Retreats in Southwest France
"Behind the Ancient Words, a Living Practice.
Within the Lineage, Keys to Its Understanding.
A Rare Opportunity to Explore Both
with
Those Who Carry Them Forward."
Join us in Southwest France for small-group retreats exploring Taoist Alchemy and the Internal Martial Arts.
Study and practice with Prof. Dr. Dan K.J. Vercammen, assisted by Angela J.H. Verkade, with time for personal guidance and discoveries that unfold through practicing together.
Come Curious. There Is More to Explore.
What did the old masters mean—and what happens when you put their words into practice?
Here in the Gironde, explore personally transmitted teachings with Dan Vercammen, drawing on classical Chinese texts and decades of practice. Ask the awkward question. Revisit a familiar movement. A small correction may open an unexpectedly large door.
Featured Programs
Find Your Place in the Practice
A first encounter, a deeper commitment, or a return to teachings that stayed with you.
Explore three spring retreats: an open retreat for everyone, a dedicated retreat for Academy students, and a gathering for former China Arts students.
Open Spring Retreat
The Blue-Green Dragon Awakens
Explore QingLongGong, Jinshigong, and Daoyin through personal instruction with
Dan Vercammen.
Four days to encounter teachings from Fu Qinglong’s family tradition and deepen your practice in a small group.
10–13 May 2027
Open to everyone
Academy Spring Retreat
Your Practice. Our Shared Focus.
Created specifically for our Academy students, this retreat builds on your ongoing study, with time for direct correction, deeper exploration, and personal guidance from Dan Vercammen.
We recommend this retreat for its close connection to your Academy training. Students are also welcome at either of our other spring retreats
For current Academy students
Academy students · Login required
China Arts Spring Retreat
There Is More in What You Already Know.
Return to the teachings you know and discover where they can take you next.
Build on your China Arts College experience, refine your practice, and explore new challenges with Dan Vercammen.
Reconnect with fellow students and take your study further.
Current Academy students are also welcome.
Before You Join Us
Come ready to practice, ask questions, and take an active part in the group. We welcome curiosity, sincere effort, and respect for the teachings and one another.
Each retreat page explains the program, fee, and registration arrangements, including the required deposit.
After registration, participants receive the exact location and a list of nearby accommodation options.
You are also welcome to arrange your accommodation independently. Please take the travel time to our teaching location into account when choosing where to stay.
You’ve Come This Far. Why Stop Here?
A market basket filled in Lot-et-Garonne. A long lunch in a medieval square. Bordeaux’s elegant streets, lively food scene, and a canelé you were only going to taste.
Beyond the retreat, Southwest France invites you to indulge your curiosity—and your appetite.
Explore the villages and vineyards of the Gironde, discover the region’s generous cuisine, or head into the Landes for pine forests, lakes and Atlantic beaches.
With a few extra days, follow the road toward the Pyrenees and the Basque Country, then cross into Spain for San Sebastián’s old town and pintxos.
Leave a little room in your plans. You may find yourself wanting more.
