Montreuil-sur-Brêche_Le Prieuré Saint-Rémy © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Anne-Sophie Flament

A digital detox for teens

With their faces stuck to the screen, it can be almost impossible to get teenage kids to put their mobiles down and interact with the real world. If you are going to succeed in this insurmountable task, you need to offer them something out of the ordinary. Something like a family retreat in a priory, without their phone! We dare you to double dare them! It’s a big challenge but achievable: the country escape will teach them much about themselves and get them up close and personal with Mother Nature in pious surroundings.

©Northern France, Montreuil-sur-Brêche, Le Prieuré Saint-Rémy gite |Hauts-de-France Tourisme / Anne-Sophie Flament

A place full of positive vibes

Time to replace the harmful waves of technology with the good and healthy waves that “cure people”, as our host Annie says. Almost 1,000 years of benedictine prayers enshroud the Saint-Rémy Priory and will carry you throughout your family’s digital detox.

Northern France _ Montreuil-sur-Brêche_Le Prieuré Saint-Rémy _ gite © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Anne-Sophie Flament

Back to nature

Here, in Picardy’s forever fertile land, hiking trails intertwine through the forests and footpaths line the horizon-defying fields. And in the middle of it all, the Prieuré Saint-Rémy. Made from solid white stone, it lies at the end of a path of lime trees, which are almost a thousand years old, and promises a revitalising break for the mind and soul – a chance to reconnect with Mother Nature.

Family breaks inspiration

Northern France _ Beauvais _ Cathedral © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Stéphane Bouilland

A revitalizing pause at Annie’s garden

And if that’s not enough, Annie maintains a garden in the cloister where she grows aromatic and medicinal plants whose fragrance will be sure to awaken your senses. Make the most of this meditative getaway to try a group session of qi gong, which will channel the whole family’s energy and do you all nothing but good.

“Space, time, silence and existence”… that’s what awaits over this authentic and inspirational weekend.

Local's tip

Beauvais cathedral’s illuminations

From late June to mid-September, and again in December, you can’t miss out on seeing the night-time sound and light show called “Beauvais la cathédrale infinie”, designed by Skertzo. Personally, I love it! Why, you ask? Because it’s so magical and mesmerising. The alchemy is perfectly beautiful and harmonious. It’s simply incredible and the enchanting music and images really capture my imagination. I’m also fascinated by the technical side of it all, it’s so precise and meticulous!

Aurore, expert on trips in Beauvais