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

Nestled in the hills near Aix-en-Provence, this countryside cooking retreat is designed as a premium, immersive experience, centred around the bold and vibrant cuisine of Depinder Chhibber.

Following the success of our first retreat with Depinder in 2026, we’re so excited to bring this experience back for a second edition.

Over six beautifully curated days, you’ll stay in a restored Provençal farmhouse with elegant en-suite rooms and a spacious kitchen at its heart. Under Depinder’s guidance, you’ll dive into hands-on cooking sessions, exploring her signature style and techniques, from banana leaf cooking to flatbreads and richly spiced curries.

This is a week to learn, cook, share, and experience a different side of Provence, through incredible food and a truly special host. Please note this retreat is limited to 14 guests for an intimate experience.

Inclusions

Accommodation: Enjoy a 6-day, 5-night stay in the Provençal countryside, just 20 minutes from Aix-en-Provence. This charming estate offers up to 11 bedrooms, two kitchens, and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for a retreat. With modular accommodation, a large 55m² kitchen, and an entertainment barn, it’s an ideal setting 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 special welcome gift awaits 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.
Airport & Station Transfer: Private transfer to and from Marseille airport and Aix-en-Provence TGV train station for your convenience.
On-Site Transportation: Chauffeur-driven transport for all scheduled activities.
All meals and drinks are included, and every bite is a taste of Provence: Begin each day with buttery croissants and sun ripened fruit, and end it with generous dinners under the Provençal sky. In addition to the dishes prepared during the workshops, a private chef will take care of all apéritifs, lunches, and evening meals, so guests can fully relax outside of class time. Every menu is crafted with fresh, local ingredients, fragrant herbs, seasonal vegetables, creamy goat cheese, and the rich flavours of Provence. Lunches are long and relaxed, dinners are warm and convivial. Of course all drinks are also included, as well as a glass of Champagne on arrival. Vegetarian or gluten free requirements are seamlessly accommodated, with the same attention to flavour and presentation.

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 Tastings at Two Provençal Estates

Crisp rosés at Domaine Bargemone
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

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 or Aix En Provence TGV 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

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.

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.