Name: Saffron & Lavender: A Cooking Retreat with Depinder in Provence
Price: 1035.0 EUR
Availability: InStock

Dates: April 27th to May 2nd, 2027

Location: Provence, France

Based just outside Aix-en-Provence, this retreat is a vibrant celebration of food, culture, and connection, led by MasterChef Australia star Depinder Chhibber, focusing on her deep Indian heritage. Over the week, you’ll stay in a Provençal farmhouse where the setting is very much South of France, but what happens in the kitchen takes you somewhere completely different. With Depinder, you’ll dive into hands-on sessions exploring her signature dishes, from banana leaf cooking to flatbreads and richly spiced curries. It’s about understanding flavour, learning how to work with spices, and building confidence in a way that feels natural and fun.

This isn’t about formal cooking classes. It’s about sharing, tasting, asking questions, and learning in a relaxed and very real way. With just 14 guests, it stays intimate, easy, and exactly how we like our retreats to feel, personal, warm, and full of good moments around the table.

Inclusions

Accommodation: Enjoy a 6-day, 5-night stay in a beautiful Provençal estate just 20 minutes from Aix-en-Provence. With up to 11 bedrooms, two kitchens, a swimming pool and generous indoor and outdoor spaces, the setting is perfect for cooking, relaxing, and connecting.
Room Options: Choose between a private single room or a shared room, each thoughtfully appointed to ensure a 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.
Airport & Station Transfer: Private transfer to and from Marseille airport and Aix-en-Provence TGV train station are organised for your convenience.
On-Site Transportation: Chauffeur-driven transport for all scheduled activities.
Meals & drinks: All meals and drinks are included. While the setting is Provence, the flavours take you further, with menus inspired by Depinder’s Indian heritage alongside fresh, local produce. Expect vibrant, generous dishes, long shared lunches, and warm evenings around the table. A private chef will take care of all meals outside of class time, and dietary requirements are always thoughtfully accommodated.

Activities (yes, also included!)

Master the Art of Cooking

Hands-on cooking classes with Depinder
Personalised guidance in an intimate, small-group setting
A total of 12 hours of cooking sessions

Wine Tasting at a Provençal Estate

Elegant reds & whites at Château de Beaupré

Lourmarin Market & Village Lunch

Explore the lively Friday market in Lourmarin
Enjoy a scenic lunch in the village

Aix-en-Provence & Sweet Delights

Food Tour in Aix en Provence
Afternoon tea at Le Café Caumont
Free time to shop, wander, or relax in town

Olive Oil Mill Visit & Tasting Workshop

Discover the secrets of Provence’s “liquid gold” Sample a variety of local oils during an interactive tasting.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Welcome to Provence

4:00 PM: Pick-up from Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence TGV

We’ll bring you straight to the villa where everything begins. A glass of Champagne in hand, you’ll settle in, meet everyone, and start to slow down.

You’ll find a little welcome gift waiting for you in your room.

We’ll gather for a quick chat about the week ahead, then sit down together for a beautiful welcome dinner with Depinder, the perfect way to start.

Day 2 - Aix En Provence

Morning: Cooking class at the villa

Lunch: At the villa

In the afternoon, we head into Aix, one of our favourite towns.

We’ll wander through the streets on a food tour, tasting along the way, then stop for a proper French goûter at Café Caumont.

Dinner is out in Aix at a lovely local restaurant before heading back to the villa in the evening.

Day 3 - Wine & Countryside

Morning: Cooking class at the villa

Lunch: At the villa

In the afternoon, we head into the countryside for wine tasting at Domaine Bargemone and Château de Beaupré.

It’s a slower, beautiful day, vineyards, sunshine, and a glass (or two) in hand.

Dinner back at the villa.

Day 4 - Market Day & Provence

We start the day in Lourmarin, one of the most charming villages in Provence. Market stalls, local produce, that classic Friday buzz.

Lunch in the village, then a visit to the château, followed by a stop at a beautiful olive oil mill for a private tasting.

Back to the villa in the afternoon for another cooking session.

Dinner at the villa.

Day 5 - Slow Day

Morning: Cooking class

The afternoon is yours! no plans, no rush.

Swim, read, walk, nap… or just enjoy the villa and the quiet.

One last dinner together in the evening.

Day 6 - Au Revoir

A final breakfast together before we say goodbye.

10:00 AM: Transfer back to Marseille Airport & Aix En Provence TGV Station

You’ll leave with new skills, new friends, and a few recipes you’ll keep forever.
GETTING THERE
On day one, you’ll be welcomed in Marseille Airport (3.30pm) or Aix En Provence TGV (4pm) with a private group transfer, arriving at our Villa around 4:30pm.
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, 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

This retreat is more than just a cooking course, it’s a full immersion into the vibrant world of spices, shared meals, and the joy of cooking with intention, curiosity, and creativity.

The Art of Indian Cooking with a Twist

Learn how to create bold, flavourful dishes inspired by Indian cuisine, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. From fragrant curries to flatbreads and spice-led dishes, you’ll explore techniques that honour tradition while bringing a fresh, modern approach.

Spices, Techniques & Kitchen Confidence

Build confidence in the kitchen as you learn how to work with spices, layer flavours, and understand balance. From tempering and roasting spices to mastering textures and depth, these are skills you’ll carry with you long after the retreat.

Cooking with Intuition & Heart

Beyond recipes, this experience is about learning to cook more intuitively. Understanding how flavours come together, trusting your palate, and finding your own rhythm in the kitchen, all guided by Depinder’s warm and generous teaching style.

Memories & Meals to Last a Lifetime

Most of all, you’ll leave with new recipes, new friendships, and a deeper connection to food, culture, and the joy of sharing meals together.

"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

We’re so excited to welcome Depinder Chhibber, beloved MasterChef Australia star and flavour enthusiast, as the host of our upcoming cooking retreat in Provence.

Celebrated for her vibrant Indian-inspired dishes and her passion for fresh, seasonal produce, Depinder brings a unique blend of creativity and heart to everything she cooks. With her warm, approachable teaching style, she’ll guide you through a week of hands-on recipes, cultural inspiration, and unforgettable shared meals.

This will be our second retreat together, following the success of our first one! We absolutely love Depinder’s energy, her generosity, and the way she teaches. Her classes are engaging, and incredibly enjoyable, making everyone feel comfortable and inspired, no matter their level.

Whether you’re eager to master new techniques, explore bold flavours, or simply enjoy cooking alongside one of Australia’s most inspiring chefs, this is your chance to experience the joy of food with Depinder in the heart of Provence.