Ashtanga Yoga in South of France, La Ciotat
One Month of Ashtanga in France
July 4 - 30th, 2027
Pranava Ashtanga Yoga, La Ciotat
Ashtanga in France! Adam is delighted to be returning to France and to the special shala of Pravana for the month of July, 2027. We truly love this part of the world and are looking forward to returning and sharing it with anyone who wishes to join.
The Yoga
Each week of this four week course starts on Sunday with a self practise class followed by workshops. Morning classes continue from Monday to Friday with 2 afternoon discussion sessions each week.
You can join for the full four weeks or one week only.
Benefit from Adam's traditional Ashtanga style of teaching in the non-dogmatic way it was originally shared. All levels and ages are welcome, Adam is known for friendly groups with no cliques or hierarchy based on ability.
The Location
La Ciotat is a charming coastal town in southern France, amous as the birthplace of cinema and pétanque, it offers stunning red-rock calanques, the botanical Parc du Mugel, and Europe's highest sea cliffs at Cap Canaille.
Unlike glitzier nearby towns, La Ciotat retains a more authentic, year-round working and historical vibe.
It's located just 25 km east of Marseille, about a one hour drive, and only 20 minutes drive from Cassis, or a 2 hour 44 minute hike.
Natural sites
The calanque of Mugel, protected by the Bec de l’Aigle massif, offers a beautiful setting between turquoise water and a small pebble beach. An ideal spot for snorkeling. You’ll also appreciate the Mugel park for a stroll among oaks, laurels, pines, bamboos, rose bushes, citrus trees… The Park is home to a belvedere from the top of which you’ll get a breathtaking view of the sea and Ile Verte.
The calanque of Figuerolles, located close to that of Le Mugel, stands out for its shimmering colors, clear water, small pebble beach and rocks in the shape of a dog’s head and an eagle. This breathtaking landscape has inspired many artists to immortalize it, such as George Braque in his 1907 oil painting.
Beaches
La Ciotat boasts a coastline of over 7 kilometers, offering beaches, coves and calanques to enjoy the pleasures of the water. Among the most popular sandy beaches, especially for families, you can lay your towel on the Grande Plage or the Cyrnos beach, which offers a view of the Bec de l’Aigle. Both offer public and private beach areas. Both are supervised in summer, and offer a wide range of water sports. You’ll also have the chance to settle down on Plage Lumière or Plage Saint Jean.
You’ll also find on the coast pebble beaches like Arène Cros beach, Fontsainte beach or Liouquet beach. Less convenient, they are no less charming. Among the city’s most beautiful beaches, head for the Calanque of Figuerolles or the Calanque of Mugel, which faces the Ile Verte.
Day Trips
Urban Escapades
- Marseille: France's oldest city is only a 30-minute train ride away. Spend the day exploring the vibrant Vieux-Port, wandering the historic alleyways of Le Panier, or visiting the modern MuCEM museum.
- Toulon: Head east by train to explore this major naval port city. Ride the red cable car up to Mount Faron for sweeping coastal views, or wander through the bustling daily Provençal street market on Cours Lafayette.
Coastal Nature & Villages
- Cassis: This upscale fishing village features a postcard-perfect harbor lined with pastel buildings. You can relax at a seaside cafe or book a boat tour to explore the famous limestone inlets of the Calanques National Park
- Route des Crêtes & Cap Canaille: Drive or take a tour along this spectacular cliffside road connecting La Ciotat to Cassis. Stop at the panoramic viewpoints atop Cap Canaille, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs.
- Île Verte: Take a 15-minute passenger ferry directly from the Vieux-Port de La Ciotat to the only wooded island in the region. It offers quiet hiking trails, small beaches, and excellent snorkelling.
Hilltop History & Culture
- Le Castellet: A beautifully preserved medieval hilltop village surrounded by ancient stone walls. It features cobblestone alleys, artisan boutiques, and sweeping views over the surrounding vineyards.
- Evenos: A tiny, dramatic cliffside village built entirely out of volcanic basalt stone. It remains largely untouched by crowds and features the ruins of an ancient 12th-century castle.
Cost
4 weeks: €800
1 week only €250
The price is for the yoga classes and workshops only, no accommodation or food.
It is roughly a 45 to 60-minute drive from Marseille via the A50, or a quick train ride from Marseille, Cassis, or Aubagne.
Payments
Full payment must be made before the workshop begins to attend.
Payments are made through our secure website with a credit card. If you are unable to make your payment this way, send us an email so we can provide our bank transfer details.
Cancellation Policy
Below is the amount of refund we can offer if you need to cancel your booking. Where there is a refund offered there will be a 10% admin fee deducted which includes our loss due to the card transaction processing fee. All cancellations must be made in writing by emailing info@keenonyoga.com. The date that we receive your email will be the date that we calculate your refund.
Deposit Payments: All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Full Payments: If you have paid in full and must cancel, the following applies:
- More than 8 weeks before the start of the course or workshop: 100% refund less 10% cancellation fee.
- 4 to 8 weeks before the start of the course or workshop: 50% refund.
- Up to 4 weeks before the start of the course or workshop: No refund will be given.
Unfortunately, we cannot be responsible for refunding any other costs incurred, i.e. your travel, we recommended that you have travel insurance to cover any loss or injury, including repatriation if necessary.
We reserve the right to make any changes to our programme. If we offer a discount to some students or last-minute discount prices, this does not affect the status of any students who have previously paid full price, and no discount will then become due to them.
About Adam Keen
Adam has been a yoga practitioner since 1999 and has taught Ashtanga yoga internationally for over twenty years. His style is open, non-dogmatic and eclectic while remaining rooted in an appreciation of the benefits of the method of ashtanga as he learnt it in Mysore, India.
In 2012 he completed the Advanced A (third) sequence in Mysore with Sharath, who granted him authorization to teach. Adam meets all students where they are, hopefully, with humour, kindness and inspiration, holding a safe and supportive space for personal enquiry. Equally at home teaching all levels, he gives all students attention and interest. He is democratic in his approach and kind and believes that the practice should not feel like a test.
Coming from an academic background in philosophy and a professional one as a chef, he is knowledgeable, practical, and relatable in his approach. Many consider him humorous too.
Adam and his wife Theresa run the online yoga platform Keen on Yoga and he hosts the Keen on Yoga Podcast interviewing many of the world’s most renowned Ashtanga teachers and philosophical academics.
Instagram: @adam_keen_ashtanga & @keen_on_yoga
