From the Riviera to the Alps, from chateaux to farms, France offers countless inspiring locations in which to take your yoga journey to the next level with a Yoga Alliance teacher training course. Here are 5 of the best YTT programs in France.
Humble warrior pose outside a medieval chateau (Photo courtesy of Awake Yoga via Book Yoga Retreats)
Over the past decade, France’s yoga scene has welcomed a number of excellent, international, English-speaking yoga teachers. Along with highly qualified and passionate local instructors, they have embraced the potential of the country’s seemingly endless supply of vast castles, rustic farmhouses and quaint ski lodges as idyllic locations for yoga retreats and intensive teacher training. Learn about yoga sequqencing, anatomy and philosophy while basking in nature and old-world European charm; pick up a few French words along with your sanskrit, and why not enjoy a croissant after a round of sun salutations. We have selected five of the best Yoga Alliance accredited 200-hour YTT programs around the country, with English-speaking teachers, so that you can experience Yoga Teacher Training with a French touch.
22-Day 200-Hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Course in Chamonix, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
YTT in Chamonix (Photo courtesy of My Yoga People via Book Yoga Retreats)
Flow through your sun salutations with a view of Mont Blanc. In this historic chalet 10 minutes from central Chamonix in the Haute-Savoie region, the Yogaji team has constructed a nourishing and stimulating 200-hour teacher training grounded in traditional ashtanga, hands-on adjustments, and teaching with compassion. As a fun and special treat, an acro yoga specialist will visit for a session in which you’ll take flight, with the help of your fellow students. Time between classes may be put to good use in one of the two town spas, sampling Savoyard food, or on a day trip to Italy. From US$3,013 / 22 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
22-day 200h Multi-style YTT in a château in Lautrec, Occitanie
Sunshine Ross outside her chateau in the south of France (Photo courtesy of Awake Yoga via Book Yoga Retreats)
Bienvenue chez Sunshine Ross, an experienced and caring yoga teacher and proud owner of a 13th-century castle, where you will be lodged throughout your yoga teacher journey. The Chateau de Montcuquet is perched on a hill just outside the medieval village of Lautrec, near Albi. In between Yoga Alliance approved classes (in French and English) on meditation, pranayama, and alignment, spanning different yoga styles including hatha and gentle yin, enjoy the home-cooked vegetarian meals, wander through the gardens and the village, bike along a stretch of the Tour de France route, or visit the local massage therapist. The host also offers introductory sessions to spiritual practices including shamanism, vortex healing and sound baths. From US$2,190 / 22 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
22-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Indian Teachers and Nature on the French Riviera
Pranayama on the French Riviera (Photo courtesy of Co.Inspire Yoga via Book Yoga Retreats)
Co.inspire Yoga promises a thorough and authentic YTT with teachers born or extensively trained in India, with a focus on traditional hatha yoga. Their 200-hour certification takes place in the sunny Provençal village of Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne on the Riviera, between the Alps and the sea. Detailed classes explore everything from yogic philosophy, pranayama breathing exercises, advanced adjustments, mantra chanting, and all the methodology you will need as a teacher. Three Ayurvedic vegetarian meals will provide the energy needed for this intensive training, with time off reserved for hiking, kayaking, visiting the local caves, medieval village and food market, or a pampering session at the local spa. From US$2,684 / 22 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
25-Day 200-Hour Ashtanga Yoga Therapy Teacher Training in Saint-Michel-de-Chabrillanoux
Yoga in the Ardèche (Photo courtesy of Yogaji via Book Yoga Retreats)
Yogaji’s comprehensive YTT is led by Julie Giacomini, a long-serving and welcoming teacher, and takes place in the Ardèche, one of the most stunning natural sites in France. In this stone cottage surrounded by nature, the accommodations are shared, giving a rare opportunity to forge lasting friendships during the training. With vegetarian meals provided, the daily program consists of theory classes, two hatha sessions, asanas lab, evening meditation and pranayama, with plenty of moments to relax in the hammock, pick figs, wine grapes, blackberries and other local produce, hike to the river or the local town, or kayak in the famous gorges. From US$2,629 / 25 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
200-hr Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Paris with Tatiana
Intensive vinyasa YTT with Tatiana and Alex (Photo courtesy of Tatiana Avila Bouru)
Ask advanced Parisian yogis who their favorite teacher is, and you’re likely to hear a resounding ‘Tatiana’. Born in Cannes to a yoga teacher and naturopath mother, a former gymnast and professional dancer, Tatiana Avila Bouru is one of the leading teachers based in Paris, having studied with internationally renowned figures including Briohny Smyth. With her husband Alex Avila, whose own intense, stimulating style has foundations in Jivamukti, she runs a highly anticipated 200-hour course recommended for intermediate and advanced yogis, particularly those who have already completed some training and are looking to deepen and personalize their practice. Expect to learn how to sequence creative, playful flows leading to peak poses you never knew existed, let alone imagined achieving. This YTT is ideal for those based in France or looking for an opportunity to stay for a longer spell, for a total of eight weekends.