An immersive forest stay in the Loire Valley

A weekend in the forest in Touraine is the chance for a deep reconnection with nature

One could not dream of a more ideal place than Loire Valley Lodges for a forest retreat. Withdrawing into a lodge perched in the forest and enjoying a chosen solitude in nature. Wandering freely, following the light, a birdsong, an animal track, a distant view taking shape, and venturing deeper into the forest on long walks that help you let go. Here, disconnection and reconnection move as one. Trees heal the soul, lighten the body and soothe ailments both physical and psychological. Anyone who has walked through a forest has felt this power.

Forest bathing: reconnecting with yourself through the trees

This is precisely the principle behind forest bathing therapy, a practice theorised and popularised in the 20th century in Japan. Forests contain volatile substances that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and strengthen the immune system while lowering stress levels. Forest baths can be practised alone or in a group. The best way to begin is undoubtedly to be guided by an experienced forest bathing therapist such as Anne-Caroline Frey, founder of the estate. Bathing in the forest means reaching a state of mindfulness where all the senses are alert and awakened. The Duporterie forest and its 300 hectares of private, protected estate offer an ideal setting for experiencing a guided forest bath and embracing a reconnection with nature, during an immersive stay in the Loire Valley.