Name: Sweet & sparkling - A Chocolate Retreat in Champagne with Melissa Coppel
Price: 1035.0 EUR
Availability: InStock

Dates:June 15th to June 20th, 2027

Location: Champagne, France

Set in the heart of Champagne, this retreat brings together fine chocolate, good company, and a week that feels both indulgent and effortless.

With Melissa Coppel leading the way, your mornings are spent hands-on in the kitchen, working with chocolate in its most refined form. You’ll explore technique, precision, and flavour, learning how to temper, mould, and create elegant chocolate pieces while understanding the details that elevate chocolate work into something truly exceptional. It’s an experience that feels both relaxed and deeply enriching, whether you’re building confidence or refining your skills.

You’ll be based in the centre of Reims, in a comfortable and perfectly located four-star hotel, with everything within easy reach, including our professional kitchen space just a few minutes’ walk away.

Afternoons naturally shift into something more social, with long lunches, cellar visits, and generous pours of Champagne. There’s a real pleasure in the rhythm of the days, sharing meals, discovering the region, and spending time together 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 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!)

Chocolate Masterclass with Melissa Coppel

12 hours of hands on 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 Melissa.

Day 2 - Baking and bubbles

After breakfast, we step into the kitchen with Melissa 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 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 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

Mastering the Art of fine chocolate

Throughout the week, you’ll work closely with Melissa, immersing yourself in the world of high-end chocolate. From tempering and moulding to refining textures and flavour balance, each session is designed to elevate your technique and deepen your understanding. This is about precision, artistry, and the level of detail that defines truly exceptional chocolate work.

Champagne, in and out!

Set in the heart of Champagne, the experience extends far beyond the kitchen. From tastings at renowned houses to moments in the vineyards, you’ll discover the region through its most elegant expressions... Paired with dedicated chocolate experiences, this creates a perfect balance of indulgence, craftsmanship, and sensory discovery.

A week of Indulgence

Between sessions, the rhythm of the days unfolds effortlessly. Thoughtful meals, exceptional restaurants, and time to explore Reims at your own pace. It’s a week designed to feel elevated yet relaxed, where every detail is considered, and every moment contributes to an experience that is both memorable and truly special.

World-renowned chocolatier Melissa Coppel brings a rare blend of precision, creativity, and passion to her craft. Her love for pastry began early, shaped by childhood moments in the kitchen with her parents and grandmother, where food was always about sharing, experimenting, and creating something special.

Originally from Cali, Colombia, Melissa followed her passion across continents... first to Argentina, and then to Chicago, where she trained at the prestigious French Pastry School. Her career quickly led her to the very top of the culinary world, working at Joël Robuchon at the Mansion, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, and later leading the pastry kitchen at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas.

It was during her time in the chocolate rooms of Caesars Palace and the Bellagio that her true calling emerged. Chocolate became her medium, a space where technique meets artistry, and where every detail matters.

Today, Melissa is recognised as one of the leading figures in modern chocolate work. Her approach is refined yet approachable, technical yet deeply creative. Like us at Madame Voyage, she believes in experiences that are thoughtful, immersive, and built around excellence, where guests not only learn but truly connect with the craft.