Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions about the ashram, our programmes or your stay?
Find here in our FAQ the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
An ashram is a spiritual retreat dedicated to the practice of yoga, meditation and the study of yogic philosophy. It is a peaceful space where one lives according to the principles of yoga in a caring community.
The ashram is located in Neuville-aux-Bois, 20 km north of Orleans, in the heart of the Orleans forest. Easily accessible from Paris (1h30 by train + shuttle).
The ashram is accessible by train from Les Aubrais Station, then by bus or taxi (30 minutes from the station). It is also accessible by car, with a large parking lot on site.
You can find all the details for getting to the ashram here.
Yes, the ashram welcomes you 365 days a year. You can come whenever you wish, with no fixed dates. The ashram may sometimes close for a few days for renovation projects.
No, a reservation is mandatory.
There is no maximum age. Children are also welcome (free up to 2 years old, 50% discount from 3 to 12 years old).
Yes, children are welcome at the ashram. We regularly welcome families. Contact us to adapt the stay to your family’s needs: orleans@sivananda.net.
All meals served at the ashram are vegetarian and organic. During your stay, we ask you to respect this diet. Alcohol, tobacco, meat, fish, eggs, coffee and black tea are prohibited on ashram premises.
Yoga classes are taught bilingually (French and English) as needed. Lectures and satsangs (meditations) always have simultaneous translation available, whether taught in French or English.
Yes, but in moderation. WiFi is available at certain times. Mobile phones are not allowed during yoga classes, meditations and lectures.
The minimum duration is 2 nights. There is no maximum duration – you can stay as long as you wish.
Yes, you can arrive any day between 2pm and 6pm, and stay as many days as you wish. On departure day, check-out at 11am and departure until 4pm.
The rate includes:
You participate at your own pace. We recommend attending at least one satsang and one yoga class per day to fully benefit from the experience.
The ashram is above all a place of spiritual practice. If you come to rest, you are invited to participate in the rhythm of ashram life (meditations, lectures…).
All levels are welcome, including complete beginners. Classes are adapted to each level.
All advice available of the Practical Information page.
Yes, WiFi is available at specific times in certain areas of the ashram.
Yes, a laundry room is available at the ashram (for a fee).
Yes, we offer day visits (10am-6pm) including:
Rate: €65.
Yes, you can participate in a yoga class without staying at the ashram.
Rate: €17 per class.
Booking required: orleans@sivananda.net
Sivananda Yoga is a classical and comprehensive approach to yoga, founded by Swami Vishnudevananda in 1957. It is based on 5 fundamental principles:
Swami Sivananda (1887-1963) was a great Indian spiritual master, trained as a physician, who devoted his life to teaching yoga and Vedantic philosophy. His teaching emphasizes selfless service (Karma Yoga) and the unity of all religions.
Swami Vishnudevananda (1927-1993) was a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda. In 1957, he founded the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres to transmit the authentic teaching of yoga in the West. He trained over 45,000 yoga teachers worldwide.
No, yoga is not a religion. It is a universal spiritual practice that respects all religious traditions. The teachings are based on Vedanta philosophy, which recognizes the unity of all spiritual paths.
Sivananda Yoga is a traditional, comprehensive and meditative yoga that integrates all aspects of yoga: postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation, diet and philosophy. Classes follow a structured sequence that develops strength, flexibility and inner peace.
In-depth courses are short programmes (a few days to a week) that deepen a specific aspect of yoga: meditation, anatomy, philosophy, mantras, etc.
It depends on the course. Some are open to all, others require regular practice. Consult the description of each course on our website.
No, they do not provide Yoga Alliance certification, but you receive a certificate of participation specifying the number of teaching hours.
Registration can be done up to a few weeks before the start, depending on available places. We recommend booking early to guarantee your place.
No, the TTC is open to all, including beginners. No prerequisites are necessary.
We recommend registering at least 1 month in advance for TTC and ATTC, as places are limited.
Yes, the TTC is certified by Yoga Alliance (200h RYT). The ATTC is certified by Yoga Alliance (300h RYT).
The rate includes:
Yes, but you will not receive the certificate if you do not complete the entire training. Specific cancellation and refund conditions apply.
Yes, TTC and ATTC include theoretical assessments to validate your learning.
Yes, you will receive an internationally recognized Sivananda diploma (Yoga Alliance 200h RYT for TTC, 300h RYT for ATTC).
Book a flexible dates retreat here, or sign up for a specific programme here.
If you cannot pay by credit card on our website, please call reception to find a solution at + 33 (0) 2 38 91 88 82.
Yes, you can ask to cancel your stay fro credit to reschedule it.
The amount credited depends on the date of cancellation.
Credit
Cancellation conditions may vary whether you wish a credit or a refund.
Refund
Credit
Force majeure exception: full refund in case of accident, death, illness/hospitalization (medical proof required), or transport interruption.
Refunds are possible according to our cancellation conditions above. No refund in case of early departure.
We don’t offert that kind of discount. To make the ashram experience accessible to as many people as possible, we offer a solidarity-based fee scale. Each participant is invited to choose the rate that best suits their situation, with awareness and trust.
Base Fee
This fee covers the essential costs of your stay: accommodation and organic vegetarian meals.
Supported Fee
This reduced rate is intended to help those in need.
It does not cover the full actual cost of the retreat and is made possible by higher contributions from other participants.
The number of places at this rate is limited.
Generous Rate
By choosing this rate, you cover the essential costs of your stay and provide broader support for the life and future of the Ashram, its members, and its mission of welcome and spiritual transmission.
Your generous contribution helps us maintain the reduced rate for participants who need it.
Discount for Long Stays
A 10% discount is automatically applied for any stay of 7 nights or more.
Yes, all meals are vegetarian and organic.
Meals include gluten-free and dairy-free options. We cannot accommodate other specific diets. Common allergens are indicated. If you have severe allergies, contact us before your arrival: orleans@sivananda.net / +33 2 38 91 88 82
Yes, the shop offers books, yoga mats, clothing, incense, Ayurvedic products, etc.
The shop is open everyday from 10h45am to 6pm.
Yes, everything is available at the ashram shop.
No, the nearest ATM is in Neuville-aux-Bois (3 km). Bring cash for the key deposit (€20). Shop purchases can be made by card or cash.
No, tobacco is strictly prohibited on ashram premises. If you need to smoke, you will have to leave the ashram perimeter.
No, alcohol is strictly prohibited at the ashram.
The ashram is a spiritual place. Wear comfortable clothing that covers shoulders and knees. A shawl is recommended for meditation during satsangs.
Ready to live this transformative immersion?
Register via our website. You will receive a Zoom link by email before each class or satsang. You can read more details about all our online activities on our dedicated pages. See our online activities page.
Yes, online classes are taught in English with simultaneous translation into French, German and Spanish.
All online courses are recorded and available on YouTube. You can watch them at your own pace.
Online classes and satsangs are only boroadcasted live.
Yes, you have access to recordings of all sessions already broadcast (video on demand).
Contact-us
Email : orleans@sivananda.net
Tél : +33 (0) 2 38 91 88 82
Reception hours: 10:45am-6pm every day
