Discovery and gathering of mountain plants and balm-making workshop

This workshop will introduce you to the plants of our high-altitude valleys and their sacred powers. Virginie will share her in-depth knowledge of plants and the secrets of harvesting in a way that respects all living things—allowing plants to thrive, reproduce, and thus ensure the preservation of species. You’ll then have the chance to learn from Virginie how to make a balm that you can take home for your own use. This “Nature ma Compagne” workshop is offered in partnership with the Gîte du Riou Vert through the end of September, and then in partnership with the Maison de Joséphine in Risoul starting in October. The workshop takes place as follows: an outdoor session (2 hours), followed—through the end of September—by balm-making at the Riou Vert guesthouse (1 hour and 30 minutes); starting in October, balm-making will take place at the Maison de Joséphine in Risoul Village. What to bring: hiking shoes, a paper bag for gathering plants, a knife, a hat or cap, a water bottle, and something to write with. Reservations must be made no later than 4:30pm the day before.