Name: Terroir Tales: A Cooking Retreat with Geraldine in Toulouse Countryside, May
Price: 1035.0 EUR
Availability: OutOfStock

Dates: 12th to 17th of May, 2026

Location: Toulouse Countryside, South Of France

Join Chef Géraldine Leverd for a six‑day Culinary Retreat just outside Toulouse at the eco‑restored Estate "La Bélonie". Mornings begin with relaxed gatherings in the château’s sunlit kitchens, where Géraldine shares her philosophy of simplicity, top‑quality ingredients, and refined technique. Afternoons are devoted to authentic regional experiences: visiting a family‑run farm to meet producers, exploring the bustling local market, and indulging in a guided food tour through Toulouse’s winding streets. You’ll also discover nearby vineyards tasting and pairing exceptional wines at charming domaines. Back at the Estate La Bélonie, unwind in the indoor‑pool spa or join an apéritif session beneath the vine‑draped pergola, savouring elegant bites and lively conversation. Evenings culminate in candlelit dinners in the courtyard, celebrating the best of Occitanie’s terroir and Géraldine’s warm, convivial hosting.

Inclusions

Accommodation: Enjoy a 6-day, 5-night stay at La Bélonie, a beautifully restored 18th-century estate with indoor swimming pool, hammam, jacuzzi, paddel court, just 40min out of Toulouse, in the heart of Le Pays de Cocagne.
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.
Meals: Start each morning with a relaxed breakfast of seasonal local produce and freshly baked breads. Lunches and dinners blend dishes you’ve created with Chef Géraldine, select specialties from our private chef, and memorable evening and lunch at local restaurants. Every meal showcases the best of the region’s ingredients and is complemented by fine local wines, and celebratory glasses of Champagne.
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 Toulouse Airport for your convenience.
On-Site Transportation: Chauffeur-driven transport for all scheduled activities.

Activities (yes, also included!)

12 Hours of Cooking Workshops with Géraldine: Deep‑dive, hands‑on classes in the Estate kitchen. Master French techniques, flavour pairings, and seasonal recipes over a total of 12  hours of hands on cooking class. Please note all classes are held in English.
Farm & Market Excursion: Visit a nearby family‑run farm to meet producers, then explore the local market in the town of Lavaur with Géraldine to select the finest regional ingredients for your next cooking session.
Vineyard Tour & Private Tastings: Head out to a charming family winery for seated tastings of their signature wines, complete with a light gourmet lunch overlooking the vines.
Toulouse Food Tour: Wander Toulouse’s historic streets on a guided gourmet tour, try local favorites, and soak up the city’s vibrant culinary culture.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Tuesday, May 12th

A Toast to New Beginnings

You’ll be welcomed in Toulouse with a private group transfer from the airport (3:00pm) or city centre (3:30pm), arriving at our estate around 4:30pm. Settle into your home for the week with a glass of champagne and a generous apéro in the garden. As the sun sets, enjoy your first dinner at the estate, lovingly prepared by our private chef.

Day 2 – Wednesday, May 13th

Producers, Markets & Our First Feast

After breakfast, we’ll head out to meet a nearby family of producers and then stroll the colourful stalls of the Lavaur market with Géraldine to hand-pick ingredients for today’s class. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in Lavaur before returning for your first cooking session (3 hours). The evening wraps up with dinner featuring your very own creations.

Day 3 – Thursday, May 14th

Flavours of Toulouse

Today, we dive into the culinary soul of the city. After breakfast, depart at 10:00am for a gourmet guided food tour of Toulouse, discovering regional favourites, sipping, tasting, and wandering historic streets. After some free time, we return to the estate around 3:00pm for another inspiring cooking class (3 hours), followed by a cosy dinner together.

Day 4 – Friday, May 15th

Slow morning & Afternoon Among the Vines

Enjoy a slow, peaceful morning after a long, leisurely breakfast, lounge by the pool, wander through the garden, or simply soak up the calm of the countryside. At 11:00am, we’ll head off for a wonderful wine tour, including a tasting at Domaine d’En Segur and a relaxed lunch at Domaine des Vergnades with vineyard views. We’ll return to the estate by 2:30pm, with time to recharge before gathering again in the kitchen for an evening cooking class (3 hours) to prepare our final shared dinner of the day.

Day 5 – Saturday, May 16th

A Day to Savour & Celebrate

Begin the day with a morning cooking class (3 hours), creating something special to honour your week in the kitchen. The afternoon is yours to enjoy however you like: relax, explore, or simply soak up the last golden light of the countryside. In the evening, we gather once more for a final celebratory dinner prepared by our private chef, and a toast to the memories made.

Day 6 – Sunday, May 17

Farewell & Fond Memories

Enjoy one last breakfast at the estate before we say a bientot. Private group transfers to Toulouse Airport & City Centre will depart from 9:00am, arriving around 10:00am.
GETTING THERE
On Day One, you’ll be welcomed in Toulouse with a private group transfer from the airport (3:00pm) or city centre (3:30pm), arriving at our estate around 4:30pm. Toulouse is accessible via plane or train. We always suggest to stay in Toulouse the night before in order to avoid any stress on the first day of the retreat.
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

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 soulful rhythm of French country life and the joy of cooking with intention, curiosity, and creativity.

• The Art of Seasonal French Cooking

Learn how to build beautiful, thoughtful meals using fresh, local produce, from entrées to mains, sauces to show-stopping desserts, all with a modern, plant-forward approach that still honours classic French technique.

• Knife Skills, Sauces & Kitchen Confidence

Hone your technique and learn foundational skills you’ll use for life: knife handling, layering flavour, creating velvety sauces, mastering textures, and balancing a plate like a true chef.

• Dessert with a French Accent

From tarts to crumbles to delicate garnishes, dive into the sweeter side of French cuisine and prepare stunning desserts that celebrate simplicity and seasonal fruit.

• Inspiration for Everyday Elegance

This retreat will teach you how to slow down, savour, and elevate the everyday. From table settings to thoughtful plating, from kitchen rituals to shared meals, you'll be reminded that beauty can be found (and created) in the smallest of details.

• Memories & Meals to Last a Lifetime

Most of all, you'll walk away with new recipes, new friends, and a renewed sense of connection, to food, to France, and to yourself.

"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

École Ferrandi Trained Chef | French Cooking Made Easy & Modern | Creator of La Cuisine de Géraldine I Cookbook Author

Géraldine  is the creative force behind La Cuisine de Géraldine, a food blog and digital community where she proves that French cooking can be easy, healthy, modern and above all, delicious!

Trained at the prestigious École Ferrandi in Paris and steeped in the flavours of her Mediterranean upbringing, Géraldine draws on years in the wine industry to teach perfect food‑and‑wine pairings.

With over half a million followers, she uses vivid imagery and clear guidance to make French cooking feel both accessible and exciting.

Her first cookbook, The New French Kitchen, is all about fresh, modern takes on classic French dishes – simple, delicious, and always with that little je ne sais quoi.

Her mission? To bring authentic French terroir and simple elegance into every home kitchen one bite at a time.