Get a glimpse into some of the very special moments from past retreats here: https://chefjacquypfeiffer.com/experiences/past-retreats/

We’ll begin our retreat with a leisurely first evening on the farmhouse patio, surrounded by fruit trees and a flourishing garden. Settle in with an aperitif, savor a dinner inspired by local specialties, and become acquainted with the farmhouse kitchen that will be our home for baking throughout the retreat.

As we gather around the table and settle into the rhythms of life in the south of France, our journey through the Occitanie region begins. Together, we’ll discover its rich culinary traditions, savor the flavors of the region, and embrace the simple pleasures of exceptional food, French culture, and the art of joie de vivre.

The Practicalities

• Airport transfers: Transportation from the airport.

• Daily transportation: Travel between the cottage, farmhouse, and regional activities.

• Farmhouse meals: Meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, celebrating the flavors of the region.

• A leisurely morning: Start the day with a delicious breakfast on the farmhouse patio, surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the garden.

• Culinary Atelier: Tie on your apron and spend the morning exploring the art of baking and pastry. We’ll practice a variety of techniques, from brioche and puff pastry to ganache, dark chocolate mousse, pâte brisée, financier cookies, and homemade raspberry spread.

• Lunch at the Farmhouse: Gather on the patio for a relaxed lunch featuring fresh, local ingredients and refreshing beverages. It’s the perfect time to enjoy good food, conversation, and the pleasures of dining together.

• An Afternoon at Leisure: Head back to the cottage for some well-deserved downtime. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, wander the grounds, or simply find a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

• Atelier Workshop: Enjoy a little creative indulgence as we make our own organic self-care products. Discover natural ingredients, experiment with simple techniques, and create something lovely to take home.

• French Raclette Dinner: Gather around the table for a cozy French raclette experience, where we’ll melt, share, and savor this classic Alpine favorite together. After dinner, the fun continues with a friendly karaoke contest! Warm up those vocal cords, cheer on your fellow guests, and enjoy an evening filled with a little friendly competition.

• A Slow Start to the Day: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the farmhouse patio, taking in the peaceful garden and savoring another beautiful morning in the French countryside.

• Culinary Atelier: Roll up your sleeves for a morning of French baking! We’ll explore the art of lamination as we work with puff pastry and croissant dough, prepare savory quiches, bake delicate financier cakes, and make almond cream and pâte sablée. There’s plenty to discover, practice, and taste along the way!

• Lunch at the Farmhouse: Gather around the patio table for a relaxed lunch featuring freshly baked quiche, a seasonal salad, local cheeses, and dessert. Enjoy homemade and locally sourced beverages as we share good food, conversation, and the pleasures of a meal made with local ingredients.

• An Afternoon at Leisure: Return to the cottage to enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, wander the grounds, or simply settle into a quiet corner and enjoy the slower pace of life in the French countryside.

• Atelier Workshop: Let your creative side shine as we explore the art of macramé. Learn a few techniques, work with your hands, and create a unique piece to take home as a keepsake of your time in France.

• Gardens, Medieval Streets, and Pottery: Spend the afternoon discovering Les Jardins des Martels, with its beautiful gardens and winding pathways. Then we'll head to the medieval village of Giroussens, celebrated for its pottery and artisan shops. Take your time exploring the charming streets, admiring the local craftsmanship, and perhaps finding a special piece to bring home.

• Dinner at a Local French Café: We’ll end the day around the table at a welcoming local café, where we can enjoy French regional dishes, a glass of something lovely, and lively conversation. It’s a chance to relax, connect, and savor the simple pleasures of dining out in France.

• A Leisurely Farmhouse Breakfast
  Begin the morning with breakfast on the farmhouse patio.  Take your time, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and ease into the day.

• Culinary Atelier Workshop
  Step into the farmhouse kitchen for a day of baking and hands-on practice. Together, we’ll explore a variety of French pastry techniques, from preparing savory galettes and a fresh berry tart to making delicate macarons. We’ll also work with laminated croissant dough, prepare Madeleine batter, and make pastry cream—the building blocks of so many beloved French pastries.

• Lunch on the Farmhouse Patio
  Gather around the table for a relaxed lunch featuring our freshly made savory galettes, seasonal salads, dessert, and a selection of homemade and local beverages. It’s a lovely opportunity to share what we’ve created and enjoy good food and conversation.

