There is something about France at Christmastime that invites you to slow down.

The streets glow with twinkling lights. Historic villages fill with the scent of cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, and fresh pastries. Every corner feels like the pages of a storybook, reminding us that wonder often lives in the quiet moments we almost rush past.

For one unforgettable week, we'll make our home in a luxury mountain chalet nestled in the hills above Gérardmer. Surrounded by forests and winter beauty, our private retreat offers an indoor pool, spa, sauna, cozy fireplaces, and the kind of peaceful mornings that invite you to linger over coffee just a little longer.

This retreat also marks a first for Breath + Story as we're delighted to partner with Mary Ross, Owner of Chef Sage and Rosemary to bring an extraordinary private chef experience to our guests. In a region where food is celebrated as an expression of culture, tradition, and hospitality, every meal becomes part of the adventure. Inspired by the flavors of Alsace and crafted with fresh local ingredients, Chef Mary will create beautiful seasonal menus that invite us to slow down, savor each bite, and experience France through one of its greatest treasures—its cuisine.

Each day begins with gentle yoga or Pilates before we venture into some of France's most enchanting Christmas villages. We'll wander through magical holiday markets, browse artisan boutiques, sip warm mulled wine, and discover why the Alsace region is considered one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations in the world.

Evenings bring us back to our chalet, where Chef Mary welcomes us with thoughtfully prepared meals inspired by the region's rich culinary traditions. Around the table we'll share exceptional food, meaningful conversations, and laughter as the fire crackles nearby. It's these moments—lingering over dessert, exchanging stories, and embracing the unhurried rhythm of French life—that often become the memories we treasure most before unwinding in the spa and sauna and settling in for another peaceful night in the French countryside.

Once you've settled into your room, take some time to unpack, explore the chalet, and enjoy everything our home has to offer—from the cozy gathering spaces to the indoor pool, spa, steam room, and sauna. Breathe in the crisp mountain air, wander the surrounding property, or simply curl up with a warm drink and let yourself arrive.

As evening falls, we'll gather around the table for our first dinner together. Over delicious food and conversation, we'll get to know one another, toast to the week ahead, and begin what we hope will become a memorable chapter in each of our stories.

Ease into your first full day with a slow morning at our cozy chalet. We'll begin with a gentle yoga practice, followed by a leisurely brunch shared around the table.

Later, we'll wander the charming lakeside town of Gérardmer before setting out on a beautiful meandering walk around the lake. The path winds between paved walkways and quiet forest trails beneath a canopy of towering evergreens, offering peaceful views and plenty of opportunities to slow down and simply enjoy the beauty of the season. When we return, we'll warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate while browsing artisan boutiques and festive Christmas market stalls.

We'll end the day gathered together for a cozy Christmas craft night—a simple, joyful evening of creativity, laughter, and making memories together.

Today we'll venture into the enchanting town of Colmar, where colorful half-timbered houses, twinkling lights, and whimsical holiday décor create one of the most magical Christmas destinations in Europe.

Spend the day wandering through Colmar's charming Christmas markets, browsing artisan shops, discovering festive treats, and soaking in the sights and sounds of the season. We'll also enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the picturesque canals of Little Venice, where storybook homes line the water's edge, offering a unique view of this unforgettable town. As the melodies of a children's choir fill the air, you'll find yourself immersed in the timeless charm of an Alsatian Christmas.

When we're ready to head home, our cozy chalet—and a delicious meal—will be waiting for us. Our private chef will have a traditional fondue dinner prepared, allowing us to simply gather around the table, share stories from the day, and enjoy another memorable evening together.

Today we'll venture into the beautiful Vosges Mountains, where winter transforms the landscape into a peaceful wonderland. Together, we'll enjoy one of the region's signature seasonal experiences, taking in the fresh mountain air, breathtaking scenery, and the quiet beauty that makes this corner of France so special.

We'll spend the afternoon decorating Christmas cookies, filling the chalet with the sweet aroma of fresh-baked treats while we laugh, create, and enjoy a slower pace together. It's one of those simple moments that often becomes a favorite memory.

As evening settles in, we'll gather for a cozy candlelit night of stories. Wrapped in blankets with warm drinks in hand, we'll share in a meaningful book exchange. Each woman is invited to bring a book that has inspired, encouraged, or shaped her own story to gift to another guest. It's a beautiful reflection of what Breath & Story is all about—sharing pieces of our lives, learning from one another's journeys, and discovering how our stories have a way of connecting us in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Today is more than a visit to one of the most beautiful villages in France—it's an invitation into a place that holds a special chapter of Heather's story.

Having once called Kaysersberg home, Heather will lead us through the cobblestone streets, colorful half-timbered buildings, and festive Christmas markets that became part of her everyday life. Along the way, she'll share the hidden gems, favorite places, and meaningful memories that transformed this charming village from a destination into home.

Together we'll wander through artisan shops and holiday markets, watch a traditional glassblowing demonstration, step inside a charming gingerbread bakery, browse a classic cuckoo clock shop and an old-fashioned toy store, and stop by Heather's favorite local bakery.

