Join Me for a Transformative 6-Day Retreat in the Heart of France
6 Days of Deep Self-Inquiry and Connection
(Auberives-en-Royans, August 9-14, 2026)
(Auberives-en-Royans, August 9-14, 2026)
Immerse Yourself
Imagine yourself strolling through a peaceful green landscape, gathering with others under the shade of an ancient oak, preparing meals together, and pairing up to do The Work. Here, we slow down and drop into a deep space of exploration, uncovering deeply held beliefs and connecting to the wisdom of our stillness. It’s a chance to untangle those stubborn thoughts that are so hard to catch in everyday life, and to find new insights and authenticity in the clarity that emerges from honest, heart-to-heart interactions. Why Attend?
Practicalities
Participants This retreat is limited to 14 participants to ensure a cozy, intimate atmosphere. If we haven’t met yet, I’d love to connect with you for a brief video call to make sure this deep-dive retreat is a good fit for you. Retreat Dates: The dates of the retreat are Sunday, August 9th to Friday, August 14th, 2026. Optional early arrival on Saturday, August 8th, and an extended stay until Saturday, August 15th are included. Accommodation Accommodation in single, double or triple rooms. All meals are included and prepared together, focusing on fresh, locally-sourced vegetarian dishes with vegan options available. Venue Nestled near the village of Auberives-en-Royans, between Valence and Grenoble in southern France, this beautifully renovated ferme fortifiée (fortified farm) blends comfort with rustic charm, framed by the dramatic peaks of the Vercors massif. With its cozy bedrooms, tranquil pool, and spacious garden providing a peaceful space for self-reflection, the venue feels both welcoming and serene. Step through the grand entrance and discover a unique mix of history and country-chic ambiance. The enclosed courtyard and historic outbuildings offer a sense of intimacy and calm, making it an ideal setting for deep inner work and genuine connection, all against a backdrop lush greenery and sweeping views. Getting There
The nearest international airport is Lyon, with additional options in Marseille, Paris, and Geneva (Switzerland). From these cities, you can take the high-speed TGV train to Valence TGV station (be sure to select Valence TGV, not Valence Ville). We will arrange pick-ups from Valence TGV. Travel tip August is a busy travel period in France. We recommend booking your train tickets early to ensure the best options. You can find you ticket at SNCF Connect.
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"I loved how the work was present, not just certain hours of the day, but as a way of living throughout the whole retreat."
Elin Rosenblad
"Thank you Ernest for opening so generously for yourself and for showing me this direction towards freedom."
Anna Franciere
"The magical setting and a very small intimate group of beautiful human beings was the perfect mix."
Andrea Cruz
"I have simply never experienced anything similar."
Jens V.M. Thomsen
"This was a journey back to myself."
Nicolai Kampmann
"The magnificent location and truly loving group atmosphere created by Ernest’s thoughtful organization made it possible to relax and accept to really be vulnerable"
Mélanie Boucarut
"This retreat was a magic journey."
Peter Wyle
"This practice for me was like a role model to implement The Work deeper and deeper in my life and make this state of me an everyday lifestyle."
Irina Pētersone
"After I have returned home from the retreat, so much more have come bubbling to the surface, waiting to be looked upon with understanding and love."
Anja Dalby
"A truly welcoming and supportive space that allowed me to go deeper every day, connect authentically with others, and trust the process."
Danute Anilena
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Voices from the retreat
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Testimonials from similar retreats
I loved how the work was present, not just certain hours of the day, but as a way of living throughout the whole retreat.
With his endless compassion, kindness, friendship and love Ernest encourages and inspires into authenticity and vulnerability, helping me see and believe that everything can be met with love and understanding. Elin Rosenblad, Sweden In October 2024, I spent five transformative days on a retreat with Ernest in Spain. Words fall short in capturing the profound impact of this experience on my inner journey.
Our small group of ten felt deeply connected, both to ourselves and each other, guided by Ernest’s gentle yet powerful teaching. Through thought-provoking exercises and moments of raw honesty, he helped us deepen our bonds and explore our minds and hearts more fully. Thank you, Ernest, for making this experience possible, for holding space for each of us, and for guiding us with such care. I felt safe, supported, and encouraged to explore parts of myself I hadn’t yet known. Verena Conzett, The Netherlands
Your extraordinary guidance and I mean there are not enough word to express it. Highly skilled in group management. Holding the space like a very inspired artist. That was waaaoooo.... so accurate, so gentle, so wise.
Liora Ben Simhon, Israel
This was the highlight of the year for me. It was intense and challenging and at the same time it felt safe and intimate. The small group, the beautiful setting, Ernest's ability to hold the space and our own courage and vulnerability made amazing things happen and resulted for me in more real connection with myself and the feeling that there's nothing I can't handle when I'm in that connection with myself and the moment.
Philip Vanparys, Belgium
Even though I'm well familiar with The Work this retreat brought my insight into myself and others to another dimension.
