Dates: September 22nd to 26th, 2025

Location: Loire Valley

Join us for an unforgettable baking retreat in the iconic Loire Valley with self-taught cake artist & pastry chef Louise Lindberg. This week will be all about indulging in unforgettable culinary experiences, with a mix of hands-on baking classes and unique local activities. We’re excited to have you join us for this incredible journey of baking and exploration in the heart of the Loire Valley! This retreat is tailored for a group size of 10 to 12 guests, to provide an exclusive experience.

Accommodation: Stay for 5 days and 4 nights in a Château surrounded by nature and historic charm in the heart of Loire Valley. Discover the two-century-old Château and historic park, which have been managed by women since the 18th century.
Single room and shared room with bathroom: Stay in a private or shared room, offering a serene sanctuary to unwind after a day of activities and learning. Each room welcomes you with unique gifts upon arrival.
Meals: All meals and drinks are included. Relish in the flavours of the Loire Valley, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Experience the French culinary delights throughout your stay, with some meals prepared by our private chef. Please note most dietary requirements are welcome.
Baking Classes: Enjoy a total of 15 hours of hands-on baking classes with our Cake Queen Louise Lindberg, where you'll master the art of creating elegant, French-inspired entremet cakes. Louise will guide you through a selection of her favourite show-stopping recipes – from Nutella and Raspberry Cake to Lemon Meringue Cake Tacos – sharing the essential skills and techniques behind each creation. This retreat is your chance to elevate your pastry game with expert guidance in a warm and inspiring setting.
Host: There will be a dedicated Madame Voyage host throughout the week to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Train station transfer: Private transfer to and from Saint Patrice Train Station will be provided for convenience.
Transportation: On-site chauffeurs to drive you to the activities are also provided for convenience.

Activities

Afternoon Visit to the Châteaux and Blois: Explore the historic beauty of the Loire Valley as we visit the stunning Châteaux and discover the charming town of Blois.
Sound & Light Show at the Château De Blois: Immerse yourself in the magic of Blois with an enchanting Sound & Light show that will bring the history of the Château to life.
Local Wine Tour & Exclusive Tastings: Enjoy a guided tour through the region’s finest vineyards with exclusive wine tastings, giving you a true taste of the Loire Valley’s exceptional wines.
Mushroom Experience at a Local Farm: Dive into a unique mushroom activity at a local farm, where you’ll learn about cultivation and sample some of the region’s finest mushrooms.

ITINERARY
Monday 22nd of September: Arrival Day

Afternoon: Guests arrive at the Château between 3pm and 6pm (a driver will wait for you at the closest train station: Saint Patrice)

Evening: Kick off the evening with a glass of Champagne, followed by a welcome dinner at the Château with Louise

Tuesday to Thursday: Daily Routine

Morning: French breakfast at the Château followed by a 4 hour baking class with Louise

Lunch: Enjoy a well deserved lunch

Afternoon: Various activities scheduled for guests to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, & activities listed in the inclusions

Evening: Dinner at the Château

Night: Guests are free to relax and socialise

Friday 26th of September: Departure Day

Morning: Final Fench breakfast at the Château

Check-out: Guests departs before 10am, farewell to a memorable retreat experience

A driver will drive you back to the closest train station: Saint Patrice
GETTING THERE

Recommended Train from Paris:

Departure: From Paris Montparnasse

Arrival: At Saint Patrice

We recommend booking via The Trainline for convenience and flexibility.

A private transfer from Saint Patrice station to the Château will be arranged for you, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.
INCLUSIONS
From the moment you arrive at the meeting point, absolutely everything is taken care of.
Your transport, your meals, your experiences — it’s all included, so you can fully relax and soak up the magic of your retreat.

Start your mornings with buttery croissants, pains au chocolat, and the classic tartine au beurre — plus a few savoury options if that’s more your style. Every meal is lovingly prepared by our private chef, using fresh, local ingredients to celebrate the flavours of the region. Expect long, generous lunches and cosy, shared dinners that feel like home — just with better wine.

Speaking of which… yes, wine is always included. From crisp local rosés to rich Burgundy reds, each glass is thoughtfully paired with your meal. And to kick things off in style, we’ll welcome you with a glass of Champagne on arrival.

You’ll enjoy a curated program of unforgettable activities, too — all organised for you. No extra costs, no logistics to juggle. Just bring your appetite, your curiosity, and a love for beautiful things. We’ll take care of the rest.

Dietary needs? No problem — we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, or other preferences with care and creativity.
EXCLUSIONS
Airfares and other transportation fares to and from the retreat

Anything not explicitly listed above

Travel Insurance: To protect your investment and travel with peace of mind, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance. We’ve partnered with PassportCard, a trusted travel insurance provider — you can explore your options here: PassportCard - Purchase Policy
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the retreat?
From the moment you arrive at the meeting point, everything is included — accommodation, all meals (prepared by a private chef), wine, activities, excursions, local transfers, and surprises along the way. The only things not included are your flights and travel insurance. (We do have a travel insurance partner – contact us for details!)

Do I need to speak French?
Not at all! All activities are led in English unless otherwise stated. A love for French culture is all you need.

What if I have dietary requirements?
No problem! We cater for vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other common dietary needs. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Can I come alone?
Absolutely! Many of our guests join solo. Our retreats are designed to be warm, welcoming, and inclusive — you’ll feel part of the group from day one.

How do I get to the retreat location?
We’ll send you clear travel instructions ahead of time, including suggested trains or flights. Transfers from nearby stations are included. If you're unsure, we're happy to help with your travel plans.

How active are the retreats?
Our retreats blend culture, relaxation, and light activity (such as walking tours or market visits). You won’t need to be super fit, but expect to be gently on the move.

What’s the accommodation like?
We handpick unique, charming places — from countryside châteaux to boutique villas. Rooms are comfortable, beautifully styled, and often with private bathrooms.

What should I pack?
We’ll send you a tailored packing list before departure based on the season and retreat style. Think comfortable clothes, a touch of chic, and a good pair of shoes.

What if something changes or I need to cancel?
We understand that plans change. Our terms and conditions will detail the cancellation policy. We also strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind. (We can recommend a trusted insurance partner.)

How many people will be on the retreat?
Most of our retreats are small and intimate — usually between 10 and 14 guests. This allows for a more personalized and relaxed experience.

Do I have to participate in every activity?
While we hope you’ll be excited about the itinerary, all experiences are optional! This is your retreat — feel free to skip an activity and enjoy some downtime whenever you like.

This retreat is a rare chance to master the art of modern French-inspired baking with the talented Louise Lindberg. Across four hands-on classes, you’ll dive into the secrets behind her most beloved creations—like elegant entremets, delicate petit fours, and playful twists such as her lemon meringue cake tacos. You’ll explore flavour balance, texture, and presentation to elevate your pastry skills.

Beyond the kitchen, immerse yourself in the magic of the Loire Valley—tour majestic châteaux, sip local wines, experience the wonder of a sound & light show, and even discover the region’s mushrooms from farm to table.

You’ll leave with new recipes, refined techniques, and beautiful memories from one of France’s most enchanting regions.

Say bonjour to Louise Lindberg – a talented pastry chef from Sweden with a serious love for beautiful, modern cakes. Known for her playful approach to French-inspired baking,

Louise has built a loyal following by sharing recipes that are as fun to make as they are stunning to look at.

Her signature entremet cakes are full of flavour, texture, and creativity – and during the retreat, she’ll guide you step by step through her favourite bakes. Louise has a warm, down-to-earth teaching style that makes even the most intricate techniques feel achievable.

If you love cake and want to learn from someone who truly loves what she does, you’re in for a treat!