Let Them Bake Cake! A Marie Antoinette Inspired Baking Retreat with Reece Hignell

A man is standing behind a counter in a bakery holding a plate of food.

Dates: May 25th to 30th, 2026

Location: Loire Valley, France


Indulge in the decadence of 18th-century France with “Let Them Bake Cake”, an exclusive « pâtisserie retreat » set in the heart of the Loire Valley. Inspired by the elegance and extravagance of Marie Antoinette, this five-night experience invites you to master the art of French pastry while luxuriating in one of France’s most breathtaking Belle Époque mansions.

Over four days of hands-on workshops with Reece Hignell, you’ll create exquisite French cakes, from the delicate Opéra to the perfectly glazed Raspberry Petit Gâteau. Each session builds towards the grand finale: a glamorous « Let Them Eat Cake » champagne soirée, where you’ll assemble and showcase your creations in true royal fashion.

Between baking sessions, explore the charm of the Loire Valley—home to world-renowned vineyards, fairytale Châteaux, and rich culinary traditions. Please note the entire retreat and the baking classes are held in English.


  • Accommodation: Enjoy a 6-day, 5-night stay at Manoir Belle Époque, a stunningly restored 1906 mansion in the Loire Valley, where history meets modern luxury.
  • Room Options: Choose between a luxurious private single room or a shared room, each thoughtfully appointed in elegant 18th-century French style to ensure a comfortable and immersive stay. A special welcome gift awaits you upon arrival.
  • Gourmet Experience: All meals and drinks are included. Enjoy a daily feast of French culinary delights, from breakfast to dinner, crafted with the finest local ingredients. Savour select meals prepared by our talented chef and indulge in a curated selection of wines, beverages, and Champagne, of course!
  • 15 hours of hands-on baking classes with Reece Hignell (@CakeBoi): Personalised guidance in an intimate, small-group setting. Get ready to dive into the art of French-inspired cake making! Over four hands-on sessions, we’ll bake and build stunning gâteau-style creations from scratch—mastering sponge layers, silky fillings, glazes, and beautiful decorations. Think rich Opera cakes, zesty Tarte Citron, layered Honey cakes, and delicate Raspberry glazed petit gâteaux. Please note the entire retreat and the baking classes are held in English.
  • Host: A dedicated Madame Voyage host will be on hand throughout the week to coordinate activities, answer questions, and ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
  • Train Station Transfer: Private transfer to and from Tours Train Station for your convenience.
  • On-Site Transportation: Chauffeur-driven transport for all scheduled activities.


Activities


  • Château & Wine Day: Explore the renowned vineyards of the Loire Valley & enjoy private tastings of exceptional local wines, followed by the visit of a stunning Château.
  • Gourmet Tour in Tours: Savour the flavours of France on a 2.5-hour guided food tour through the historic city of Tours.
  • Local Market Visit: Explore the flavours of the region with a visit to Les Halles de Tours, a renowned local market, where you’ll discover the freshest produce, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet specialties—a true feast for the senses.
  • Boat Ride on the Loire River: Experience the beauty of the Loire with a Private Boat Ride on the Loire River, complete with an apéro to sip and savour as you take in the breathtaking views.

  • ITINERARY

    Monday 25th of May: Arrival Day


    • Arrivals: A pick up from Tours Train Station will be organised around 2pm
    • Afternoon: Guests arrive at the Château, welcome glass of Champagne, bienvenue!
    • Evening: Welcome dinner at the Château with Reece


    Tuesday to Friday: Daily Routine


    • Morning: French breakfast at the Château followed by a baking class with Reece (3h30)
    • 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 (and of course a Marie Antoinette Party on the last day!)
    • Night: Guests are free to relax and socialise


    Saturday 30th of May: Departure Day


    • Morning: Final French breakfast at the Château
    • Check-out: Guests departs at 10am, farewell to a memorable retreat experience
    • Departures: A transfer will be organised back to Tours Train Station at 10am

  • GETTING THERE

    For your convenience, Madame Voyage will organise a private transfer from Tours train station directly to the château and back.

  • 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

Step into a world of buttercream dreams and royal indulgence! Over four hands-on workshops with Reece Hignell, you’ll learn to create iconic French pâtisserie—from silky Opéra cakes to raspberry-glazed petits gâteaux.


Each technique is broken down step by step, giving you the confidence to recreate these showstoppers at home.


But this retreat is more than baking: it’s an immersive journey through the Loire Valley. You’ll taste your way through local markets, sip wines at historic vineyards, and visit storybook châteaux.


By the end, you’ll not only master new baking skills—you’ll have lived a sweet little slice of French history.

A few snaps of our Belle Époque Château:

A large building with a bench in front of it.
A bedroom with red walls , a large bed , a desk and a fireplace.
A bathroom with two sinks , a tub and a mirror.
A room filled with lots of potted plants and a chair.
A bedroom with a large bed and a painting on the wall.
A living room with red walls , a couch , chairs and a rug.
A dining room with a table and chairs and a fireplace.
A bedroom with two twin beds and a rug.
A bathroom with a sink , bathtub , mirror and chair.
A dining room with a long wooden table and chairs.
An aerial view of a large castle surrounded by trees.
A table with a bowl of strawberries and cranberries on it.

Choose between a solo or shared room.

Pricing & Booking

A bedroom with two beds , a chair , a table and a fireplace.

Shared Room

Shared Room – 4299 EUR


One person in a shared room (single bed in a twin room) with private bathroom. Pay a non refundable deposit of 1035 EUR secure your spot (includes a 3.5% card fee).

Second payment to be made by September 1st, 2025, and final payment to be made by February 1st, 2026. Payment plans are available.


A bedroom with a bed , chair , table and window.

Solo Room

Solo Room – 5299 EUR (SOLD OUT)


One person in a private premium room with bathroom. Pay a non refundable deposit of 1035 EUR secure your spot (includes a 3.5% card fee).

Second payment to be made by September 1st, 2025, and final payment to be made by February 1st, 2026. Payment plans are available.

A bedroom with a canopy bed and a chandelier.

Rodin’s Suite – A 80m² Penthouse with private spa and sauna


5999 EUR per person


The penthouse is available for two guests booking together. The price is 5999 EUR per person, and a deposit of 2000 EUR is required at the time of booking, which covers both guests. Please make sure to provide both guests’ names in the reservation.


Pay a non refundable deposit of 2000 EUR today to secure your spot.


Second payment to be made by September 1st, 2025, and final payment to be made by February 1st, 2026. Payment plans are available.

A living room with a couch , chairs , a table and a bed.

Rodin’s Suite – A 80m² Penthouse with private spa and sauna

A living room filled with furniture and a large bed.
A bathroom with two sinks , a tub and a mirror.
Rooms (deposit)

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

BOOKED OUT

Get to know your host

A man standing behind a counter holding a plate of food
Reece Hignell

Meet Reece Hignell, beloved contestant from MasterChef Australia and passionate baker known for his nostalgic, heartwarming desserts and classic French techniques.


Reece brings a joyful, down-to-earth energy to the kitchen — and on this retreat, he’ll guide you through his favourite recipes, stories, and secrets behind the sweets we all adore.


Get ready to bake, laugh, and indulge with Reece in the most delicious setting imaginable.

Join us!

Contact Us

A snowy mountain with a blue sky in the background

Still have a question?