This Workshop runs deep. Be prepared to shed some tears even if you are not a regular cryier like me. Ernest has an infrared-like view to people's bullshit and lovingly helps them to see it and transend it. This was a group-healing session on a level I have nether experienced before - and I left with a love and understanding of each and everybody in the room - even with my archenemies: "modern feminists" :) Maximilian Puetz, Germany
Amazing was the operative word at this retreat. Ernest is someone who knows how to hold space, thereby allowing the participants to have the experience of self-reflection. I feel like this retreat has accelerated my growth. I had been feeling stagnant in my practice of The Work, feeling like I wasn’t “getting” it. Now I have a much clearer understanding of what I want to get.
Anne Johnstone, USA The retreat in France felt like a long, deep rest from all the stories in my head. How I came (exhausted, hurt) and how I left (content, grateful) was so different! I really appreciated Ernest‘s kind and authentic style and his sense of humour. I made friends this week and also fell a bit more in love with myself.
Dorion Kruska, Germany
Ernests’ great integrity and gentleness supported me into becoming aware of my own freedom and how I could unlock that. Radical honesty is now my new fashion ❤️
Meerte Ledema, The Netherlands
Spending time with Ernest and the other participants at the retreat in Arild, Sweden, was so much fun for me. It was also very intense and filled with hard work (for my ego). Luckily, the extremely beautiful surroundings, the cute house we were in and the patience and warmth from Ernest and the other participants, made it so much easier to really work through what ever came up during the time we were together.
After I have returned home from the retreat, so much more have come bubbling to the surface, waiting to be looked upon with understanding and love. Ernest is a great guide into doing this, and I feel so blessed that I have learned to do The Work even better now. The Work is such a great gift, and the retreat in Arild turned out to be one as well. Anja Dalby, Denmark I feel it as if, those days in the most adorable Swedish nature brought me to a new level of honesty. I am so grateful for that experience.
Thank you Ernest for opening so generously for yourself and for showing me this direction towards freedom. This retreat was intensively fantastic. Anna Franciere, Denmark Attending this 5 days retreat was the best gift I’ve given myself in a very long time; true to promise, Ernest’s skillful facilitation helped me identify some of the most insidious beliefs in my life and address them in a way that rendered them void or at least, seriously incapacitated… What a relief!
It was intense work, yet the magnificent location and truly loving group atmosphere created by Ernest’s thoughtful organization made it possible to relax and accept to really be vulnerable – while feeling supported and safe the whole way. I came back the next day to what had these past months been a stressful professional situation, and felt freed from the negativity; while at the same time energized to do my work – as well as continue doing The Work. I’m really looking forward to the next opportunity to step out of time and into self-enquiry in such a friendly and supportive setting. Thanks Ernest and thanks to everyone in the group! Mélanie Boucarut, France I loved Ernest’s retreat. For me, it was an experience that took me out of my comfort zone, but always with plenty of support available. Ernest holds a very safe space, with lightness and joy. It was a week of real emotional and experiential growth, and I came away inspired to continue my journey of self-inquiry in new ways — to feel freer and more connected and loving toward myself.
Andrea Cruz, Spain This retreat was an AMAZING experience all the way.
My heart was overwhelmed with love and gratitude to have the opportunity for the space and silence to listen to my heart and dive deep in meditation while doing The Work. One more time, I was in awe with the power of love and truth, in awe with the vastness of nature and beauty. The magical setting and a very small intimate group of beautiful human beings was the perfect mix. Andrea Cruz, Spain The retreat was the best thing that could have happened to me in a very confusing period of my life. It was an eye-opening experience that challenged my ego and inner stories. The nature, The Work, Ernest, and each participant wonderfully contributed in their own way to my discoveries.
Thank you so much for being you, being so open and being part of my healing process. With lots of love, Iveta Hobain, Lithuania I experienced the retreat as a journey towards myself - and at the same time a journey towards others.
Ernest's way of facilitating brought forth a new level of insights about myself, which has been so meaningful on so many levels. I have left the retreat with what feels like a calmer and more loving approach to the world and myself. Bitten Fynsk, Denmark I really enjoyed this time - especially the connection and presence with the other participants.
This practice for me was like a role model to implement The Work deeper and deeper in my life and make this state of me an everyday lifestyle. Ernests way to help me meet the real me, to help me face me, takes much courage, but at the same time it is so organic and natural, it feels like a second skin. Irina Pētersone, Latvia It is an amazing, transformative experience to be guidet by Ernest in The Work as we shed light on the hidden beliefs that rule you from below. It is an experience of digging deeply and landing softly.
Line Mortensen, Denmark
This retreat was a fantastic experience that allowed me to uncover and question hidden beliefs I didn't even know were there. It was transformative and powerful. The Work takes main stage, but the setting, the kindness and the intimate format of the retreat, all worked together towards uncovering deeper layers of myself and opened the door to more freedom.
Gabriel Ayuso, Catalunya
The way Ernest shows up and shares his work invites me to see my unconscious parts. Parts I have convinced myself to be unwelcome and unloveable. Through the loving and welcoming inquiry, which Ernest inspires me to, I can welcome those parts back home.
Lene Andersen, Denmark
The work is an intelligent process to get to know more of the subconscious. “The awareness of the subconscious” is the portal to inner and outer peace. Earnest is brilliantly holding and leading this process. Thanks!
Gunnar Michanek, Sweden
Ernest has created a safe space where honesty and vulnerability can be lived and welcomed with love and understanding.
Murièle Lasserre, Switzerland
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