put on a bus for the rest of the journey. This is unpredictable and there is no way of knowing until the day of departure. Nonetheless, it is efficient and takes more or less the same time. Even if it is a bus service, you must get your ticket at the train station. They will inform you of the situation. This is just par for the course.
Rail Europe https://www.raileurope.com/index.html
Taxi in Couiza Taxis Hostes T.: +33(0)4 68 74 25 36
Ride Share
At time of registration, please indicate if you would like to participate in the rideshare program. Participants will then be connected with one another to review a possible rideshare. It is the responsibility of rideshare participants to organize and confirm all travel details directly with one another.
Read an independent evaluation of our program |
| ||