Rather than simply seeing Kaysersberg, you'll experience it through the eyes of someone who knows its rhythms, treasures, and heart.

By the end of the day, we hope you'll leave feeling like Kaysersberg has become a small part of your story, too.

Today we'll journey to the charming village of Ribeauvillé, home to one of France's most beloved Medieval Christmas Markets. For two special weekends each year, the village is transformed into a living celebration of the Middle Ages, where costumed performers, traditional music, artisan crafts, and centuries-old traditions bring history to life.

We'll spend the day wandering the festive streets, browsing handcrafted goods, sampling seasonal treats, and soaking in the sights and sounds that make this market unlike any other.

We'll also visit the magnificent Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, a beautifully restored medieval fortress perched high above the Alsace plain. As we explore its grand halls, towers, and ramparts, you'll step back in time while taking in breathtaking views stretching across vineyards, picturesque villages, and even into Germany on a clear day.

In the afternoon, we'll gather for a special ornament-making workshop, creating a keepsake to bring home—a handmade reminder of the friendships, laughter, and memories we've shared throughout our week together.

Our final full day is intentionally unhurried—a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the beauty of simply being. Spend the morning exactly as you need it. Join us for a gentle yoga or Pilates class, take a peaceful walk or hike through the surrounding countryside, or simply curl up with a cup of coffee and enjoy the quiet comforts of our chalet.

Throughout the day, you'll have time to indulge in well-deserved self-care with relaxing massages, rejuvenating facials, and access to the chalet's indoor pool, spa, and sauna. Whether you're soaking in the warmth, reading a book by the fire, or sharing one last conversation with a new friend, today is about filling your own cup before returning home.

As the evening unfolds, we'll gather for our Signature Affirmation Dinner, a cherished Breath & Story tradition. Around the table, we'll celebrate each woman for the unique gifts she brings to the world, speaking words of encouragement, gratitude, and truth over one another. It's a powerful evening filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt connection—a reminder that every woman has a story worth telling and that sometimes we need others to help us see the beauty, strength, and light we carry within ourselves.

We'll end our final evening together with hearts full, friendships deepened, and a renewed appreciation for the stories we've shared and the ones still waiting to be written.

This morning, we'll gather one last time to enjoy breakfast before saying goodbye to the beautiful chalet and the breathtaking landscapes that have welcomed us throughout the week.

As we head home, we'll carry more than souvenirs. We'll leave with renewed hearts, meaningful friendships, unforgettable memories, and stories that will continue to shape us long after we've returned home. We'll say our final goodbyes to a place that has held us, restored us, and gently moved us forward in ways we may not have expected.

Though this journey comes to an end, we hope the peace you've found, the connections you've made, and the confidence you've rediscovered will travel home with you—and remind you that your story is still unfolding.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that no one reserves a retreat with the intention of canceling, and we know that unexpected circumstances can arise. Because our retreats require advance commitments to accommodations, transportation, guides, and other vendors, we have established the following cancellation policy.

Reservations & Payments

• A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space.

• Deposits are non-refundable.

• Reservations may be transferred to another participant identified by the original attendee, subject to Breath + Story's approval. Transfers must be completed prior to the retreat.

• Payment plans are available. The remaining balance is due in full by Oct. 1st, 2027.

Cancellation Schedule

• Cancellations received before May 1st, 2027: You will receive a refund equal to 50% of all payments made beyond the non-refundable deposit.

• Cancellations received on or after May 1st, 2027: No refunds will be issued.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage all participants to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and travel delay coverage. Many travel insurance providers require policies to be purchased within 14 days of making your initial reservation to receive the broadest coverage.

Please review your policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.

No Exceptions

Because we incur significant expenses well in advance of each retreat, no refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations due to illness, injury, weather, family emergencies, work obligations, travel delays, airline cancellations, or any other personal circumstances.

Likewise, no refunds or credits will be provided for failure to attend, arriving after the retreat begins, or leaving the retreat early.

Retreat Cancellation by Breath + Story

Breath + Story reserves the right to cancel or postpone a retreat due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances that make operating the retreat inadvisable or impossible.

If Breath + Story cancels a retreat, all payments made directly to Breath + Story will be refunded in full. This refund constitutes the full extent of our liability.

Participants are responsible for any non-refundable personal travel expenses, including airfare, hotel accommodations, transportation, visas, or other travel-related costs. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

Force Majeure

Breath + Story shall not be liable for any delay, modification, interruption, or cancellation of a retreat resulting from events beyond our reasonable control. These events may include, but are not limited to, natural disasters, severe weather, wildfire, flooding, earthquakes, pandemics, epidemics, government orders or travel restrictions, civil unrest, terrorism, strikes, transportation disruptions, acts of God, or any other unforeseen circumstance that makes the retreat unsafe, illegal, or impracticable to operate.

If a retreat must be canceled or materially modified due to a Force Majeure event, Breath + Story will make every reasonable effort to reschedule the retreat or provide participants with an appropriate credit or refund, taking into consideration any non-recoverable expenses already incurred. Any refund or credit provided will be at the sole discretion of Breath + Story and subject to obligations owed to third-party suppliers.