Cooking Retreat with Laura Sharrad

A woman is sitting at a table with a cutting board and a glass of wine.

Dates: June 16th to 22nd, 2025

Location: Loire Valley


Join us on an extraordinary culinary retreat in the breathtaking Loire Valley, guided by the esteemed chef Laura Sharrad. Dive into immersive cooking classes, explore majestic châteaux, indulge in wine tours, and gain exclusive insights from a MasterChef finalist. Designed for an intimate group of 8 guests, this retreat promises a unique and exclusive experience.



  • Accommodation: Enjoy 7 days and 6 nights in a magnificent Château, nestled amid nature and steeped in historical allure at the heart of the Loire Valley. Experience the charm of a two-century-old Château and its historic park, which has been gracefully 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 Laura. Please note most dietary requirements are welcome.
  • Cooking Classes: Enjoy a total of 15 hours of cooking classes through lunches and dinners hosted by Laura, at the Château.
  • 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


  • Visit of the City of Tours: Discover the cultural and culinary treasures of Tours with a guided tour of the City of Gastronomy. Wander through this vibrant city, renowned for its rich history and its status as a gastronomic capital. From medieval architecture to culinary delights, the tour offers a perfect blend of history and modern charm, making it a delightful introduction to the Loire Valley.
  • Château Day, beginning with a visit to the enchanting Château de Chenonceau, known as the « Ladies’ Castle » for its fascinating history and elegant architecture. Stroll through its magnificent gardens and marvel at the iconic arches spanning the River Cher. The adventure continues in the charming town of Amboise, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch and explore the Château Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Delve into his genius as you discover exhibits showcasing his inventions, artworks, and legacy, set amidst beautiful gardens that celebrate his creativity.
  • Winery tour and tasting experience. Begin with a sumptuous lunch at a local vineyard, savoring regional dishes paired with exquisite wines. Then, enjoy guided visits to some of the area’s finest wineries, where experts will introduce you to the unique flavours and traditions of this celebrated wine region.

  • ITINERARY

    Monday: 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: Welcome dinner at the Château with Laura


    Tuesday to Saturday: Daily Routine

    • Morning: French breakfast at the Château followed by a cooking class with Laura
    • 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


    Sunday: Departure Day

    • Morning: Final French 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

    Most guests will be arriving from Paris, but if you're travelling from another location, let us know — we're more than happy to assist with travel arrangements.


    Recommended Train from Paris:

    Departure: From Paris Montparnasse, June 16th, 2025, 10:39am

    Arrival: At Saint Patrice Station, June 16th, 2025, 1:33pm


    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.

What you will learn and discover

Join Laura Sharrad in the Loire Valley for an unforgettable culinary escape. Over 15 hours of hands-on classes, you’ll learn to master elegant, seasonal dishes inspired by Laura’s signature style.


Beyond the kitchen, you’ll explore iconic châteaux, visit vibrant markets, enjoy private wine tastings, and soak up the beauty and flavours of one of France’s most charming regions—all from the comfort of your own château.

A few snaps of our stunning Château:

Have you always dreamed of staying in a French Château?

A living room filled with furniture and a fireplace.
A large stone building with a gravel driveway leading to it.
A large stone house with a gravel driveway and flowers in front of it.
A large house with a swimming pool in front of it
A large dining room with a long table and chairs.
A bedroom with a bed , chair , and ottoman.
A living room with a couch , chairs , and a coffee table.
A bedroom with a bed , chair and nightstand
An aerial view of a large castle surrounded by trees.
A bedroom with a large bed and a painting on the wall
A kitchen with green cabinets and a large sink
A large stone building with a picnic table in front of it.

Choose between a solo or shared room.

Pricing & Booking

Shared Room

3997 EUR


One person in a shared room (single bed in a twin room) with private bathroom. Pay a non refundable deposit of 1552 EUR today to secure your spot (includes a 3.5% card fee).

Second payment to be made by December 10th, and final payment to be made by March 1st, 2025. Payment plans are available.


A bedroom with a bed , chair , and ottoman.

Solo Room

4997 EUR


One person in a private premium room with bathroom. Pay a non refundable deposit of 1552 EUR today secure your spot (includes a 3.5% card fee).

Second payment to be made by December 10th, and final payment to be made by March 1st, 2025. Payment plans are available.

Rooms (deposit)

 Pay a non-refundable deposit today to secure your spot.

BOOK

Get to know your host

A woman is sitting at a table with a cutting board and a glass of wine.
Laura Sharrad

We are thrilled to welcome Laura Sharrad—MasterChef Grand Finalist, restaurateur, and one of Australia’s most celebrated culinary talents—as your host for our Loire Valley Cooking Retreat.

Laura brings a unique blend of Italian heritage, French culinary flair, and modern Australian creativity to the table. Her food is vibrant, soulful, and full of heart—just like her.


From her early days on MasterChef to co-owning two beloved Adelaide restaurants (Nido and Fugazzi), Laura has built a reputation for bold flavours, thoughtful technique, and a deep love of seasonality and produce. Now, she’s bringing her passion to France for an unforgettable week of cooking, sharing, and connecting.


During the retreat, you’ll cook alongside Laura in the heart of the French countryside, learning her favourite techniques and recipes.

Join us!

Contact Us

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