Mythes & Matières
Make, wander, and meet Basque stories
A small creative residency here begins with the textures and stories of the Basque Country: its artisans, wooded paths, local food and enduring traditions. Mythes & Matières gathers seven women at a time at Artekoborda, a restored farmhouse in the green hills around Souraïde, for an unhurried stay shaped by craft and close attention to place. Stone walls, oak beams and views across the hills give the house a strong sense of its landscape, while meals made with seasonal local ingredients bring Basque cooking to the table. The program is led by Julie and is designed around creative exploration rather than a stated meditation lineage, so visitors should check the details of each residency before booking. Biarritz airport is the nearest air gateway, and a shared transfer may be arranged when participant arrival times coincide. With groups capped at seven, the experience has a deliberately intimate scale, suited to travelers who want to make, learn and spend time in the region rather than rush through it.
Highlights
- An intimate group of seven women
- Creative encounters with local artisans and regional craft
- A restored farmhouse with stone walls, oak beams and hill views
- Seasonal meals rooted in Basque cuisine
Good for
Setting
Artekoborda stands among the green hills of Souraïde in France’s Basque Country. The restored farmhouse pairs stone walls and oak beams with open views of the surrounding landscape, with forests and local artisans forming part of the wider setting.
A typical day
The daily rhythm varies by residency rather than following a published meditation timetable. Expect the program to revolve around creative work and encounters with the region’s artisans, landscapes and stories, with shared meals made from local, seasonal ingredients. Check the itinerary for the specific dates you are considering.
Accommodation
Residencies take place at Artekoborda, a restored traditional Basque farmhouse. Sleeping arrangements are not detailed, so confirm room options with the host before booking.
What to bring
Bring comfortable walking shoes and layers for time outdoors among the hills and forests. The annual average temperature is 15°C; rain is more common in November, April and January, so pack a waterproof layer, especially outside the drier months.
How to get there
Artekoborda is at 453 Chem. d'Artekoborda, 64250 Souraïde. Biarritz airport is about 40 minutes away by car; from Saint-Jean-de-Luz train station, the final leg is around 30 minutes by car.
Nearest airport: Biarritz Pays Basque airport (BIQ) (15 km)
Biarritz Pays Basque airport (BIQ) is approximately 15 km from the center, around 40 minutes by car. A shared transfer can be arranged on request when participant arrival times align.
Nearest city: Biarritz
Public transport: Train travelers should arrive at Saint-Jean-de-Luz station and arrange the onward 30-minute car journey.
Paid residencies start at EUR 1,495. Confirm the current price and what it covers before booking.
Climate
Climate Zone: Temperate
Best Months: Jun, Feb, Sep
Avoid: Nov, Apr, Jan
The area averages 15°C annually, with warmer weather in June, July and August and cooler conditions in December through February. Rainfall is more frequent in November, April and January, while June, February and September are among the drier months.
Location
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical day at Mythes & Matières involve?
The rhythm varies by residency, with creative work and connections to local artisans, forests and regional stories at its heart. Ask Julie about the itinerary for your dates.
Do I need meditation or craft experience to take part?
The residency is described as a creative experience, not a meditation course. Check with Julie about the skills or experience expected for a particular program.
What kind of food is served?
Meals use local, seasonal ingredients and draw on hearty Basque cooking. Meat is included among the dietary options; ask the host about specific dietary needs.
How do I get to the farmhouse from Biarritz airport?
Biarritz Pays Basque airport is about 40 minutes away by car. A shared transfer can be arranged on request if several participants arrive at similar times.
How much does a residency cost, and how do I reserve?
Prices start at EUR 1,495. Confirm current dates, what the fee includes and reservation arrangements with the center.
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience!
More centers in France
View all →
Paid Matsya Retreat - Anglet
A six-person Anglet retreat blending yoga, mindful routines, surf and shared downtime in a warm modern space with a terrace.
Donation
AI-generated
ANIMA Sejour
A retreat address in Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, running by donation and about 40 km from Limoges Airport.
Donation Aprica Wellness Retreats
A Provence vineyard retreat pairing yoga and seasonal garden-led meals with a spa, salt cave, sauna and donation-supported stays.
Donation
AI-generated
Virginie Reisenthel
A retreat offering in Annecy that runs by donation; contact Virginie Reisenthel about dates and format.