The Art of French Baking with Isabelle, Provence
Dates: April 27th to May 2nd, 2027
Location: Provence, France
Based just outside Aix-en-Provence, this retreat is a celebration of French pâtisserie, cake decorating and the Provençal art de vivre, led by French baker Isabelle Boizis.
For six days, you’ll call a beautiful Provençal farmhouse home, surrounded by olive trees, sunshine and the slower rhythm of life in the South of France.
In the kitchen, Isabelle will share her love of French baking through hands-on sessions combining pâtisserie and cake decorating, from delicate French classics to beautifully finished cakes. You’ll learn her techniques, recipes and decorating skills, while enjoying the relaxed and generous approach to baking that she brings to her work.
And because this is Provence, the week is about much more than baking. Think long lunches, local markets, rosé in the sunshine, beautiful wines and evenings around the table. With just 14 guests, it’s intimate, relaxed and very French: a week of baking, eating and enjoying la belle vie with Isabelle.
Inclusions
- Accommodation: Enjoy a 6-day, 5-night stay in a beautiful Provençal estate just 20 minutes from Aix-en-Provence. With up to 11 bedrooms, two kitchens, a swimming pool and generous indoor and outdoor spaces, the setting is perfect for baking, relaxing, and connecting.
- Room Options: Choose between a private single room or a shared room, each thoughtfully appointed to ensure a comfortable stay. A curated selection of gifts will be waiting in your room, featuring Madame Voyage keepsakes and regional delicacies.
- 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 are organised for your convenience.
- On-Site Transportation: Chauffeur-driven transport for all scheduled activities.
- Meals & drinks: All meals and drinks are included. Expect vibrant, generous dishes, long shared lunches, and warm evenings around the table. A private chef will take care of all meals and dietary requirements are always thoughtfully accommodated.
- Wine & Champagne will of course be flowing all week!
Master the Art of Baking: A total of 12 hours accross four baking sessions
- Workshops 1 & 2: Buttercream Cake Decorating: Create your own beautiful single-tier celebration cake under the guidance of renowned cake artist Isabelle. Inspired by her signature contemporary style, you'll learn how to achieve smooth buttercream finishes, master piping techniques, play with colour and texture, and add elegant decorative details that transform your cake into a true centrepiece. By the end of the second workshop, you'll leave with a stunning cake that's entirely your own.
- Workshops 3 & 4: French Pastry Classics: Step into the world of French pâtisserie and create a spectacular spring-inspired dessert buffet. Working in small groups, you'll master essential techniques including tart shells, biscuit bases, crème pâtissière and diplomat cream before assembling and decorating your creations. Together you'll create a seasonal fruit tart, an indulgent chocolate, caramel and nut tart inspired by a Snickers bar, and the cutest mini pavlovas. Finish by styling your pastries into a beautiful dessert buffet to photograph, share and enjoy together.
Activities (yes, also included!)
Wine Tasting at a Provençal Estate
- 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 Isabelle, the perfect way to start.
Day 2 - Aix En Provence
Morning: First baking 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: Baking 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 baking session.
Dinner at the villa.
Day 5 - Slow Day
Morning: Final baking 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 Airport & Aix En Provence TGV Station
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 (3.30pm) or Aix En Provence TGV (4pm) 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
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
Désolée, this retreat has now sold out
Merci beaucoup, you are now part of the waitlist!
Please try again later.
What you will learn and discover
French Patisserie, Made from Scratch
Learn the essential building blocks of French pastry with Isabelle Boizis. From perfectly baked tart base and light biscuits to silky creams, seasonal fruits and indulgent chocolate ganaches, you will discover the care, precision and generosity at the heart of French baking.
Buttercream Cake Design
Create your own single tier celebration cake and discover Isabelle’s signature approach to contemporary buttercream design. Develop practical skills in smooth finishes, piping, colour, texture and composition, then turn your cake into a personal and beautifully finished centrepiece.
The Techniques Behind Every Beautiful Cake
More than simply following a recipe, you will learn how to understand each stage of the process. Isabelle will share the small details that make a real difference, helping you gain confidence with fillings, assembling, decorating and finishing your creations with precision.
A Taste of Provence to Take Home
Leave with a collection of recipes, practical skills and the confidence to recreate these beautiful bakes in your own kitchen. Above all, take home the memories of a joyful week spent baking, tasting and celebrating the sweet art of French living in Provence.
A few snaps of our stunning "Villa Provençale"
Rooms & Pricing
Oui! The price listed is all inclusive.
"Booking a retreat through Madame Voyage is an absolute must! They provide the highest quality experience and surround you with wonderful cultural experiences"
Katie S, 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
"Oh what an amazing experience. Everything was planned perfectly. The accommodations, food, and everything in between. They didn't miss a single thing. It was an experience of a lifetime. The friends that we made and the fun that we had was beyond all our expectations. I highly recommend this retreat and any Madame Voyage retreat. These women really know how put together a fantastic itinerary that works for everyone!!"
Stacy B, US
"I have just returned from the Madame Voyage cooking Retreat with Geraldine and I have to say it is one the best weeks I have ever spent. Thank you, it will always stay in my heart"
Gary C, Stockholm
"The cooking retreat with Géraldine was amazing! The days were organized with events with room to rest. I had so much fun meeting new people and bonding over our love of food. I cannot say enough about our hosts, they were all so kind. I would attend another Madame Voyage retreat in a heartbeat."
Sandra V. Fort Worth, TX
"Booking a retreat through Madame Voyage is an absolute must! They provide the highest quality experience and surround you with wonderful cultural experiences"
Katie S, 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
Get to know your host
Isabelle, known to most as Zaza Marcelle, is a French Patisserie Chef turned high-end Cake Designer. She trained in pâtisserie in France, then spent years honing her craft across some of the field's more demanding kitchens before landing on what she now calls Caketisserie: years of pâtisserie technique fused with the art of modern cake design.
That fusion is what she loves to teach. It's why she created the Modern Cake Society, where she shows a community of cake makers, from the curious to the seasoned, what happens when you bring real French pâtisserie into your cakes. She now lives and bakes on the Bassin d'Arcachon (near Bordeaux).
At the retreat she'll be leading the workshops, teaching some of her signature recipes and showing you, hands on, what combining French pâtisserie with the art of cake making can really look like. Expect proper technique, a few well-kept secrets, and a lovely time doing it!
Join us!
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