Forest Therapy Retreats in France: Training, Coaching and Guided Walks
Updated: 3 days ago
Fancy an internship among the trees? If so, you should contact a forest therapy guide! You can benefit from multi-day workshops with them , and perhaps even train in forest therapy to become a guide yourself?
Forest therapy is a practice that involves getting in touch with trees 🌲 to improve one's physical and mental well-being.
More than just a walk in the forest, a workshop in the company of oaks, hazel trees or maple trees , in the middle of the plant world, invites you to reconnect with nature through techniques such as forest bathing, guided meditation, or listening to natural sounds.
If you want to treat a loved one, or yourself, consider a gift card !
Why be tempted by a forest therapy course in the middle of the trees?
Forest therapy offers an ideal setting for many aspirations:
Reduce your anxiety level
Research on forest bathing studies the effects of contact with wooded areas on stress, mood, and certain physiological markers. Trees release volatile compounds called phytoncides; their role is being studied, but forest therapy should not be presented as a medical treatment.
Some studies, particularly in Japan, have observed variations in the activity of certain immune cells after immersion in forests, notably NK cells. These results are interesting but require careful interpretation.
Research is also exploring the potential effects of forest bathing on mood, stress, sleep, and certain chronic pains. The levels of evidence vary depending on the subject, and these practices are not a substitute for medical care when needed.
Observational studies conducted in North America have also highlighted associations between the presence of trees in cities and certain health indicators. However, they do not allow us to conclude that trees alone explain these differences.
This research is a reminder that the daily environment, access to nature, air quality and many social factors all contribute to our health and well-being.
Recharge your batteries!
Are you experiencing a lack of energy on a daily basis? It may be that you are struggling to manage the mental load that is overwhelming you and your body is saying stop!
Participating in a forest therapy workshop offers the opportunity to step back from the frenetic pace of modern life and rediscover inner peace through contact with trees and nature. Did you know that the "silence" of trees, fresh air (when it's not polluted), and natural sounds act as a true antidote to mental exhaustion?
In my spiritual approach, forest therapy is not limited to relaxation: it can also be experienced as symbolic work around grounding, presence and inner energy.
Let's not forget that we evolved for millions of years in nature; it's a normal environment for the human body. Nature is essential to our well-being, and what's not normal is living confined in houses, offices, and warehouses all day long!
Spending more time in nature can help us slow down, reconnect with simple bodily sensations, and escape, for a while, the hectic pace of daily life. During my walks, I also incorporate grounding practices and symbolic connection to the Earth.
Live a new experience
While some people reconnect with nature by taking up cross-country skiing or gardening, others opt for a forest therapy course or outing that allows them to learn new techniques:
meditation, usually adapted to the theme of the season,
conscious breathing,
guided visualization,
the perception of the aura of trees,
communication with trees,
forest bathing (or Shinrin-Yoku )
grounding ( a very powerful technique for anchoring to the Earth)
the hug, called tree hug by the Anglo-Saxons (the famous “hug to trees” that we sometimes hear about, see my article Why hug a tree? ),
and many other special moments with the trees!
To learn more about these different practices,
Sign up for the outings I organize 😊
How much does an internship among the trees cost?
To get a good idea of the prices of a forest therapy course, you should first know exactly what you are looking for.
The training to become a forest therapy guide lasts 5 days, or 30 hours, and costs €890 including VAT. Starting in 2027, it takes place at the Ranch in Mouzeil, between Nantes and Angers, in a private woodland. It's a comprehensive training program, including a lot of practical work and some theory. The exercises aim to teach you how to communicate with trees, to become a forest therapist yourself, and to be able to lead a group among the trees. That said, even if you don't want to become a forest therapy guide, but simply want to experience an intense and transformative week among the trees, that's perfectly possible too!
