Retreat
Aromatic Studies Provence Retreat
June 18 – 27th, 2025
Join us for an immersive and educational experience in Provence, the birth place of aromatherapy!
herb-scented landscape. Our retreat offers a hands-on exploration of Aromatic and Herbal Medicine, combining local traditions with contemporary practices.
Retreat Dates:
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Discover the roots of aromatherapy and aromatic medicine (French Aromatherapy) in the heart of Provence during our summer 2025 retreat. Based in the charming village of Taillades, we’ll explore the rich traditions of aromatic and herbal medicine that have flourished in this region for centuries.
Our journey will take us through fragrant lavender fields, ancient olive groves, and bustling local markets. You’ll experience a traditional lavender distillation and delve into the principles of herbal energetics, aromatic medicine, and spagyrics.
Throughout the retreat, we’ll balance learning with leisure, savoring local cuisine, visiting two charming markets, and celebrating the summer solstice together. This experience is designed for anyone interested in exploring the Provence region and its aromatic and herbal roots, from novices to experienced practitioners.
Join us in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region to connect with the land, its aromatic plants, and the community that has preserved these traditions. Our retreat offers a unique opportunity to engage with the living history of aromatherapy in its birthplace.
Throughout our time together you will have the opportunity to learn how to make herbal and aromatic medicine.
Explore the charming markets that the area is known for.
Discover the rich history of aromatics and herbal medicine of Europe.
Visit Organic Olive oil farm, experience traditional lavender distillation, and explore the beautiful ancient villages of Provence.
Retreat Location
Taillades
Our retreat will take place at veterinary herbalist Swanie Simon’s home in Les Taillades France – located in the Vaucluse region of South France. Swanie’s house is located at the foot of the petit Luberon mountains, completely surrounded by the rough nature typical of the region. Although the house itself is isolated, lending to a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, one can walk the the village proper in minutes.
Exiting the property, one will find oneself in an almost endless national park with beautiful trails surrounded by wild thyme and rosemary.
On the property itself, there are many charming areas to relax; at the saltwater pool by the lavender field, under the Spruce tree or next to the Irises – there is a perfect spot for everyone.
Provence Preliminary Retreat Schedule
Day 1: June 17th
Arrivals
Day 2: June 18th
Noon: Tea and Snacks
Opening Circle 2pm
Class: Energetics with Swanie
Day 3: June 19th
French Aromatic Medicine and
Medicine Making
Day 4: June 20th
Market day at Lourmarin Market
Visit to Organic Olive Oil Estate
Solstice Celebrations in Evening
Day 5: June 21st
Lavender Harvest
Lavender Distillation at Swanies
Day 6: June 22nd
Day 7: June 23rd
Visit to Lavender Farm
Experience Traditional Distillation
Day 8: June 24th
Garden Visit
Spagyrics with Swanie Simon
Day 9: June 25th
Medicine Making
Day 10: June 26th
Herbal Bitters with Swanie
Day 11: June 27th
Departures after Lunch
*Can stay an extra night to depart on June 28th.
connect you with the rich history of Provence.
On campus students: 12 spaces only
Be sure to sign up soon to reserve your spot!
Lodging and Meal Plan details
Provence Retreat
Our retreat will be hosted in the picturesque village of Taillades, at the welcoming home of Swanie Simon. This charming residence offers comfortable accommodations, with bedrooms housing 2-4 guests each. The property provides ample space for relaxation and engaging conversations, featuring a refreshing salt water pool next to a fragrant lavender garden.
Adding to the warm atmosphere are Swanie’s five friendly dogs, who will be our companions throughout the stay. This intimate setting creates the perfect backdrop for our aromatic and herbal journey, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Provençal lifestyle while learning about its rich history.
The home’s inviting ambiance and beautiful surroundings will encourage both focused learning and leisurely enjoyment, epitomizing the balance between education and experience that our retreat aims to provide. Here, amidst the gentle hum of bees in the lavender and the sunny Mediterranean climate, you’ll find yourself at the very heart of aromatherapy’s origins.
