A group of people are posing for a picture in front of a polar bear statue.
A white background with a black border and a few letters on it.

King size bed

A black and white drawing of a bird on a white background.

Privative terrace

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Jacuzzi

"Délicieux": A Cooking Retreat in Loire Valley with Laura Sharrad

June 2025

Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, our cooking retreat with the incredibly talented Laura Sharrad was an unforgettable escape, blending regional charm, rustic elegance, and the rich flavours of both French and Italian cuisine.

For one special week, we took over a stunning 18th-century Château, where history met hospitality in the most magical way. Surrounded by vineyards, ancient stone walls, stunning gardens, our home for the week offered the perfect setting to slow down and savour life’s simple pleasures.

Our focus for this retreat was savoury, hands-on cooking, inspired by both Laura’s Italian heritage and her deep love for French produce. Guests joined daily classes in the château’s kitchen, where they learned to cook seafood tortellini with a rich bisque, handmade ricotta gnocchi, or a Provençal-style bouillabaisse. Every class was intimate, interactive, and full of laughter, with Laura generously sharing her tips, techniques, and contagious love for food.

It just so happened that our retreat coincided with a record-breaking heatwave across France, but our amazing group handled it with grace (and lots of SPF!). The château’s sparkling swimming pool became a welcome oasis in the afternoons, where we cooled off and enjoyed sparkling wine with charcuterie platters.

Outside of the kitchen, we explored some of the Loire’s most iconic sights. We wandered through the royal rooms and manicured gardens of the Château de Chenonceau, one of France’s most beloved castles. We visited the city of Tours for a guided food tour, discovering local cheeses, wines, and seasonal specialties. And of course, we spent an afternoon wine tasting at a local vineyard, learning about the region’s grape varieties and enjoying a relaxed apéro with a view over the vines!

A group of people are sitting around a table in a room.
A beach with a city in the background and a body of water in the foreground.

But some of the best moments happened back at the château. Each evening, we gathered for long, leisurely apéros in the garden, playing pétanque, sipping crisp rosé or a chilled Chenin Blanc.

This retreat was a true celebration of food, culture, and community. Despite the soaring temperatures, the energy was light, joyful, and full of warmth in every sense. We’re so thankful to our wonderful guests who brought humour, openness, and enthusiasm to every moment, and to Laura, who made the experience so rich, delicious, and inspiring.


We left with full hearts, new friendships, and plenty of recipes to bring home. Loire Valley, we’ll be back.

More photos from our delicious time in Loire Valley