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 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!

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. This is not a rushed program. It’s about proper pastry, good company, and experiencing Champagne the way it should be, slowly, generously, and very well fed. Please note this retreat is designed to be intimate, with a maximum of 12 guests. 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 special welcome gift will be waiting for you upon arrival.
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
Areas not open to the public
Guided tasting of 3 cuvées

Reims Cathedral Sound & Light

Evening projection on the cathedral façade
Immersive light and music storytelling
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 Mel.

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 1.
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

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 week, you’ll spend time in the kitchen with Mel, learning her approach to French pastry through hands-on classes. You’ll focus on technique, precision, and understanding flavour, working through the small details that make all the difference. Whether you’re building confidence or refining your skills, this is about truly understanding what you’re doing, not just following a recipe.

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.

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.