Your Registration includes:
• 10 nights accomodation at Swanies home
• Daily breakfast, lunch (excluding field trips), and dinner
• Workshops with Jade and Swanie
• Visits to Lavender Farm, Organic Olive Oil Estate, and Gardens
• Transportation to/from all group activities
• The Three Dog Night tote bag
Registration does NOT include:
- Flight to/from France
- Activities, and transfers not listed on the itinerary
- Lunch on days at market (total 3 meals to be paid by participant)
- Travel insurance, inclusive of health insurance (required)
Meet Your Instructors
She holds a Diploma in Holistic Aromatherapy, Holistic Massage, Anatomy and Physiology, and Reflexology from the Raworth College of Natural Medicine in Dorking, UK, and a Diploma in Aromatherapy from the International Therapist Examining Board (ITEC). She also holds a certificate in herbal medicine.
With a career spanning over three decades, Jade Shutes is not just an aromatherapy practitioner, researcher, and educator but a passionate advocate for the power of aromatics. Her belief in the healing potential of the sense of smell in this era of upheaval and change is inspiring, and her balanced, progressive approach to education is highly respected in the aromatherapy community.
Jade is the founder of the School for Aromatic Studies. She is also the past president of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (2000-2003 and 2013-2015), the author of “Aromatherapy for Bodyworkers,” the co-author of “The Carrier Oil Palette,” and the main author of the “Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy.” She is the author of “Aromatics and Mental Health”.
Swanie Simon, a renowned animal herbalist and naturopath, has dedicated over 35 years to the holistic treatment of animals. Born in Germany in 1962, Swanie spent most of her formative years in the United States, living in various locations, including New York, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas, before returning to Europe in the early 1990s.
From a young age, Swanie’s passion for animals and nature was evident. Inspired by the works of Juliette de Bairacli Levy, she pursued a career as a herbalist, TCVM practitioner, and animal naturopath (Tierheilpraktiker). Notably, Juliette de Bairacli Levy became not only a mentor but also a dear friend, residing on Swanie’s German farm for many years.
Specializing in the natural rearing and treatment of dogs and cats, Swanie has emerged as one of Europe’s most esteemed authors, teachers, and herbalists. She is recognized for popularizing raw diets for pets in Europe and has authored several best-selling books on the subject.
Since 2004, Swanie has been actively sharing her wealth of knowledge through teaching herbalism, TCVM, and dog & cat nutrition. Recognizing the changing landscape of education, she expanded her reach by offering online classes starting in 2014. In an exciting development for her international audience, these online classes will be available in English beginning in November 2024, allowing her to share her 35+ years of practical experience in holistic animal treatment with an even wider audience.
Payment Details
With shared accomodation at Swanie’s Home in Taillades France
On Campus Spaces Available: FULL
Our Retreat is now full both on and off campus.
Stay tuned for dates for 2026.
*Deposit Only: After you submit your deposit, two invoices will be sent to you for half of the remaining balance to be paid by February 15, 2025 (invoice #1) and the other half to be paid by April 15, 2025 (invoice #2). Payments are accepted by credit card or PayPal. Any fees for currency conversion are to be paid by the registrant. Refund policy below applies to all payment plans.
*Refund Policy: For refunds, payment will be fully refunded prior to February 15, 2025 less a $100. administrative fee. From February 15th to April 15th, 2025, payment will be refunded 50% less $100. administrative fee. No refunds after April 15th, 2024, but transfers to interested participants is possible. All participants must read and agree to our Booking + Cancellation Policy.
FAQs
Are there prerequisites?
Our retreat is open to everyone with an interest in exploring the Provence region of France while learning about aromatic and herbal medicine.
What should I bring?
Once you register for the retreat, you will have access to the Retreat course where we provide further information and details to prepare for your trip.
Traveling to Retreat
The best airport to travel to the retreat location is Marseille Airport. We will arrange one pick up from the Airport.
You could also fly into Paris and take a train to Avignon Train station. We will arrange one pick up from the train station.
Pick up schedule will be decided after receiving flight details from all participants.
Staying on Campus
We will be staying at Swanie Simons rustic French home. Each bedroom holds 2 to 4 students. Rooms will be assigned upon arrival.
Note: Adding to the warm atmosphere are Swanie’s four friendly dogs, who will be our companions throughout the stay.
Can I still attend but not stay on campus?
Yes! Please email us at info@aromaticstudies.com and we will provie you with information on costs of program if you stay off campus.