Baking Retreat with Sasha Nary in Toulouse

First Week: September 28th to October 3rd, 2027

Second Week: October 5th to October 10th, 2027

Location: Toulouse, France



Join us for a Baking Retreat just outside Toulouse, staying at the beautiful eco-restored Estate La Bélonie in the heart of Le Pays de Cocagne. At the heart of the retreat are 15 hours of hands-on baking with Sasha, with plenty of time to learn, create and bake together in a professional kitchen set up.


Beyond the kitchen, discover the best of southwest France with a private wine tour and vineyard lunch, a food tour through Toulouse combining local flavours with the city’s history, and a guided visit to the UNESCO-listed City of Albi.


Back at the estate, slow down and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, relax in the spa with its indoor pool and hammam, and come together over long meals and good wine.


Six days of baking, food, wine, relaxation and the very best of southwest France with Sasha Nary. What more could you ask for ?



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.
  • Champagne flowing all week long of course!
  • Host: Three 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: Relax and enjoy the journey with chauffeur-driven transportation for all scheduled excursions.


Activities (yes, also included!)


  • Master the Art of Baking : Enjoy 12 hours of hands-on baking classes with Sasha Nary, 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.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Albi’s Episcopal City, including the cathedral and historic centre. This 2 hour tour is offering an introduction to the history, architecture and cultural heritage of this remarkable UNESCO listed city.
  • ITINERARY

    DAY 1 – 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 Sasha, a chance to meet your fellow baking friends and toast to the delicious days ahead.


    DAY 2 - The baking magic begins.


    Start the day with a classic French breakfast

    Then, roll up your sleeves for your first baking class with Sasha (3 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 – 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 Sasha (3 hours)

    Dinner served at the estate


    DAY 4 – Bake and Sip, because cake and wine is happiness.


    French breakfast

    Morning baking class with Sasha (3 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 – Lazy Day and Final Feast


    French breakfast

    Final baking class with Sasha (3 hours)

    Lunch at the estate

    Visit To Albi & guided tour of this UNESCO classified city

    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: For complete peace of mind while travelling, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance. Australian guests can view our recommended partner here, and guests from other countries can find suitable options here.

  • FAQs

     Frequently Asked Questions


    When will the retreat be confirmed?

    Please note that we require a minimum number of participants for this adventure to take place. We recommend that you wait until we confirm the retreat before making any travel arrangements, including booking flights. In the event that the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will notify you as soon as possible, and any payments made will be fully refunded.


    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.


    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.


    Can I get a refund if I cancel my booking?

    Due to the nature of our tours, retreats and experiences, which require advance payments to accommodation providers, hosts, venues, guides, and other suppliers, we are only able to offer refunds for change of mind or other reasons other than emergencies or events outside of our control in accordance with the table below.


    Months prior to the retreat or tour Refund payable
    More than 6 months 50% of any amount paid
    More than 4 months until 6 months 30% of any amount paid
    4 months or less No refund


    To learn more about our cancellation policy please read our Terms & Conditions

Désolée, this retreat has now sold out

Register to be part of the waitlist and be the first to know if a spot becomes available.

What you will learn and discover

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


You’ll join Sasha Nary for a series of intimate, hands-on baking classes, where you’ll master techniques straight from her delicate sponges to show-stopping cookies.


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.


A few snaps of our stunning Estate:


Rooms & Pricing

Oui! The price listed is all inclusive.

"Booking a retreat through Madame Voyage is an absolute must! They provide the highest quality experience and surround you with wonderful cultural experiences"


Katie S, Chicago

"What I loved about the retreat is the relaxation. It truly is a retreat. The scenery was amazing, I had the best view. La cuisine, was excellente! The weather, perfect timing. Madame Voyage picked the excellent time just to have everyone here in Provence."


Patricia, US

French Language Immersion, Provence, October 2024 

"It’s been absolutely amazing. I didn’t know what to expect coming into this trip, but every single detail has been so thoughtfully curated, from the beautiful locations to the food, the people, the activities… I’ve just felt so welcomed and inspired the whole time. It’s been the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone—just do it!”


