3 of the Most Unique Experiences to Have in France

The French like to say that “l’expérience est le meilleur enseignant” – experience is the best teacher. And when the classroom is the kitchen of a château in the Loire Valley, a centuries-old produce market in Lyon, cobbled streets lining the canals of Annecy’s Vieille Ville (Old Town), or a ceramics workshop in an ancient pottery town nestled in the countryside, it’s hard to disagree. The dream of disappearing into the rhythms of French life while simultaneously expanding your knowledge and repertoire of skills can be realised via specialty retreats that allow you to delve deeper into the art of living.

Founded in Melbourne by French expats Anissa Attia and Coline “Coco” Bossard, boutique tour company Madame Voyage offers groups of just 10-12 like-minded travellers an immersive experience designed to foster a connection with the language, cuisine and creative arts across France. No matter which city you end up in, the itineraries are tailored to combine luxurious stays with top-notch dining, hands-on classes and ample time to explore the region.

Boost your culinary skills

The ritual of breaking bread and drinking wine in convivial company is a way of life in Lyon, where evidence of the city’s status as the French capital of gastronomy can be found down every alley and winding staircase. Channel the spirit of legendary Lyonnais chef Paul Bocuse on the six-day Flavours of Lyon and Rhône Valley culinary retreat as you sink your teeth into the traditional and contemporary side of dining in this food-obsessed region – including a two-course dinner at one of four Maisons Bocuse restaurants in Lyon. 

The adventure starts with three days of gourmet tours and wine tastings, market visits and a two-hour private cooking class hosted by MasterChef Australia alumni Courtney Roulston. You’ll also explore the Roman relics, medieval laneways and Renaissance architecture that earned the city UNESCO World Heritage status. From there you’ll enjoy an 80-minute drive south to the town of Tain-l’Hermitage for two nights where you’ll indulge in long lunches with matched wines and sommelier-led tastings.

To take your cooking skills to the next level, the seven-day Cooking Retreat with Laura Sharrad gives you 15 hours of hands-on classes hosted by the restaurateur and MasterChef Australia finalist. The idyllic Loire Valley setting, just under three hours south of Paris, is primed to inspire your culinary creations. After spending the morning in the kitchen, you’ll head out to explore the fairytale-like Château de Chenonceau and its moat as well as the nearby Château du Clos Lucé, best known as Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence.

Learn to speak like a local

Practice your français while gliding along the scenic canals of Annecy near the Swiss border, tasting the famous fresh oysters of Arcachon, an hour south-west of Bordeaux, or enjoying stunning views during a coastal hike on the island of Corsica. During each language retreat, mornings are dedicated to French lessons with native teachers before putting your lessons into practice in the afternoon via wine tastings, city tours, market visits, bike rides, private boat excursions, and locals-only dining. No matter your level of proficiency, the immersive retreats are designed to build confidence in speaking French while discovering some of the country’s most breathtaking regions. Whether you choose Annecy, Arcachon or Corsica, you’ll agree that c’est un voyage parfait (it’s a perfect trip) when the retreat comes to an end.

Unlock your creative potential

Known as La Ville en Rose for the warm glow of its terracotta-bricked buildings – so coloured due to the iron in the clay mined from the hills of nearby Jolimont and Pech-David – Toulouse has inspired artists since the 12th century. Find out why on multi-day pottery retreats led by international ceramic and clay artisans who specialise in a variety of styles and technique, all while making an 18th-century mansion outside the city your home base. The upcoming Pottery Retreat with Laima Laurina is suitable for all experience levels, with the daily workshops by the popular Latvian artist introducing fundamental hand-moulding and glazing techniques, plus a few insider tricks to add flair to your own creations. 

A visit to the Centre Céramique in neighbouring Giroussens will also fire up your imagination, as will exploring the charming streets of Old Toulouse. Students of Université de Toulouse – one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in the 12th century – lounge in the Jardin du Grand Rond, buskers entertain pastis-sippers at Place Saint-Pierre and stalls heave with seasonal produce at the historical covered market Marché Victor Hugo. Immersing yourself in la vie en rose has never been easier.

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