Living traditional hatha yoga daily
At the Ashram de Yoga Sivananda of Orléans, the millennial tradition of Hatha Yoga and Yoga Vedanta is not only studied – it is lived. Every moment of your stay becomes an immersion in the authentic teachings transmitted from Swami Sivananda to Swami Vishnudevananda, and then to all of us.
The first Sivananda yoga ashram established in Europe, we have been perpetuating since 2003 an integral approach to yoga: the “yoga of synthesis” which harmonizes the four traditional paths (Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga) adapted to contemporary life through 5 fundamental yoga principles.
Here, these principles are not mere concepts – they constitute the very rhythm of your day, naturally creating the balance and transformation that so many people seek.
A great sage of modern India, his teaching is the inspiration for the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres.
After a career as a doctor, he renounced the world to devote himself to intense yoga and meditation, and established the Sivananda yoga ashrams and Divine Life Society in Rishikesh, in the Himalayas.
A prolific author, he published more than 200 books, transmitting through them all aspects of yoga and its philosophy in a simple and accessible way.
Swami Sivananda was one of the main artisans of the spread of yoga: he was the first to open his teaching to women and non-Indians. In his ashram, he trained many remarkable disciples. In 1957, he sent one of them, Swami Vishnudevananda, to teach yoga in the West.
A direct disciple of Swami Sivananda for 12 years, Swami Vishnudevananda was sent to the West in 1957 to spread the teachings of yoga. He founded the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in many cities around the world. A dynamic master of hatha and raja yoga, he taught these disciplines in their purest form.
In 1969, he created the first yoga teacher training program, an innovative program that has become a worldwide reference for yoga teaching.
A tireless worker for world peace, he traveled to many conflict zones to bring a message of hope.
At the ashram, the 5 principles of Sivananda yoga are not only taught theoretically, they naturally embody themselves in every moment of your stay.
Two daily 1.5-hour traditional hatha yoga classes follow the traditional Sivananda yoga sequence: 12 basic yoga postures carefully ordered to systematically stretch, strengthen and revitalize every part of the body. This regular practice develops strength, flexibility and vitality while calming the mind.
Integrated into each traditional hatha yoga class, conscious breathing becomes second nature. Pranayama techniques harmonize your nervous system, increase your vitality and promote mental clarity – benefits you feel from the very first days.
The soothing rhythm of the ashram teaches you the art of true relaxation. Between practices, moments of silence in nature, and the deep relaxation (Savasana) that closes each class, your nervous system regenerates profoundly.
Three daily meals freshly prepared, lacto-vegetarian and 100% organic, including vegetables from our permaculture garden. You discover how conscious nutrition naturally supports your energy and mental clarity.
Two group meditations per day and a daily lecture nourish your understanding of yoga philosophy and Vedanta, and progressively transform your vision of life.
Each Sivananda yoga class follows a traditional structure that creates a soothing ritual, allowing the mind to relax and turn inward naturally:
This identical structure in each sivananda yoga class offers a secure framework that allows for harmonious progression. Each posture can be adapted, making the practice accessible to all levels.
At the ashram, this traditional yoga sequence practiced twice daily gradually becomes second nature, transforming your relationship with body, breath and mind.
SIRSASANA
SARVANGASANA
HALASANA
MATSYASANA
PASCHIMOTTANASANA
BHUJANGASANA
SALABHASANA
DHANURASANA
ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA
KAKASANA
PADA HASTHASANA
TRIKONASANA
SIRSASANA
SARVANGASANA
HALASANA
MATSYASANA
PASCHIMOTTANASANA
BHUJANGASANA
SALABHASANA
DHANURASANA
ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA
KAKASANA
PADA HASTHASANA
TRIKONASANA
Immersion at the Sivananda yoga ashram allows you to concretely experience the four traditional paths of yoga.
Selfless service is part of your daily life
Mantra chanting naturally elevates the heart
Asanas, pranayama and meditation structure your days.
Philosophical teachings illuminate your practice.
Ready to live this transformative immersion?
