A Sweet Life with Sasha Nary in Toulouse — 2027 Baking Retreats
Join us for an unforgettable baking retreat just outside Toulouse, staying at the beautiful eco-restored Estate La Bélonie in the heart of Le Pays de Cocagne. At the core of the retreat are 12 hours of hands-on baking with Sasha, with plenty of time to learn, create, and bake together in a professional kitchen setup.
Retreat Dates
First Week: September 28th to October 3rd, 2027
Second Week: October 5th to October 10th, 2027
Location: Toulouse, France
What to Expect in the Kitchen
The baking programme will celebrate French and Ukrainian/Slavic-inspired pastries with a seasonal twist, featuring:
Mini Chocolate & Fig Tarts
Filled Madeleines
Ukrainian Honey Cake
Croquembouche
Sasha will also share simple ways to give your bakes an elevated Fall/Halloween or Christmas finish, with easy festive decorating ideas you can recreate at home.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Gluten-free guests are absolutely welcome in the kitchen too! Every recipe will have a gluten-free alternative, so you'll be able to take part fully in the baking classes alongside the rest of the group.
Beyond the Kitchen & Excursions
Discover the best of southwest France with curated experiences:
Exclusive Wine Tour & Tastings: Discover the region's finest wines with a private tasting led by an expert sommelier, complete with a gourmet vineyard lunch overlooking the French countryside.
Food Tour in Toulouse: A 3.5-hour walking tour through the heart of Toulouse (La Ville Rose) featuring 7 iconic monuments, each paired with a regional tasting and historical tale.
Albi City Tour: A guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Episcopal City of Albi, exploring its magnificent cathedral and historic centre.
Estate Relaxation: Slow down and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, relax in the spa with its indoor pool and hammam, and come together over long meals and good wine.
What's Included
Accommodation: A 6-day, 5-night stay at La Bélonie, a beautifully restored 18th-century estate featuring a hammam, jacuzzi, swimming pool, and a paddle court, just 40 minutes away from Toulouse. Choose between a private single room or a shared room. A special welcome gift awaits you upon arrival!
Meals & Drinks:
Freshly baked croissants, pains au chocolat, classic tartine au beurre, and savoury breakfast options each morning.
Delicious daily meals prepared by our private cheffe using fresh, local ingredients.
All wine included throughout your stay, plus champagne flowing all week long.
Host Support: Three dedicated Madame Voyage hosts on hand throughout the week to coordinate activities and ensure a seamless experience.
Transfers: Private group transfers to and from Toulouse train station or Toulouse Airport. (We recommend arriving in Toulouse the night before).
On-Site Transportation: Chauffeur-driven transportation for all scheduled excursions.
Baking Gear: All baking equipment is provided, including your own apron to keep as a souvenir.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 – Bonjour Toulouse, let the adventure begin
3:00 PM – Pickup from Toulouse Airport
3:30 PM – Pickup from Toulouse Matabiau Train Station
Transfer to the estate for a welcome champagne toast, followed by a beautiful welcome dinner with Sasha and your fellow baking friends.
DAY 2 – The baking magic begins
Classic French breakfast
First 3-hour baking class with Sasha
Relaxed lunch at the estate & afternoon free time to rest or explore
Dinner back at the estate
DAY 3 – Stories, Sweets and the Streets of Toulouse
French breakfast
Day trip to La Ville Rose for a fabulous 3.5-hour food tour (7 stops, 7 tastings, 7 stories)
Evening baking class with Sasha (3 hours)
Dinner served at the estate
DAY 4 – Bake and Sip, because cake and wine is happiness
French breakfast
Morning baking class with Sasha (3 hours)
Countryside excursion for wine tasting and lunch at a local winery
Mid-afternoon return for spa, pool, or garden downtime
Evening dinner at the estate
DAY 5 – Lazy Day and Final Feast
French breakfast
Final baking class with Sasha (3 hours) & lunch at the estate
Guided visit to the UNESCO-classified city of Albi
Free afternoon to soak up the sun by the pool
Farewell dinner—a celebratory final feast with your new baking besties
DAY 6 – Au Revoir, But Make It Sweet
9:00 AM – Group transfers back to Toulouse Airport and Train Station
Exclusions
Airfares and other transportation fares to and from the retreat
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
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.
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 or Toulouse Airport are included.
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 stay at La Bélonie, a beautifully restored 18th-century estate. Rooms are comfortable, beautifully styled, and thoughtfully appointed.
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.
How many people will be on the retreat? Most of our retreats are small and intimate — usually between 10 and 14 guests to allow for a 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.