• An Afternoon at Your Own Pace
  Take some time to unwind. Cool off with a swim in the pool, stroll through the cottage grounds, or simply settle into the peaceful rhythm of the French countryside.

• A Visit to a Local Fig Orchard
  Head to a nearby organic fig orchard, where we’ll have the pleasure of picking our own purple figs. Enjoy the experience of gathering these beautiful seasonal fruits straight from the tree and savoring a taste of the local harvest.

• A Taste of French Chocolate
  Visit a local French chocolate and confectionery factory to discover the craft behind these delicious chocolates. It’s a chance to explore a little more of France’s sweet traditions and perhaps find a new favorite along the way.

• Dinner at a Local Restaurant
  We’ll end the day with dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying regional flavors and the warmth of French hospitality. Sit back, savor the meal, and enjoy an evening of good food and wonderful company.

• A Leisurely Morning: Begin the day with breakfast on the farmhouse patio, enjoying the fresh air, the garden, and another beautiful morning in the French countryside.

• Culinary Atelier: Today is all about the pleasures of French baking! We’ll explore a delicious range of classics, from the delicate layers of millefeuille (Napoléon) to buttery madeleines, flaky croissants, and the irresistible tarte Tatin. We’ll also spend time working with sourdough, discovering the techniques and traditions behind a beautiful loaf. There will be plenty to learn, create, and, of course, taste along the way!

• A Taste of the Region: Gather on the farmhouse patio for a generous lunch inspired by local flavors. Enjoy a market-fresh paella, comforting tartiflette, seasonal salads, and dessert, accompanied by homemade and locally sourced beverages. It’s a wonderful opportunity to linger over the table and savor the bounty of the region together.

• An Afternoon at Leisure: Return to the cottage for a little time to yourself. Take a refreshing swim, enjoy a leisurely walk around the grounds, or simply relax in the sunshine before our next adventure.

• A Visit to a French Pâtisserie: No visit to France would be complete without stepping into a traditional pâtisserie! We’ll visit a local shop to admire the beautiful pastries, discover French specialties, and perhaps choose a little treat to enjoy. It’s the perfect opportunity to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of French pastry firsthand.

• An Evening in Toulouse: We’ll head into Toulouse for dinner at a welcoming French restaurant, where regional cuisine and the lively atmosphere of the Ville Rose set the scene for a memorable evening. Gather around the table, enjoy the local flavors, and share stories from another wonderful day in France.

• Breakfast on the Farmhouse Patio
  Ease into the morning with breakfast on the farmhouse patio, enjoying the fresh air and peaceful beauty of the countryside.

• Culinary Atelier Practice
  Spend the morning in the kitchen exploring a delicious selection of regional specialties and French classics, including pissaladière, pichade, pâte à choux, chocolate éclairs, and fig tart.

• Lunch on the Farmhouse Patio
  Gather around the table for a relaxed lunch featuring freshly prepared pissaladière and pichade, seasonal salads, local cheeses, dessert, and a selection of homemade and locally sourced beverages.

• A Relaxed Afternoon at the Farmhouse
  Take a refreshing dip in the pool or enjoy some time to unwind before gathering to bake sourdough bread in the wood-burning oven.

• Crepe-Making Contest & Dinner
  End the day with a little friendly competition as we create our own sweet and savory crepes! Then settle in on the farmhouse patio to share our creations, enjoy dinner together, participate in a game of pétanque—the traditional south of France game, and savor another memorable evening in the south of France.

• A Morning at the Revel Farmers’ Market
  Begin the day wandering through the lively Revel Farmers’ Market, discovering seasonal produce, local specialties, and the flavors of the region. Pause at a charming café terrace for breakfast and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of a French market morning.

• An Afternoon Along the Canal du Midi
  Make your way to Carcassonne and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Canal du Midi, taking in the beautiful scenery. We’ll pause for a traditional French pique-nique, the perfect way to savor the afternoon.

• Discover the Medieval City of Carcassonne
  Step back in time as we explore the magnificent fortified city of Carcassonne, with its impressive castle, ancient ramparts, and winding cobblestone streets.

• Dinner in Carcassonne
  End the day gathered around the table at a local French restaurant, enjoying regional specialties, good conversation, and the pleasures of French dining.

Transportation from the cottage to the Toulouse Blagnac Airport.

Photography credit: Paul Strabbing Photography