St Paul de Vence: One of the most beautiful and wonderfully preserved medieval villages in all of Europe. This is the town we’ll call home as we explore the French Riviera together. It’s an artist’s city; packed with galleries and stories of those who drew inspiration from its streets like Picasso, Chagall, and Matisse. Even the stone filled streets seem like artwork here.


Our home within this quintessential hilltop village is among two apartments in the same building.  One was once the home of a famous French poet & screenwriter:  Jacques Prévert. It’s also likely one of the most instagramable corners in all of France.

We’ll be nestled into 2 apartments within this building; a grand total of 5 bedrooms between the two apartments, each with their own bathroom, and of course multiple living spaces for the group to enjoy.  This building dates back to the 12th century and is everything you could want in a space like this. The authentic charm of stone & ancient wooden timbers, combined with a stunning restoration lovingly crafted by an interior designer with a clear respect for honoring the space & history.

From our home base, we’ll begin our slow exploration of some nearby towns. We’ll get lots among the streets of the beautiful village of Èze. We’ll walk along the shoreline of the coast. We’ll soak in the "big city" of Nice. And we’ll have a day of shopping & strolling in glistening Saint Tropez.

There's something about all 5 senses being engaged. Taking in the smells & the sights. Feeling the ancient roads under your feet, eating in the same space as some of the artistic heroes of our lifetimes.  And the tastes... we'll fill our bellies (and our souls) with the food only the French can provide.

We will come home filled. 
With experiences, with the love of a culture, with new friends, and with a renewed sense of self.

Illuminare Retreats (named after the Italian word for "to light up") provide a curated & immersive travel experience for women from all walks of life.  In the company of new friends, you'll find time to relax & recharge - while also being inspired & renewing your sense of adventure.  Europe has a beautiful way of getting down deep into your soul & stirring alive passions you forgot were there.   Of reigniting ideas & bringing a new perspective to our lives. 

If you've been longing for clarity & inspiration in your life, this is for you.

Please read through these important FAQs:

WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?

Women from all walks of life who need a little time away, reconnecting with themselves while being in a picturesque setting.  

Specific to this retreat, attendees should come eager to get out and explore!  We will check out various towns along the Côte d'Azur, which means spending a little time in transportation from place to place.  Some of the villages (like the one our home is within) are filled with stairs or hills, so guests need to be able to do lots of walking without issue.  Guests should be eager to mix & mingle among their new friends, while also enjoying some intentional downtime to explore & shop on your own.

HOW MANY ATTENDEES WILL THERE BE?

The group will include 8 participants, plus the host Amanda & other retreat staff

4 months prior to the trip, a Facebook group will be created for our retreat members to get to know each other, ask questions & share more about themselves.  This is a great time to discuss any transportation questions too, as you'll find several other travelers likely on a similar itinerary whom you can share rides with!

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Our retreat home is only about a 25 minute drive from the Nice airport.  You can hire a taxi at the airport for transportation to the apartment, or we can pass along private driver information for your airport transfer upon request.

Guests are responsible to get themselves both to the apartment for the retreat as well as back after the retreat is over.  Travel is included during any group related activities where transport is required.

All guests are asked to arrive at 2:00pm on September 10, 2025.  Guests are to depart by 10am on September 16, 2025.

WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?

Authentic to the core.  Regularly listed among Conde Nast's "Best Places to Stay in the South of France" - our apartment(s) for this retreat are beyond charming.  

There are 5 bedrooms between the 2 apartments, each with their own bathroom.  Guests will be sharing a room and superking size bed with a fellow attendee.  Please note this is a 12th century building; their are many steps (some winding & rather fascinating) so mobility is a must.  Additionally, one bathroom has a tub without a typical stand-up shower, so a few friends might want to pop into another's shower.  One guest bedroom does not have air-con, however, it is in a lower level where it stays nice & cool (especially mid-September) and fans are provided.