During this retreat we will delve into the heart and art of being, through Zen meditation practice and writing sessions. These practices allow us to discover our essential creative nature and meet the depth, lightness and impermanence of the present moment. We can thus greet the new year with clear minds and open hearts and express our experience through our own true words. 

The basic schedule is inspired by a traditional Zen retreat, with the firm structure supporting our plunge into the present moment and favoring a direct experience of the oneness of life. At the same time, our meditation practice will be enhanced by group creative writing sessions and outdoor practices. There will also be time for personal writing and for individual meetings with the teacher.    

No previous experience of Zen practice, meditation or writing is required to participate in this retreat.

Please bring all necessary writing materials.

Practical information

Arrival day (Saturday December 26): You’re invited to come from 16:00h in order to register and settle in your room. Dinner is served at 6:30h. Intro talk at 20h.

Special New Year’s Eve program: Thursday evening Dec. 31

End of programme (Friday January 1): Closing circle in the evening.

Departure day (Saturday January 2): You may leave anytime (no programme). You’re welcome to stay for lunch.

This programme is taught in French and will be translated into English on request (if you need translation, please let us know on the registration page). 


Programme price

Regular300 €
Patron408 €Help support lower income participants
Early Bird255 €Expires 28 November 2026
Under 30 years of age150 €

Do not hesitate to contact our office to register for a scholarship at [email protected].

Price information

  • Regular: this is the regular price for participating in the programme. Occasionaly (if specified in the programme description), there may be an additional fee for materials, to be paid upon arrival.
  • Patron: for those who can offer more than the regular price, your generosity in paying the Patron Price helps cover the costs for others who are not able to pay the full programme price and provides support to Dechen Chöling.
  • Early Bird: 15% discount on the regular programme price is possible only if you register and pay the total cost of your stay upfront, 4 weeks prior to the start of the programme, i.e. before 28 November 2026.
  • Under 30 years of age: 50% reduction on the regular programme price for persons under 30 years at the start of the programme.

Accommodation: the standard accommodation we provide is in a dormitory for the winter and a furnished two-person tent in the summer. Extra fees for room upgrades can be paid upon arrival. Additionally, room tax will be charged at 0.22 € per person, per night.

See the full price list

Note: participation in any programme offered by the association of Dechen Chöling requires you to be up-to-date with the association’s annual fee (15 €), which can be settled upon arrival.

Total price

ItemPrice
Total standard price789.54 €
Programme price (Early Bird)255.00 €
Full board: 7 nights (74 € per night - Shared 2-person room) *518.00 €
Room tax: 7 nights1.54 €
Dechen Chöling association’s annual fee **15.00 €

* Includes Shared 2-person room and all meals. Other accommodation options available during registration.
** Legal yearly obligation (calendar year) for every participant or visitor.