For the last few years August has seen the development of our summer arts programme. This offers an extended period of creativity in which participants can join in a range of arts activities in a friendly, relaxed setting. The arts period takes place at the Amida retreat centre in Berry, which is in central France. This year Arts in France will run August 1st – August 20th. The arts period is suitable for serious artists, families and complete newcomers. You can dabble in new creative techniques, swap ideas, attend arts workshops and have a lot of fun. In previous years there we have done painting, candle making, mosaic, dance, voicework, ikebana, clay modelling, fabric painting, writing, ceremony as well as plenty of time for swimming and walking. Sometimes we work together on a project, and sometimes people work individually. There is usually someone with expertese on hand to offer advice.

The Amida centre in France is set in rural Berry, the ancient seat of the Dukes de Berry, nestling between two tributaries of the Loire; the rivers Allier and Cher. A region of rolling countryside, small fields, copses and scattered honey coloured farm buildings, this area is well off the tourist maps, and still carries the relaxed feel of earlier times. With several larger oak forests within easy range, supporting walking, horse riding and other outdoor activity, and swimming places at several local lakes it is a perfect environment for gentle holidaying in a Buddhist community. For those with an interest in history, there are many fascinating11th and 12th century romanesque churches, medieval villages and chateaux of various eras as well as the Cathedral cities of Bourges, Moulins and Nevers and the historic centre of the Bourbon kings at Sauvigny all within a short distance of the centre. Last summer we managed regular trips off site for sketching, visiting these historic and religious sites, and relaxing in the countryside. For many though, visiting Amida France is a time to unwind in tranquil countryside, to listen to the prolific bird life and enjoy the flowers and trees. You may well be happy not to step off the premises for your entire stay.

The Amida centre itself was formerly a small farm. Set in thirty acres (16 hectare) of land there is plenty of space for camping. There is also basic accommodation in the house and outbuildings. Solitary retreats are possible in the retreat hut, or "bivvying" in more distant fields. A place of peace, mindfulness, celebration and practice, the lifestyle reflects the natural world with which we are surrounded. We live simply and close to the earth and the seasons. Mostly, we eat out of doors, weather permitting. Sometimes we sleep under the stars. Nature is all around us. Our approach to Buddhism is Pureland and we enjoy the creativity of nembutsu practice as well as the silence of meditation. We welcome anyone wishing to enjoy and participate in the lifestyle, whether or not they identify themselves as Buddhist.

During the Arts time our days follow a gentle schedule. We wake at around 7.30am (although early risers sometimes enjoy yoga in the dawn light) and have a period of Buddhist practice and meditation before breakfast. After we have eaten together, we have a short community gathering to share plans for the day. The morning is generally taken up either with space for people to work individually or in small groups on arts projects, or with workshop sessions led by community members or visitors. After an informal lunch, some like to continue work or relax while others go off site to visit the lake or explore the locality. Generally we gather before dinner to share our experiences of the day, then enjoy a meal together as the light softens into a golden sunset. An evening meditation period closes the day most days, though sometimes we join in evening chanting in the sunset, or enjoy singing round a campfire. When families are with us, evening service can be kept short enough for older children to join in if they wish.

More pictures of France can be viewed if you click here. Watch the RETREAT IN THE WOODS video to get a glimpse of our beautiful woodlands. Individual retreats are possible through much of the year and offer a wonderful opportunity to get back into a harmonious relationship with nature.

Getting yourself to France; useful services from UK:
Cheapest ferries we have found to France are currently:
www.speedferries.com
Cheapest motels for overnight stops en route (rooms not en suite):
www.hotelformule1.com
Motel offering en suite rooms:
Premiere Classe Hotels