A two-hour individual coaching session costs €180. We address your current issue with the support of trees. This coaching blends personal development and spirituality, at your own pace and close to home in a natural environment. The goal is for you to find clarity, release, a new perspective, and greater well-being in relation to your problem. Because the support of trees is so powerful and transformative, one session is usually enough to make significant progress.
The half-day outing (or walk) lasts 3 hours and costs only €30. It's a friendly group experience with the trees, during which we take time for ourselves, connect with the trees, and enter a state of deep relaxation. I offer a theme, sometimes related to the season, sometimes not, and always focused on personal development and spirituality. This could include introspection, inner strength, letting go, resilience and renewal, creativity, intuition, sensitivity, the feminine and masculine energies, and more. Beyond the benefits of the trees listed above, you'll be giving yourself a true personal development session from which you'll return feeling peaceful and serene!
For a 2-hour introductory session (for businesses and organizations) , the price is €400. For this session, I adapt to your needs and can hold it near your workplace or meeting location. You can request a theme, or I can help you choose one that appeals to your participants, strengthens bonds, and makes this introductory session to forest therapy a memorable and enjoyable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have prior experience to participate in a forest therapy workshop?
No, there are no prerequisites to participate in a forest therapy workshop for the very first time. This discipline is therefore perfect if you're looking for an activity where beginners are fully welcome . Forest therapy is inclusive and far from being an Olympic sport… although enjoying walking is preferable. The techniques are simple and accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of experience. Movement is limited, and the total distance covered in a half-day ranges from 1 km to a maximum of 5 km.
What equipment should I bring for my upcoming internship with trees?
Forget the survival rope and Swiss Army knife! You won't need them. I do recommend wearing comfortable , weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good traction, and a water bottle. A yoga mat or lightweight sleeping mat can also be useful for keeping your pants clean. 😉
I am looking to organize a workshop related to trees and "living things" for our company's employees... Is this possible?
It's perfectly possible to book introductory sessions or customized workshops for your company. As mentioned in the article, my offer is also aimed at professionals wishing to organize a unique corporate event ! The sessions last approximately 2 hours, perfect for promoting employee well-being and strengthening team cohesion . 🦾
Is forest therapy scientifically recognized?
Certain components of forest therapy, particularly exposure to nature and forest bathing, are the subject of scientific research on stress, mood, and certain physiological parameters. The results are encouraging in several areas, but forest therapy is not a recognized medical therapy and does not replace medical care.
What is the difference between forest therapy and a simple walk surrounded by trees?
Forest therapy goes beyond simply walking in the woods, as it includes mindful practices and aims to harness the specific benefits provided by trees. Furthermore, forest therapy is generally practiced in groups (usually ranging from 3 to 10 people).
What types of trees are most commonly used during forest therapy workshops?
In traditions and symbolic approaches, certain tree species are associated with particular qualities: oak with strength and stability, birch with renewal, for example. These correspondences stem from a cultural or spiritual interpretation, and not from medically proven therapeutic properties.
Can children participate in a forest therapy workshop?
Yes, forest therapy is perfectly suited to children aged 10 and over (and able to walk for at least 3 hours without getting too tired). These sessions among the trees allow them to develop their attention span, concentration, and emotional well-being. For younger children, forest therapy is also possible, but with a route adapted to their age: a maximum of 1 hour, in warm weather, and including natural discoveries such as pretty leaves, unusual trees, pebbles, hazelnuts or chestnuts, dandelions, etc.
Are there any contraindications to forest therapy?
Forest therapy is a gentle practice accessible to everyone. There are no major contraindications. However, if you suffer from pollen allergies or mobility difficulties when walking, it is best to identify these conditions before registering.
Feel free to talk to me about it, every walk can be adapted and I have already had people with a cane, a walker and a leg prosthesis, blind people, seniors over 80 years old, people with significant back pain...
We can all have a great time in nature, I just need to know your needs and limits to help you discover it!
We look forward to welcoming many of you!
Clotilde Rolland
🤳Information & Registration: 06 26 67 49 69
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