Idler Carcassonne Retreat SOLD OUT
£500
Out of stock
SOLD OUT
The Cathars, Troubadours and food of Carcassonne 29 September – 6 October 2026
Love, food and philosophy are the themes of the Idler Carcassonne retreat.
In the company of chef Rowley Leigh, philosopher Mark Vernon and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson we’ll discover the history and ideas of the medieval Cathars and troubadours of Occitanie, and we’ll learn about the cuisine of southern France. The retreat will be led by Idler Academy director Victoria Hull.
We’ll visit the world famous Cathar citadel of Carcassonne, the little known Chateaux de Saissac, and the medieval covered market of Revel. We’ll stay in a stylish eco hotel with a permaculture garden and natural pool.
Secure your place now with a deposit of £500.
The Cathars of Occitanie were the victims of the first official genocide during the Albigensian Crusade. To escape the persecution of the Roman Catholic church they built castles on high mountains to avoid attack. Carcassonne, beautifully restored, reveals how they would have lived. Chateaux de Saissac is a small lesser known example with its own story, one small part of the Cathar history.
The week features talks and demonstrations by chef Rowley Leigh on the food of Occitanie.
We’ll spend a week idling, feasting, and learning in beautiful surroundings and excellent company.
Places are extremely limited on the Idler Carcassonne Retreat so secure your place now with a £500 deposit.
Idler Carcassonne Retreat Tutors
Rowley Leigh is to many the “godfather” of modern British cooking. After dropping out of university at the end of the 1960s, Rowley says he was a young and lost soul. Desperate for cash he applied for a job cooking burgers and immediately fell in love with restaurants and kitchens. It took him to Le Gavroche and an apprenticeship under the Roux brothers. Armed with that classical training and a curiosity for British ingredients and flavours he helped launch the British food renaissance of the 1980s. In Kensington Place he created one of the most talked about dining rooms in British restaurant history.
Mark Vernon is a broadcaster, author and therapist. He teaches several Idler Academy online courses including those on Ancient and Modern philosophy, Dante and Blake. He is the regular philosopher on “A Drink with the Idler” online events. Mark is a therapist at the Maudsley Hospital in south London. He is a wonderful communicator who knows his subjects inside out and can convey difficult ideas with clarity and precision.
Tom Hodgkinson is editor of the Idler and author of several books including How to Be Idle, How to Be Free and An Idler’s Manual. He founded the Idler in 1993.
Victoria Hull is director of the Idler Academy and founder of the Clerkenwell Literary Festival. She produces the Idler Academy’s online courses, events and retreats.
Idler Carcassonne Retreat programme
Idler Retreats are designed to provide great ideas for living, lots of fun, good dining and plenty of time for idling. At the Idler Carcassonne Retreat we’ll learn about the philosophy of the medieval Cathars and visit chateaux where they fortified themselves from persecution. We’ll learn about the music and poetry of the troubadours and the Stoic idea of love. Plus renowned chef Rowley Leigh will teach you how to make classic local dishes and explain the stories behind them.
All activities, talks, walks and days out are optional.
Afternoons are for napping, reading, swimming, and relaxing in the wood fired sauna and hot tub. After dinner we’ll lie on our backs and stargaze; there is a telescope to use too.
Please note the itinerary below is subject to change but gives you a good idea of what we’ll be doing. We’ll also provide reading lists and a city guide should you wish to do some exploring on your own.
Tuesday 29 September
Arrivals at La Belle Eco
Sundowner lecture: Tom Hodgkinson on the Troubadours
Wednesday 30 September
Morning lecture: Mark on the Cathars – facts and fantasy. Mark will sift through the evidence to discuss the elusive victims of the world’s first official genocide during the Albigensian Crusade.
Walk to Montréal, the town that Canada’s capital was named after. We’ll visit the cathedral and wander the winding streets.
Sundowner: Optional wine tasting.
Thursday 1 October
Morning trip to the medieval citadel of Carcassonne
Sundowner cooking demo with Rowley Leigh: The Origins of Cassoulet – from the fertile crescent to Peru
Friday 2 October
Morning lecture: Mark on Mary Magdalene and the Divine Feminine. The Gospel of the Beloved Companion, purportedly lost, is associated with Mary and the Cathars. Mark explores the appeal of the divine feminine today.
