Monique’s Hike: If Two Nuns and a Kid in a Beret Can Do It, So Can You

At Camp Joy, we like to walk the talk—literally. Monique is currently in Cotignac scouting the trails and finalizing the little adventures that will make your retreat vacation unforgettable.

Today, she did the walk from the villa to the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Grâces, and then into town.

And to be honest? She was a little nervous about doing it by herself. Solo hiking on a strange trail in another country sounds a bit daunting, right? But here’s the good news: it turned out to be surprisingly easy, incredibly peaceful, and even (dare we say) fun.

The trail winds gently downhill through the trees with a few religious icons tucked along the way. And the views through the trees back to Cotignac were stunning!

At one point, Monique saw two little boys hiking about 200 meters ahead of their family—one decked out in blue-and-white stripes, the other proudly rocking a beret. No joke. It felt straight out of a movie.

As if that wasn’t enough proof that this trail is for everyone, she also spotted two nuns doing the walk from the Sanctuaire Saint-Joseph du Bessillon (the other side of the villa where Camp Joy is taking place) to the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Grâces in plain old tennis shoes. They were chatting, laughing, and making it look effortless. If two nuns and a kid in a beret can handle it, you can too.

What started out feeling intimidating turned into one of the most calming and empowering experiences of the day. It’s these small moments—overcoming little fears, finding humor and beauty where you least expect it—that are at the heart of Camp Joy’s mission.

Whether you're joining us for solo travel, coming with a friend, or just looking to stretch your legs a little during our wellness retreat, this easy hike will be a highlight. Camp Joy is all about creating spaces where women’s empowerment comes from everyday victories—and a good laugh or two along the way.

And yes, sneakers are highly recommended.