Name: From Market to Table: A Vegetarian Cooking Retreat with Katie White
Price: 1035 EUR
Availability: InStock

Dates: 15th to 20th of June, 2026

Location: Montpellier, France

For the past year, Katie has been living between her two homes, Australia and Montpellier, drawing inspiration from both worlds to craft her own signature approach to French cuisine.

This retreat is a celebration of just that: slow mornings in the cobbled streets of Montpellier, conversations over fresh market produce, afternoons in the kitchen crafting seasonal sauces and beautiful meals, and leisurely evenings with wine.

Join us in Montpellier for a flavour-packed week of local markets, seasonal cooking, and slow living, just as it should be. You'll stay in a beautiful 4-star hotel in the heart of the city, shop with a basket in hand, meet passionate producers, and cook with fresh ingredients.

This week is a celebration of seasonal, vegetarian French cuisine, vibrant, generous, and deeply rooted in the markets and traditions of the South.

But it’s not just about the food (though there will be plenty of that!). It’s about connection, culture, people, and yourself.

This is a boutique retreat (maximum of 12 guests) designed to inspire, recharge, and fill your heart (and belly) with everything we love about life in France.

Inclusions

Accommodation: 6 days / 5 nights in a stylish 4-star hotel in central Montpellier, Place De La Comedie, perfectly placed to explore the city by foot.
Room Options: Private or shared room. We’ll match you with a like-minded guest if you’re open to sharing. All rooms are ensuite and thoughtfully designed.
Host: Your Madame Voyage host will guide you through market visits, tastings, and hands-on cooking moments, all in flow, all in French flavour.
Local Transportation: All scheduled day trips and experiences include private transfers where needed.
All meals and drinks are included, and every bite is part of the experience: this retreat is fully vegetarian, thoughtfully designed to celebrate the flavours of the South of France without meat or fish. We’ll cook vibrant, seasonal dishes inspired by the markets, highlighting local vegetables, herbs, cheeses, and artisanal products. On non-cooking days, we’ll explore restaurants that share this same philosophy from creative bistros to rustic countryside gems. Every meal is a celebration of flavour, sustainability, and the joy of eating well together. And yes, wine is always on the table. We’ll toast the week with a glass of Champagne on day one. Gluten-free or other needs? We’ve got delicious options for you, too.

Activities (yes, also included!)

Cooking with Katie White: Shop fresh, local produce at the market, learn hands-on seasonal vegetarian French recipes through 12+ hours of creative, vegetarian-based cooking in the kitchen.
Olive Oil Tasting: Visit a working mill & discover how olive oil is made & enjoy a guided tasting.
Lavender & Cooking: Visit a nearby lavender farm & use it in the kitchen!
Food Tour: Taste your way through Montpellier’s old town. Think cheese, oysters, tapenade, pastries & more.
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert: Explore this breathtaking medieval village.

ITINERARY
Day 1 – Monday, 15th of June

Welcome to Montpellier

4:00 PM: We all meet at the hotel in the center of the city

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a glass of Champagne to toast the start of your retreat.

A special welcome gift will be waiting for you in your room.

We’ll gather for a short presentation of the week ahead, what to expect, and plenty of time for questions.

Day 2 – Tuesday, 16th of June

A Day of Flavors & Discovery in Montpellier

Morning: Start with a French breakfast at the hotel, followed by your first cooking class with Katie using fresh, seasonal ingredients from the region.

Lunch: Enjoy the meal you’ve prepared together.

Afternoon: Explore Montpellier on a guided food tour with our local expert, featuring regional specialties like cheese, tapenade, oysters, and more.

Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant showcasing the best of Southern French cuisine.

Day 3 – Wednesday, 17th of June

Market to Table

Morning: Visit a lively local market to gather fresh, seasonal produce for the afternoon’s cooking class. Enjoy some free time to explore Montpellier at your own pace.

Lunch: Dine at a local restaurant featuring regional flavors.

Afternoon: Roll up your sleeves for your second hands-on cooking session with Katie inspired by the morning’s market finds.

Evening: Share a relaxed dinner together, enjoying the dishes you’ve created.

Day 4 – Thursday, 18th of June

Olive Oil, Lavender & Villages

Morning: Visit a local olive oil mill to discover how Provence’s “liquid gold” is made — with a guided tasting included. Stop at a nearby lavender farm to explore the fields and learn how to use lavender in both sweet and savory dishes.

Lunch: Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a charming restaurant in the heart of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

Afternoon: Take your time exploring the medieval village, its artisan boutiques, cobbled lanes, and scenic views.

Evening: Dinner in Montpellier — time to relax or dine at your own pace.

Day 5 – Friday, 19th of June

Cooking & Leisure in Montpellier

Morning: After a relaxed French breakfast at the hotel, we’ll start the day with a hands-on cooking class led by Katie.

Afternoon: Enjoy the fruits of your labor together for lunch. Then, the afternoon is free for you to explore Montpellier at your own pace, browse boutiques, visit galleries, relax at a café, or simply soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Evening: We’ll meet up again for dinner at one of Montpellier’s charming local restaurants, where you can savour more authentic flavours and share stories from the day.

Day 6 – Saturday, 20th of June

Au revoir!

Morning: Farewell & Departure

After a final breakfast at the hotel, we’ll say our goodbyes and depart at 10am.

We hope you leave feeling rested, inspired, and full of sweet memories.
GETTING THERE
On Day One, we’ll welcome you at our beautiful hotel in the heart of Montpellier, a vibrant, well-connected city that’s easy to reach. Check-in and greetings begin from 2:00 PM, and we’re more than happy to assist with transportation recommendations to help you plan your arrival smoothly.
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 week is a joyful celebration of seasonal, vegetarian French cuisine, vibrant, generous, and bursting with flavour. Every dish is inspired by the rhythm of the local markets, the richness of regional produce, and the time-honoured traditions of the South of France.

But this retreat is about so much more than food (though there will be plenty of that!). It’s about slowing down, reconnecting with the culture, the land, the people, and most importantly, with yourself.

It’s a sensory journey through taste, tradition, and togetherness, where every moment is savoured and every meal tells a story.

Katie White is a Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef, recipe developer, and passionate food educator. With roots in Australia and culinary training in France, she brings together precision, creativity, and warmth in every dish she creates.

Her cooking style is seasonal, plant-forward, and deeply grounded in flavour, proving that vegetarian cuisine can be both simple and spectacular.

Katie has spent the past year in Montpellier exploring the marchés, embracing regional traditions, and reimagining the French table, without meat at the centre. She can’t wait to share what she loves most about her French home: the rhythm of local life, recipes inspired by farmers and seasonal produce, and the joy of crafting thoughtful, elegant meals that honour the spirit of French cuisine while letting vegetables take the spotlight.

Katie has guided thousands of home cooks through hands-on workshops that are as inspiring as they are accessible. In this retreat, she invites you to reconnect with food, community, and the joy of cooking in the heart of Southern France.

"Great food doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be real.”

— Katie White