Name: Sweet Escape in Provence with Alisha Henderson
Availability: InStock

Dates: 4th to 9th of May, 2026

Location: Aix En Provence, South Of France

Whip, whisk and wander your way through Provence with dessert queen Alisha Henderson.

Set in a dreamy farmhouse just outside Aix-en-Provence, this six-day retreat is all about slowing down, getting creative in the kitchen, and indulging your inner pâtissière. You’ll be among rolling vineyards, lavender fields and that golden southern light that makes everything feel a little more magical.

Over the week we will be bolstering our baking repertoire by working through all the foundations you need to make perfect cakes. From light and delicate sponge cakes, french classics and mastering decorated celebration cakes ; we will be immersing ourselves fully into the wonderful world of cake. We will make custards, creams, compotes, and sponges to form a Princess cake a la Provence together, Charlotte au Fraise using fresh produce and recipes that will adapt from gateau to your homemade tiramisu. Learn the art of the decorated cake, filling, stacking, and Marie Antoinette style piping to perfect a multi-tiered vintage cake.

Alisha celebrates the world of dessert and the places it can go, every day. Each day we will bake and bring to life incredible cakes, with recipes and techniques you can take home with you to master the art of cake.

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: A dedicated Madame Voyage host will be on hand throughout the week to coordinate activities, answer questions, and ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Airport Transfer: Private transfer to and from Marseille Airport 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: Start your day with buttery croissants and sun-ripened fruit, and end it with generous, home-style dinners under the Provençal sky. Our private chef prepares every meal with fresh, local ingredients: think fragrant herbs, just-picked vegetables, creamy goat cheese, and the rich flavours of the South. Wine? Absolutely. From crisp rosés to bold reds, every glass is thoughtfully paired. And to kick things off, a glass of Champagne on arrival. Vegetarian or gluten-free? We’ve got you, with flavour, care, and flair.

Activities (yes, also included!):

Master the Art of Baking: A total of 15 hours of baking sessions with Alisha. Personalised guidance in an intimate, small-group setting.
Wine Tastings at Two Provençal Estates: Crisp rosés at Domaine Bargemone, and 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 and explore surrounding gems like Ansouis or Lauris.
Aix-en-Provence & Sweet Delights: Visit the Calisson Museum, enjoy an afternoon tea at Le Café Caumont, and make the most of your 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

Monday, May 4 – Arrival & Welcome

We’ll pick you up from Marseille Airport at 4pm.

Settle into your beautiful room, enjoy a glass of Champagne, and discover your special welcome gift.

After a brief overview of the week, we’ll gather for a delicious welcome dinner with Alisha.

Tuesday, May 5 – Baking & Aix-en-Provence

Morning baking class at the villa, followed by lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Musée du Calisson and explore charming Aix-en-Provence at your own pace.

Dinner at the villa.

Wednesday, May 6 – Pastry & Rosé

Morning baking, lunch at the villa, then an optional wine tour through Saint-Cannat with visits to local vineyards.

Relaxed evening and chef-prepared dinner back at the villa.

Thursday, May 7 – Olive Oil & Pool Time

Another hands-on morning in the kitchen, then the afternoon is yours — lounge by the pool, read, or nap.

Later, we’ll visit a local olive oil mill for a tasting and workshop.

Dinner at the villa.

Friday, May 8 – Market Day & Final Bake

Morning in Lourmarin to explore the market and enjoy a village lunch.

Depending on time, we’ll visit a few nearby gems too.

In the afternoon, we’ll gather for our final baking session with Alisha.

Dinner at the villa.

Saturday, May 9 – Farewell

One last breakfast before departure at 10am.

We’ll take care of transfers back to Marseille Airport.
GETTING THERE

We will organise private return transfers from Marseille Airport— relaxed, easy, and hassle-free.

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is an accessible and international airport. It’s well-connected with major European hubs and offers international flights year-round.

From Marseille Airport, it’s approximately 30 minutes drive to the Estate.
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: To protect your investment and travel with peace of mind, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance. We’ve partnered with PassportCard, a trusted travel insurance provider — you can explore your options here: PassportCard - Purchase Policy
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.

What if something changes or I need to cancel?
We understand that plans change. Our terms and conditions will detail the cancellation policy. We also strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind. (We can recommend a trusted insurance partner.)

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.

Bake with Confidence

Under the expert guidance of Alisha Henderson, you’ll dive into the art of pâtisserie, learning vibrant techniques from her upcoming book. You’ll master everything from delicate sugar work to stunning cakes, all with a creative twist — perfect for taking your baking skills to the next level.

Provençal Flavours at Their Best

It’s not just about what you bake — it’s about what you taste. You’ll discover the best of Provence’s local ingredients, from aromatic herbs to creamy goat cheeses, and learn how to incorporate them into your creations. And of course, you’ll explore local wines, from crisp rosés to elegant reds, with insightful tastings at renowned estates.

Hands-on Learning in a Beautiful Setting

With over 15 hours of baking sessions, you'll have plenty of time to get your hands in the dough. Whether it’s mastering pastry basics or crafting beautiful French desserts, you’ll leave with recipes, techniques, and newfound confidence in the kitchen.

Explore the Region Like a Local

Beyond the kitchen, you’ll immerse yourself in the charm of Provence. Wander the vibrant Lourmarin market, enjoy a scenic village lunch, and explore local gems while learning the secrets of Provence's rich culinary culture. Plus, discover the magic behind local olive oil production at an exclusive mill workshop.

By the end of your retreat, you’ll not only have honed your baking skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for the flavours, culture, and inspiration Provence has to offer — all while enjoying a fun, laid-back, and unforgettable experience.

Meet Alisha Henderson - the queen of colour, creativity, and cake!

Once a journalism student and pro cheerleader, Alisha swapped the pom-poms for piping bags and never looked back. At just 19, she launched Sweet Bakes, dazzling Aussies with cakes so fun and fabulous they almost looked too good to eat (almost).

You may have seen her lighting up your screens on Dessert Masters Australia Season 2, where her big heart and bold bakes made her a fan favourite.

Now co-founder of Melbourne’s Co.Bake Space, Alisha brings her signature sparkle to the baking world - teaching, inspiring, and spreading sugar-fuelled joy wherever she goes.

She’s fun, fearless, and full of flavour , and this retreat is your chance to bake alongside her in the dreamy French countryside of Provence.