Sweet & Sparkling - A Chocolate Retreat in Champagne with Melissa Coppel

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 Melissa.

Day 2 - Chocolate all over

After breakfast, we step into the kitchen with Melissa for a hands-on 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 bonbons

A beautiful balance of Champagne and bonbons! We visit a renowned Champagne house for a tasting before enjoying lunch in the vineyards. Back in the kitchen in the afternoon, you'll be creating Caramel Banana Bonbons, Yuzu Mojito Bonbons, and Pecan Pie Bonbons with Melissa, before heading out for dinner.

Day 4 - Vineyard escape

Another morning creating with Melissa 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 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, hte most delicious chocolates, and a little bit of Champagne magic to take home with you.

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 the first day of the retreat.

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.

- 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.

 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.

To learn more about our cancellation policy please read our Terms & Conditions