Name: L’atelier Baking & Bubbles in Champagne with Mel
Price: 1035.0 EUR
Availability: InStock

Dates: June 22nd to 27th, 2027

Location: Champagne, France

Set in the heart of Champagne, this baking retreat is all about bubbles and butter. With Chef Mel Asseraf leading the way, your mornings are spent hands-on in the kitchen, refining techniques, playing with flavours, and diving into the little details that turn baking into something truly special. You’ll be based in the very centre of Reims, in a comfortable and perfectly located 4 stars city hotel. Everything is within easy reach, including our professional kitchen space, just a few minutes’ walk away. It’s seamless, elegant, and easy!

Over the week, you’ll dive into a refined selection of classic French pastries with Mel, each elevated with a Champagne twist. From a beautifully caramelised tarte tatin infused with vanilla and Champagne, to a delicate poire amandine galette, an indulgent Paris-Brest, and a final trio of elegant French treats designed to pair perfectly with Champagne, each class is designed to build both confidence and technique while creating truly exceptional desserts.

Afternoons are for long lunches, cellar visits, and generous pours of Champagne. Expect thoughtful regional meals, excellent bottles opened daily, and plenty of time around the table. Please note this retreat is designed to be intimate, with a maximum of 14 guests.

Inclusions

Accommodation: Enjoy a 6-day, 5-night stay in the heart of Reims, in a centrally located and elegant 4-star hotel perfectly positioned for exploring Champagne. Comfortable en-suite rooms, refined common areas, and an effortless city setting create the ideal base for both learning and leisure.
Room Options: Choose between a private single room or a shared twin room, each thoughtfully appointed to ensure a restful and comfortable stay. A curated selection of gifts will be waiting in your room, featuring Madame Voyage pieces and regional specialties.
Host: Three dedicated Madame Voyage hosts will be on hand throughout the week to coordinate activities, answer questions, and ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
On-Site Transportation: Chauffeur-driven transport for all scheduled activities.
All meals and drinks are included, and every bite is a taste of Champagne: Mornings begin with a generous breakfast buffet at the hotel: fresh pastries, seasonal fruit, artisanal breads, local cheeses, and excellent coffee before heading into the kitchen. Lunches and dinners unfold at carefully selected restaurants, as relaxed picnics in the vines, or at local wineries. Expect classic regional dishes, thoughtfully paired with outstanding bottles. Champagne will be poured generously throughout the week, with long lunches and convivial evenings around the table. Vegetarian or gluten-free? Absolutely. Every meal is prepared with care and flavour in mind.

Activities (yes, also included!)

Baking Masterclass with Mel

12 hours of hands on pastry training across the week with personalised guidance
Techniques, refinement, and elevated presentation

Champagne & Chocolate Atelier

Guided tasting of chocolates and Champagnes
Expert-led pairing experience
Refined, intimate sensory workshop

Private déjeuner in the Vines

Seasonal 3-course menu sourced locally
Set among the vineyards with breathtaking views

Vineyard Escape in Vintage Estafette

Private visits to 2 family vineyards
Tastings and sabrage experience
Golden hour apéritif in the vines

Private Gallo Roman Cellars at Champagne Charles Heidsieck

Exclusive access to historic underground cellars, with areas not open to the public
Guided tasting of 3 special cuvées

Reims Cathedral Sound & Light

Evening projection on the cathedral façade
Immersive light and music storytelling, for an iconic Champagne finale

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Welcome to Reims

Arrive at your hotel and settle in, where a welcome gift will be waiting for you. We begin the week as we should in Champagne, with a glass in hand, before gathering for a short introduction and a relaxed welcome dinner with Chef Mel Asseraf.

Day 2 - Baking and bubbles

After breakfast, we step into the kitchen with Mel for a hands-on baking session. The afternoon is all about indulgence, with a Champagne and chocolate experience that feels very much like the region itself. Dinner together in a carefully chosen local restaurant.

Day 3 - Champagne and pastry

A beautiful balance of Champagne and baking. We visit a renowned Champagne house for a tasting before enjoying lunch in the vineyards. Back in the kitchen in the afternoon, you continue refining your skills with Mel before heading out for dinner.

Day 4 - Vineyard escape

Another morning baking with Mel before heading out into the vines. A special afternoon exploring family-run Champagne estates, tasting, learning, and even trying sabrage as the sun begins to set. Dinner in the evening at a local restaurant.

Day 5 - Reims at your pace

A final baking session in the morning, followed by a free afternoon to enjoy Reims at your own rhythm. In the evening, we come together for dinner before experiencing the beautiful light and sound show on the cathedral, a perfect way to end the week.

Day 6 - Au revoir

A last breakfast together before we say goodbye. You’ll leave with new skills, beautiful memories, and a little bit of Champagne magic to take home with you.
GETTING THERE
The hotel is located just an 8-minute walk from the Reims train station, making it very easy to access. Please make your own way to the hotel, where we will be waiting to welcome you from 4:00 PM on day one of the retreat.
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

Refining your pastry skills

Throughout the retreat, you’ll work through a carefully curated program of French pâtisserie, guided step by step by Mel to master both the fundamentals and the finer details that make each dessert truly exceptional. You’ll begin with a revisited tarte tatin, learning how to create a perfectly balanced caramel beurre salé, infuse fruits with Champagne and vanilla, and master lamination to achieve delicate, flaky pastry. From there, you’ll explore pâte sucrée and almond cream through a poire amandine galette, understanding how to build flavour and texture while working with poached fruits. The iconic Paris-Brest will then take you deeper into classic techniques, from choux pastry to praline paste, crème mousseline, and the finishing touches that bring structure and elegance together. The final session is all about refinement and pairing, creating a trio of delicate French sweets designed to complement Champagne, including canelés, financiers, and madeleines or signature chocolate treats. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of ingredients, especially the role of butter, texture, and balance, while building confidence in techniques you can recreate at home.

Champagne, chocolate and inspiration

Being in Champagne, the experience naturally goes beyond the kitchen. From tastings at iconic houses to moments spent in the vineyards, you’ll discover the region through its flavours and traditions. A dedicated Champagne and chocolate atelier brings everything together, pairing two of life’s greatest pleasures in a way that feels both indulgent and memorable.

A week to enjoy and slow down

Between classes and experiences, there’s space to simply enjoy where you are. Long lunches, dinners in beautiful local restaurants, time to explore Reims, and quiet moments to take it all in. It’s a balance of learning, discovery, and slowing down... the kind of week that stays with you long after you leave.

"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

"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

"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

Mel Asseraf’s pastry journey began in Paris, where she trained with some of the most iconic names in French pâtisserie, including Pierre Hermé, François Payard, and Laurent Duchêne. Immersed in the heart of French pastry culture, she built a strong foundation in both technique and creativity that continues to shape her work today.

At just 26, Mel opened her own bakery in Paris, quickly making a name for herself with bold, creative concepts, including introducing the rainbow cake to Paris. Her work led to appearances on Top Chef France, M6, TF1, and features across numerous publications. She later went on to create the first-ever edible cupcake dress for the Salon du Chocolat in both Paris and London, a true reflection of her playful and artistic approach to pastry.

More recently, Mel won Food Network’s Chopped twice, further cementing her place as a highly skilled and innovative pastry chef. With over 15 years of experience, she now shares her expertise through Bake It With Mel, bringing together professional techniques, thoughtful guidance, and the kind of insider knowledge rarely taught outside of the industry.

With Mel, it’s not just about baking, it’s about understanding the craft, building confidence, and discovering the joy behind every detail.