Name: Sweets Of The South: a Baking Retreat with Emelia Jackson
Price: 1035 EUR
Availability: InStock

Dates: 22nd to 27th of September, 2026

Location: Toulouse Countryside, South Of France

Join us for a dreamy baking escape in the French countryside with MasterChef winner Emelia Jackson. Set just outside Toulouse, at La Bélonie, a lovingly restored 18th-century estate tucked in the rolling hills of Le Pays de Cocagne.

This charming eco-conscious home is surrounded by vineyards, gardens, and forests, the perfect setting to unwind, connect, and get creative in the kitchen. After a day of baking, relax in the spa, take a dip in the indoor pool, or enjoy a glass of wine in the courtyard.

With beautifully designed rooms, delicious shared meals, and warm company, this retreat is all about indulgence, inspiration, baking achievements, and slowing down.

Inclusions

Accommodation: Enjoy a 6-day, 5-night stay at La Bélonie, a beautifully restored 18th-century estate, with hammam, jacuzzi, swimming pool & a paddle court, just 40min away from Toulouse.
Room Options: Choose between a private single room or a shared room, each thoughtfully appointed to ensure a comfortable stay. A special welcome gift awaits you upon arrival.
Meals: Each morning, enjoy freshly baked croissants, pains au chocolat, and the classic tartine au beurre. A selection of savoury breakfast options is also available. Lunch and dinner will showcase the vibrant flavours of the French Riviera, featuring seasonal produce, aromatic herbs, and regional specialties like ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and pissaladière. Meals will be prepared daily by our private chef, with fresh, local ingredients. All wine is included throughout your stay, from crisp rosés to rich reds, perfectly paired with each meal. Your experience begins with a special Champagne welcome to toast the start of your retreat. Dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free, can be accommodated upon request.
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 & Airport Transfer: Private transfer to and from Toulouse Train Station and Toulouse Airport Airport for your convenience.
On-Site Transportation: Chauffeur-driven transport for all scheduled activities

Activities (yes, also included!)

Master the Art of Baking : Enjoy 15 hours of hands-on baking classes with MasterChef winner Emelia Jackson, held in a professional kitchen. You’ll receive personalised guidance in a small, intimate group, with all equipment provided — including your own apron to keep.
Exclusive Wine Tour & Tastings: Discover the region’s finest wineries with private tastings led by expert sommeliers. Enjoy a gourmet vineyard lunch while taking in the breathtaking views of the French countryside.
Food Tour in Toulouse: A unique walking tour through the heart of Toulouse featuring 7 iconic monuments, each paired with a regional tasting and historical tale. Enjoy 7 curated tastings (charcuterie, cheese, pastries, wine, and more) served from a mobile kitchen on a cargo bike, with stops at beloved local institutions. An engaging experience blending culture, history, and the rich flavours of Cuisine du Sud-Ouest.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Tuesday, 22 Sept: Bonjour Toulouse, let the adventure begin.

2:30 PM – Pickup from Toulouse Airport

3:00 PM – Pickup from Toulouse Matabiau Train Station

We'll transfer you to our charming estate, where a glass of champagne and a big bienvenue await.

Settle in, soak up the views, and join us for a beautiful welcome dinner with Emelia, a chance to meet your fellow baking friends and toast to the delicious days ahead.

DAY 2 – Wednesday, 23 Sept: The baking magic begins.

Start the day with a classic French breakfast

Then, roll up your sleeves for your first baking class with Emelia (3.5 hours)

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the estate

Afternoon free time to nap, explore, or dive into that book you’ve been meaning to read

Dinner back at the estate, with plenty of laughs and good wine

DAY 3 – Thursday, 24 Sept: Stories, Sweets and the Streets of Toulouse.

French breakfast

A day trip into the heart of Toulouse to discover why it’s called La Ville Rose

Join a fabulous food tour (3.5 hours), seven stops, seven tastings, and seven juicy stories that bring the city and your palate to life

Back to the kitchen in the evening for another baking class with Emelia (3.5 hours)

Dinner served at the estate

DAY 4 – Friday, 25 Sept: Bake and Sip, because cake and wine is happiness.

French breakfast

Morning baking class with Emelia (3.5 hours)

Then we’re off to the countryside for wine tasting and lunch at two beautiful local wineries

Return to the estate mid-afternoon for some downtime, spa, pool, garden, nap… your call!

Evening dinner at the estate

DAY 5 – Saturday, 26 Sept: Lazy Day and Final Feast

French breakfast

Final baking class with Emelia (3.5 hours),time to perfect those piping skills

Lunch at the estate

Free afternoon to soak up the last rays by the pool, take a stroll, or treat yourself at the spa

Farewell dinner, a celebratory final feast with your new baking besties

DAY 6 – Sunday, 27 Sept: Au Revoir, But Make It Sweet

9:00 AM – Group transfers to Toulouse Airport and Train Station

With full hearts and likely fuller suitcases, we say goodbye to an unforgettable retreat.
GETTING THERE
For your convenience, Madame Voyage will organise a private transfer from Toulouse City & Airport directly to the Estate 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.

This retreat is so much more than a baking course. It’s a full immersion into the sweet life, French-style.

You’ll join Emelia Jackson for a series of intimate, hands-on baking classes, where you’ll master techniques straight from her bestselling cookbooks, from delicate sponges to rich buttercreams and show-stopping cakes.

But beyond the kitchen, you’ll experience the rhythm of rural French living: long, delicious lunches, local wine tastings, and time to unwind in a stunning estate nestled in the rolling hills. You’ll also spend a day exploring Toulouse, the vibrant “Pink City,” soaking up its history, architecture, and food scene.

Expect to return home not just with new baking skills, but with fresh inspiration, lasting connections, and that warm glow only France can give.

We’re beyond thrilled to welcome once again Emelia Jackson as your host and teacher for this unforgettable baking retreat in the South of France.

Emelia’s love for baking started young, with beaters in one hand and a cake tin in the other, she was the little girl who made a big mess in the kitchen and loved every minute of it. Mostly self-taught but inspired by passionate home cooks around her, Emelia quickly became the one who always brought dessert, and never stopped perfecting her craft.

She first won hearts (and tastebuds) as a finalist on MasterChef Australia Season 6, finishing in third place. But it was her triumphant return in MasterChef Australia: Back to Win (2020) that crowned her the season winner, sealing her place as one of Australia’s most beloved bakers.

Most recently, Emelia wowed audiences again as the runner-up on Channel 10’s Dessert Masters, competing alongside some of the country’s most celebrated pastry chefs.

During this retreat, you’ll be baking some of Emelia’s signature creations, straight from the pages of her bestselling cookbooks. Whether it’s perfecting your sponge, mastering buttercream, or creating your own show-stopping layer cake, Emelia will be right there with you, whisk in hand, tips at the ready.

This is a rare opportunity to bake, learn, and connect with one of Australia’s most talented and down-to-earth culinary stars. We can’t wait for you to experience it!