Sarah Gleason, US

French language immersion, French Alps, January 2025 

"We had a very good time. I really appreciated the fact that even the tours were in French! The Truffeiere, The wine tastings, The Château, and beautiful French villages. Everything was very well organized and very well thought of. The balance between learning French in class and going on tours in French was just amazing."


Zainab, Dubai,

French Language Immersion, Provence, October 2024 

“We booked the Lyon package in July 2023, and it was 5 stars all the way. Everything about it was amazing and life changing. You designed and orchestrated a very bespoke and tailored experience for us, like a maestro. Bravo and MERCI. »


Mona & Chris Hope, from Melbourne VIC

“Our chalet stay in January 2023 exceeded all our expectations. We don’t ski and yet we had a great time in the Alps. We loved the fully catered service of the chalet, specially the fact that the owners were driving us to the village or the slopes every day. Thank you Madame Voyage for such a perfect trip. »


Darius Watson, UK

"What an extraordinary experience we had thanks to the masterful organization of Madame Voyage in this magnificent place! The energy of the participants and the generosity of Laima (potter artist) also contributed to the success of this memorable week!"


Annie T., Montréal

"The pottery retreat was absolutely amazing. It exceeded any expectations I had and was so cohesive with meals, social time, studio time, and excursions. They really thought of everything to make it a luxurious week. When we first arrived, they let us know we can ask for anything - and they literally meant it. So above and beyond! Also, the food was delicious. I will 100% do another retreat in the future."


Elyse S., Seattle

"The service Madame Voyage provided blew my expectations away! The food was amazing, the wine was flowing, and the hosts were friendly and ready to take care of any need"


Kiki D., Chicago

"Oh what an amazing experience. Everything was planned perfectly. The accommodations, food, and everything in between. They didn't miss a single thing. It was an experience of a lifetime. The friends that we made and the fun that we had was beyond all our expectations. I highly recommend this retreat and any Madame Voyage retreat. These women really know how put together a fantastic itinerary that works for everyone!!"


Stacy B, US

"I have just returned from the Madame Voyage cooking Retreat with Geraldine and I have to say it is one the best weeks I have ever spent. Thank you, it will always stay in my heart"


Gary C, Stockholm

"The cooking retreat with Géraldine was amazing! The days were organized with events with room to rest. I had so much fun meeting new people and bonding over our love of food. I cannot say enough about our hosts, they were all so kind. I would attend another Madame Voyage retreat in a heartbeat."


Sandra V. Fort Worth, TX

"Booking a retreat through Madame Voyage is an absolute must! They provide the highest quality experience and surround you with wonderful cultural experiences"


Katie S, Chicago

"What I loved about the retreat is the relaxation. It truly is a retreat. The scenery was amazing, I had the best view. La cuisine, was excellente! The weather, perfect timing. Madame Voyage picked the excellent time just to have everyone here in Provence."


Patricia, US

French Language Immersion, Provence, October 2024 


Get to know your host

Sasha Nary

Meet Sasha: A Passion for Pastry, From Chicago to Provence


Sasha is a self-taught baker, cake decorator, and confectionery artist based just outside Chicago, Illinois. Originally from Ukraine, Sasha brings not only a love for pastry but a deep heritage of home baking passed down from her mother and grandmother. What started as a childhood spent doing homework in the kitchen just to stay close to the action, blossomed into a full-blown passion, and eventually, "Sasha Cakes Chicago".


Inspired by a life-changing trip to Paris in 2015 and fueled by her unstoppable sweet tooth, Sasha taught herself to master classic French desserts like macarons, mille-feuille, pâte à choux, and mousse cakes. Her talent, warmth, and creativity have since earned her a loyal community of followers who love her for both her artistry and authenticity.


Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve baked a few cakes of your own, Sasha’s contagious enthusiasm will inspire you to roll up your sleeves and dive into the sweet world of French pâtisserie.

Join us!

Contact Us

A large swimming pool with a house in the background

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