Sundowner cooking demo with Rowley: Ou est le garlic? Salt cod and aioli – where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet
Saturday 3 October
Trip to Revel and Chateau de Saissac
Sundowner lecture: Tom on the Female Troubadours
Pizza and movie night
Sunday 4 October
Morning lecture: Mark on Music and Mysticism. Love and song are a theme of the week, not least as paths of knowledge. So what is music and why is it so evocative? And does love offer the best route to truth?
Picnic lunch with La Belle Eco’s miniature ponies and traps and goodies from Revel’s food market.
Sundowner cooking demo with Rowley: La Poule au Pot – France comes of age with Henri IV
Monday 5 October
Morning Lecture: Tom on the Stoic Idea of Love.
Evening Singalong and Final Feast
Tuesday 6 October
Departures
Where you’ll be staying – La Belle Eco
The Idler Carcassonne Retreat takes place at La Belle Eco. Nestled in ancient woodland, La Belle Eco is a large French manor house and nature reserve. The property has been lovingly restored and is maintained with sustainable and permaculture principles.
Idle away the afternoons enjoying lectures in the manor’s characterful salon.
Swim in the large natural pool with dragonflies and frogs. A wood fired hot tub, eco sauna and massage room adds to the idling experience.
About the bedrooms
Each room at La Belle Eco is individually decorated and has its own distinctive features. You can choose between their spacious suites or luxury double rooms.
Alternatively, immerse yourself in the beauty of the manor’s nature reserve in a forest cabin or caravan – the ultimate glamping experience!
Idler Carcassonne Retreat Prices
Large double suite for two (ensuite): £2236 pp. SOLD OUT.
Double/twin room (ensuite): £2057 pp. SOLD OUT.
Double room (sharing bathroom with one other room): £2013 pp. SOLD OUT.
Forest cabin (ensuite WC, shared shower rooms): £1938 pp. SOLD OUT.
Caravan (shared WCs and shower rooms): £1655 pp. SOLD OUT.
*All prices are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers, a single supplement of £341 applies to all room types.
A deposit of £500 is payable now to secure your booking. Please note this deposit is non-refundable. The remainder will be due on 29 June 2026, three months before the retreat.
Please email mail@idler.co.uk to let us know which type of room you want or if you have any questions. Please also let us know if you have any accessibility needs.
What’s Included
- All talks, museum tickets, and trips
- Airport transfer busses for the suggested flights
- Accommodation and tourist tax
- All dinners including wine and beer
- All lunches except on our outing to Revel
- All breakfasts
What’s Not included
- Flights
- Spirits and extra wine for big drinkers will be available at an honesty bar
Transport
We recommend the following flights for which we will arrange a group transfer:
Outbound:
29 September
Ryanair flight – FR72, Stansted to Carcassonne 13:30-16:30
Return:
6 October
Ryanair flight – FR73 Carcassonne to Stansted 16:55-17:55
Previous Idler Retreaters enjoyed:
The utterly splendid feeling that I could participate or withdraw as much or as little as I felt inclined from moment to moment.
Programme, of course. Star gazing! Singing!!
The whole package was was a triumph. And Victoria’s attention to detail invaluable.
The programme was rich and varied, with space for down time!
The relaxed happy atmosphere made for a splendid week.
Talks of a very high standard.
The Idlers were convivial, interesting and easy to get along with.
Is this retreat for you?
This retreat involves venturing out into the great outdoors, and walks through the cobbled streets of Carcassonne. A moderate level of fitness and mobility is advised.
Sustainability is core to the experience at La Belle Eco. Expect organic linen sheets, solar energy, natural chemical-free swimming pool and permaculture gardens.
If you have any questions please email us mail@idler.co.uk
Terms & Conditions
– Please ensure you take out travel insurance.
– It is a condition of accepting your booking that you provide proof of personal travel insurance, including cancellation insurance for medical reasons, redundancy, jury service etc. for all members of your party. Please note that the use of La Belle Eco (the facilities, grounds and swimming pool) are entirely at the user’s risk.
