The healing power of trees 28/03/2025

Amidst the ceaseless whirlwind of our modern lives, where the din of technology and the relentless pace of our schedules often dominate our daily existence, it is easy to lose touch with the soothing embrace of nature that surrounds us. However, an ancient Japanese practice, known as “shinrin-yoku” or “forest bathing,” emerges as a breath of fresh air, offering a tranquil refuge and a moment of reconnection away from the daily tumult.

Within our two establishments, this age-old practice finds a modern and unprecedented expression, where visitors are invited to fully reconnect with the environment that surrounds them.

Shinrin-yoku, literally translated as “forest bathing,” traces its origins in Japan back to the 1980s, when the Japanese Forestry Agency launched an initiative to encourage the populace to rekindle their connection with nature. Since then, scientists have delved into this practice, meticulously measuring its physiological and psychological effects. According to Dr. Qing Li, a professor at the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo, forest bathing profoundly impacts our well-being, bolstering the immune system, reducing stress, and enhancing our mental and emotional health.

Beyond its physical benefits, forest bathing is a contemplative and sensory experience, where each step is an invitation to mindful meditation and deep connection with nature. The Sources de Caudalie and the Sources de Cheverny provide an ideal setting for this exploration, where participants are encouraged to be guided through the forest and its trails, to listen to the birdsong, and to inhale the fragrance of wildflowers.

The benefits of forest therapy: renewal and vitality

The benefits of sylvotherapy are manifold and enduring. In addition to reducing stress and enhancing our overall well-being, forest bathing stimulates vitality, strengthens our immune system, and awakens our senses to the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us. This activity also aims to remind us of our interconnectedness with this environment and our responsibility towards its preservation.

Introduction to sylvotherapy: between art, science & nature

At Les Sources de Caudalie, at the heart of this reconnection with nature, are Patricia Chatelain and José Le Piez, artists and practitioners of Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing). Their fascination with the relationship between humans and trees dates back more than two decades, nurtured by close collaboration with renowned scientists such as Francis Hallé and Ernst Zürcher. Combining extensive experience in practices such as yoga, qigong, and Japanese martial arts, Patricia and José embody a holistic approach to sylvotherapy, where art, science, and nature converge to create a unique experience. Together, they have developed “The Way of the Tree,” a unique approach to the relationship with trees, where they passionately share their knowledge, practices, and love for nature.

Located just steps away from Les Sources de Caudalie, the woodland bordering Château Smith Haut Lafitte, called La Forêt des Sens, is the ideal setting to delve into sylvotherapy. From March to October, Les Sources de Caudalie offer the opportunity to discover the benefits of nature, and particularly those of trees, by organizing “forest baths” in the woods of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Following your forest bath, you will be invited to a fresh and gourmet vegetarian lunch at ROUGE, prepared by Chef Nicolas Masse with the finest produce from the Sources de Caudalie’s kitchen garden.

Discover also the activity at Cheverny springs.

Thus, sylvotherapy within our two family estates offers much more than a simple experience in nature. It is an inner journey, a rediscovery of oneself and the world around us, where each tree becomes the link between you and your well-being. In this space, a place of renewal and regeneration, we invite you to leave your daily life behind and open yourself to the infinite wonders that nature offers us.

Dates for 2025 : April 12, May 17, June 7, July 12, August 23, September 27, October 11

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