Wheels of Wisdom Summer Retreat in the South of France

Medicine Wheel Foundations

Summer Retreat & Immersion in the Land of the Cathars

During this summer retreat, held in a unique and powerful place in the magical Cathar region of Southern France, you will learn how to integrate natural cycles and structures—such as the seasons, the cardinal directions, and the life cycles we move through as human beings—into your personal and professional life.

The Medicine Wheel, known across many traditional cultures, will be our guiding framework. You will discover how this ancient, living structure opens new perspectives while also offering insight, integration, calm, and direction.

You will be introduced to a flexible and grounding anchor for leadership, both personal and professional. We work experientially, drawing on your own process and that of the group, supported by inspiring case studies, reflection, and creative practices.

What makes this summer retreat truly special is our full immersion in the Cathar landscape, a region rich in history, myth, and transformation. We explore the land together and work at natural power places, where both the Wheel—and your personal experience—take on an added depth and dimension.

For whom

For inspired entrepreneurs, leaders, coaches, educators, changemakers, and anyone who wishes to grow in a nature-connected, balanced way—both as a human being and as a leader.

Facilitators

Lies Daenen will guide you on this journey with the Medicine Wheel. She is not only a trainer, but generously shares from her rich experience in coaching, process facilitation, and (spiritual) leadership.

Olivier Vaneeckhout is your local host and guide, with deep knowledge of the region and its history. He will accompany you on our explorations through the Cathar landscape.

Program Overview

Day 1 – Arrival

• Arrival at Villa Sainte Marie

• Welcome and guided tour by host Olivier

• Getting to know each other

• Opening ritual

Days 2 & 3 – Connecting with the Medicine Wheel

• Introduction to the power, layers, and possibilities of the Wheel

• First personal explorations

• Origins and functioning of the Medicine Wheel

• Combination of theory, reflection, and experiential exercises

• Working with constellations on the Wheel

• Learning through your own process and that of others

• Practicing together in a warm, homely atmosphere

These days are fully dedicated to building your personal connection with the Medicine Wheel.

Days 4 & 5 – Professional Application

The Medicine Wheel as a tool for leadership, coaching, and organizational development

• How does the Medicine Wheel work in organizations, teams, coaching, or education?

• Learning through real-life examples and inspiring cases

• Designing your own application of the Wheel in a professional or social context

• Ritual presentation of your developed approach to the group

Day 6 – Creation & Initiation

Creating your own Medicine Wheel and anchoring your intention

• Painting your personal Medicine Wheel on natural fabric using natural pigments

• Creative integration of everything you have learned and experienced

• Connecting your intention to the Wheel you create

• Closing initiation ritual for your Medicine Wheel and a collective ritual

Day 7 – Integration

• Closing circle

• Integration of insights and learnings

Practical Information & Dates

Dates: July 5–12, 2026

Location: Limoux, Southern France

• Arrival on July 5 from 2:00 pm

• Departure on July 12 around noon

The Cathar region is breathtaking: wild nature, ancient thermal baths, rich history, legends and myths, castles, churches, warm-hearted people, and delicious food.

Accommodation

We stay at Villa Sainte Marie, a special and healing place that once belonged to the nuns of Cluny and later to a pioneer in permaculture.You will sleep either in the main house with its charming blue shutters, or in wooden cabins and glamping tents among the fruit trees.

Most sessions take place outdoors, or in the Green Temple, a covered open-air space.

We will also travel to powerful and evocative locations such as Montségur, the forest of Nébias, Mount Bugarach, and Pech Cardou—where a large stone Medicine Wheel awaits us at the summit.

What’s Included

• All local transportation, including airport/train station pick-up

• Excursions to powerful natural and historical sites

• Full training program

• All materials to create your personal Medicine Wheel

• Daily guided meditation

• Three delicious meals per day (except arrival and departure days), mostly vegetarian and organic(dietary requirements accommodated if communicated in advance)

• Spring water, tea, and healthy snacks

• Accommodation in shared cabins, chalets, or glamping tents (single occupancy possible at extra cost, subject to availability)

Flights or train travel to France are not included. We recommend booking early due to the summer season. Transport from and to the Carcassonne airport or train station is provided.

Group Size

To allow for deep interaction and constellation work, the group is intentionally small.

• Maximum: 8 participants

• Minimum: 4 paid registrations

  
  

Language

The retreat is open to an international audience and may be held in English.If all participants are Dutch-speaking, the training will be in Dutch.Participants are always free to share in Dutch or English.

Investment

Early Bird (until April 30, 2026): €1,660 excl. VATStandard rate (from May 1, 2026): €1,770 excl. VATSupporter rate: €1,880 excl. VAT

Bring a second participant or have you attended the training before?→ You receive a €100 discount.

After registration, you will receive an invoice.Your place is confirmed upon payment of a €500 deposit.The remaining balance is due by June 1, 2026.

Questions or Curious to Join?

Join one of the online info sessions:

• March 20 at 8:00 pm

• March 21 at 11:00 am

To subscribe, send an email: lies@wheelsofwisdom.be

If not available on these moments, just send me an e-mail and ask for a personal contact.