Name: From Spices to Stories, a Cooking Retreat with Depinder Chhibber in Dijon, October
Price: 1035.0 EUR
Availability: InStock

Dates: October 20th to 25th, 2026

Location: Dijon, Burgundy

Burgundy is where French cooking, wine, and history meet. Across six slow days, guests will cook with Depinder Chhibber, shop vibrant markets, taste in storied cellars, and wander medieval lanes in Dijon.

Classes focus on seasonal Indian techniques you will use at home, balanced with long table meals, vineyard visits, and time to breathe. The setting is intimate, the pace is relaxed, and every detail is thoughtfully handled by Madame Voyage so guests can simply arrive and enjoy. Small group format, maximum 12 guests.

Accommodation: Stay for six days and five nights in La Maison Philippe Le Bon, a 4-star hotel in the heart of Dijon that combines modernity and history. It offers easy access to the city’s charming pedestrian streets and the Palace of the Dukes.
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 (yes, by that we mean wine!) are included. Relish in the flavours of Burgundy’s specialities, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Experience the French culinary delights throughout your stay with a few dinners and lunches organised out at delicious local restaurants! Please note we can cater for most dietary requirements.
Cooking Classes: Enjoy 12 hours of cooking classes with Depinder in a local professional kitchen.
Host: There will be two dedicated Madame Voyage hosts throughout the week to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Transportation: On-site chauffeurs to drive you to the activities are also provided for convenience.

Activities (yes, also included!)

Private gathering on the Tour Philippe le Bon with a wine and cheese workshop on the rooftop overlooking Dijon
Visit of the Cité de la Gastronomie and its exhibition
Private wine tasting at a Burgundy winery
Barrel making workshop with a master cooper in Beaune
Visit to a historic mustard house with interactive exhibits, a mustard making workshop, and tastings
Private guided tour of Dijon's historic city and Les Halles market with tastings
Local restaurants: Enjoy a total culinary journey with a few dinners organised out at local restaurantsf

12 hours of hands-on cooking workshops with Depinder over four focused sessions, each with signature dishes and practical skills you will use forever:

Session 1. Market Day: Exploring the Northern Indian classics with fragrant spices, rice dishes, chutneys and accompaniments inspired by the North.
Session 2. Spice trails of the South: Discover the vibrant flavors of South India with seafood, tempering techniques, and banana leaf cooking traditions.
Session 3. An Indian High Tea: A playful session featuring classic street snacks, spiced teas, and a touch of Indian-inspired sweets.
Session 4. From the Tandoor: Smoke and Spice! Learn the art of marinades, flatbreads, smoky curries, and iconic dishes inspired by the tandoor.

ITINERARY
Tuesday 20th of October: Arrival Day

Afternoon: Guests arrive at Hotel Maison Philippe Le Bon (Dijon Center Town) at their preferred time (between 2pm and 6pm)

Welcome glass of Champagne, bienvenue!

Evening: Welcome dinner in a local restaurant with Depinder

Wednesday to Saturday: Daily Routine

Morning: Breakfast at the Hotel

Followed by 3 hours of cooking classes with Depinder

Lunch: Enjoy a well deserved lunch at a local restaurant

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

Evening: Dinner at the Hotel or out in a local restaurant

Night: Guests are free to relax and socialise

Sunday 25th of October: Departure Day

Morning: Final French breakfast at the Hotel

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

The hotel is in the heart of Dijon and conveniently located just a 20-minute walk from the Dijon train station. You can also take the tram, which drops you off just steps from the hotel entrance.

Prefer a quicker option? An Uber ride takes about 10 minutes.
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.

Hands-on cooking with Depinder

Across more than 12 hours of relaxed, hands-on classes, Depinder will share her favourite recipes, clever techniques, and the stories behind her food. Drawing on her Indian heritage and love of seasonal produce, she’ll guide you through dishes full of colour, spice, and balance. From fragrant curries to refined modern plates, you’ll learn recipes and skills that will stay with you long after the retreat. No matter your level, it’s all about enjoying the process and building confidence in the kitchen.

Discover Burgundy through taste

Burgundy is made to be savoured. Together we’ll make mustard the old-fashioned way, uncover how oak barrels shape wine, and experience the region through its incredible food and drink. Expect plenty of delicious stops along the way, local markets overflowing with produce, vineyard tastings that celebrate the terroir, and long lunches where stories and flavours intertwine.

Adventures à la française

Our week is filled with French experiences to remember: discovering the history and heritage of this incredible city, dining at Dijon’s best local restaurants, and finishing with a private wine and cheese tasting in a medieval tower. There will be laughter, shared moments, and stunning views at every turn.

Slow down, connect, and be inspired

With just 12 to 14 guests, the retreat is designed to give you the space to connect, share, and truly enjoy. Whether you come for the cooking, the culture, or simply a well-earned pause, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and carrying a little more of France & Depinder’s vibrant flavours with you~

Celebrated for her vibrant Indian-inspired dishes and her passion for fresh, seasonal produce, Depinder brings a unique blend of creativity and heart to everything she cooks. With her warm, approachable teaching style, she’ll guide you through a week of hands-on recipes, cultural inspiration, and unforgettable shared meals.

Whether you’re eager to master new techniques, explore bold flavours, or simply enjoy cooking alongside one of Australia’s most inspiring chefs, this is your chance to experience the joy of food with Depinder in the culinary heart of France.