Moulin de Chaves
Practice, pause, and gather by the river
At Moulin de Chaves, retreat life moves between dedicated practice rooms and the quiet edges of a river. Founded in 2005 to support inner practice, the center hosts contemplative retreats in a rural setting near Cubjac, with shaded riverbanks, bamboo groves, extensive parkland and a terrace used for meditation and movement. The Buddha Hall is dedicated to meditation, while the larger Tara Hall also serves yoga; two smaller rooms are available for group meetings. The rhythm varies with each retreat, and the grounds give participants space to pause between sessions. Three vegetarian and vegan meals are served daily, using organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The atmosphere is intentionally welcoming to people of different ages, backgrounds, identities and faiths, making the Moulin feel less like a retreat formula than a carefully held place to practice together. In warm weather, the river offers a refreshing place to cool down.
Highlights
- A 75 m² Buddha Hall devoted to meditation
- A 125 m² Tara Hall that also serves as a yoga space
- Bamboo terrace, shaded riverbanks and a river for warm-weather swims
- Three vegetarian and vegan meals, with organic and local ingredients whenever possible
Good for
Setting
Just outside Cubjac, the grounds combine shady riverbanks, bamboo groves and open parkland. A bamboo terrace provides space for movement and meditation, while the river is close at hand for a cooling dip in warm weather.
A typical day
The rhythm varies by retreat, so there is no single daily timetable to expect. Practice may take place in the Buddha Hall, Tara Hall or outdoors on the bamboo terrace, with meals and quiet time set by the retreat leaders. Ask about the schedule for your chosen dates.
Accommodation
Ask the center directly about room types, occupancy and what is included with a stay.
What to bring
Pack comfortable clothes for seated practice and movement, plus layers for cooler days. The annual average temperature is 13.5°C, with warmer weather in June through August; a light rain layer and sturdy shoes are useful, especially in wetter months such as April, November and January.
How to get there
The Moulin is just outside the village of Cubjac. From Périgueux train station, continue by local bus or taxi; Bordeaux International Airport is about 120 km away.
Nearest airport: Brive Souillac airport (BVE) (46 km)
Brive-Souillac Airport (BVE) is approximately 46 km from the center. Ask the center for advice on arranging onward transport.
Nearest city: Brive
Public transport: Take a train to Périgueux, then continue by local bus or taxi.
Contact the center through its website to ask about retreat dates and reservation arrangements.
The center runs by donation, with no fixed fee stated. Ask the center what is included and how contributions are handled for your retreat.
Climate
Climate Zone: Temperate
Best Months: Jul, Feb, May
Avoid: Apr, Nov, Jan
The annual average temperature is 13.5°C, with the warmest months from June to August and cooler conditions in December through February. April, November and January tend to be wetter, while July, February and May are among the drier months.
Location
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical day at Moulin de Chaves look like?
The daily rhythm varies by retreat. Ask the center about the schedule for the dates you are considering.
Can beginners attend a retreat here?
The center hosts contemplative retreats, but suitability depends on the particular program. Check with the center about experience requirements before booking.
What food is served, and can dietary needs be accommodated?
Meals are vegetarian and vegan, with organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Listed dietary options include gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free; confirm your needs with the center before arrival.
How do I get to the center by public transport?
Trains run to Périgueux, where onward travel to the center is by local bus or taxi. Ask the center for current travel details.
How can I ask about dates and make a reservation?
Contact the center through its website to ask about upcoming retreats and reservation arrangements.
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