The People Who Will Be Looking After You

Hi, I am Jo.

For most of my life I have thrived on being busy.

From a career in marketing and event management to planning destination weddings across France, I have always loved bringing people together and creating unforgettable experiences. I enjoy the energy, the organisation and making every detail feel effortless.

But like many women, I spent years looking after everyone else before myself.

In 2008 my husband Jean-Marc and I swapped corporate life for the French countryside, where we built a new life and a family business centred around hospitality, great food and welcoming people from all over the world.

Over the years I discovered that the only time I truly slowed down was when I went on retreat. It gave me the space to breathe, reflect and simply be.

That experience inspired me to create Madame Retreats.

Not a fitness retreat. Not a bootcamp. Not a place where you have to become a better version of yourself.

Instead, I wanted to create a place where women could reconnect with themselves through nature, good food, gentle walks, meaningful conversations and the simple joy of having time to breathe.

There is something special that happens when a group of women come together. Strangers quickly become friends, stories are shared around the dinner table and laughter comes easily.

My greatest joy is watching guests arrive feeling tired and overwhelmed and leave lighter, happier and with friendships that continue long after the retreat has ended.

If you are looking for a week to slow down, embrace the beauty of southwest France and rediscover the joy of simply being, I would love to welcome you.