From the chalk hillsides of Champagne to the storied Grand Cru villages of Burgundy, this six-night luxury baking retreat is an invitation into two of France’s most celebrated wine regions, and the baking traditions that grew up alongside them.

In Champagne, roll up your sleeves with professional pastry chefs to bake regional recipes that feature Champagne and the season’s best spring produce. In Burgundy, spend a day at The Cook’s Atelier in Beaune with mother-daughter duo Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini, preparing a seasonal Burgundian lunch to enjoy with local wines, while Brian Hart Hoffman shares madeleines from his new book, A Moment for Madeleines. Our week in Burgundy also coincides with Brian’s birthday, giving us one more reason to raise a glass. 🥂 Between classes, visit family-owned domaines in both regions, pay your respects at the resting place of Dom Pérignon in the village where Champagne history was made, and set off through the Burgundian vineyards in a vintage Citroën 2CV.

With leisurely village strolls, plenty of time for shopping, and a glass of something sparkling never far away, this retreat invites you to savor the art of French living and deepen your baking craft.

Accommodations are provided at two exceptional properties: Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, overlooking the vineyards of the Marne Valley, and Château la Commaraine, a peaceful historic estate just a short drive from Beaune.

This retreat is limited to 16 bakers and is designed for those who love baking, beauty, and thoughtful travel.

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

Perched on a hillside in the village of Champillon, Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa looks out over the vineyards of the Marne Valley, just minutes from Épernay and Hautvillers. With its refined rooms, celebrated dining, and serene spa, it is the perfect introduction to the elegance of the Champagne region.

Château la Commaraine

Just a short drive from Beaune, Château la Commaraine is a historic estate set within its own Premier Cru vineyard. Blending centuries of heritage with warm, contemporary comfort, it offers a peaceful, unforgettable home for the second half of our retreat.

You’ll fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), which is serviced from most major hubs in the United States. Please plan to arrive on Thursday, April 22, when the retreat begins. Car service will take you from the airport to Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, about two hours away. Hotel check-in begins at 4:00 p.m., and our welcome reception begins at 5:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, April 28, a transfer will take you to the Beaune train station, about 10 minutes away, where you’ll travel by train to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). The journey takes about four hours, so we recommend booking flights accordingly. Your transfer and train ticket are included.

To help us arrange your car service, transfer, and train ticket, please share your travel arrangements no later than January 15, 2027.

The Bake from Scratch team is available to assist with travel planning. Email events@bakefromscratch.com for guidance.

• A 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of confirmation, along with signed travel waiver and cancellation policy acknowledgment

• The remaining 50% balance is due December 15, 2026

• Payments accepted: ACH direct deposit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, and Union Pay

• All prices are listed in U.S. dollars

• 6 nights in luxury accommodations (3 nights at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, 3 nights at Château la Commaraine)

• Daily breakfast

• Welcome wine reception at Royal Champagne

• Hands-on pastry workshop in Reims featuring regional recipes, Champagne, and the season’s best produce

• Burgundian lunch and madeleine class at The Cook’s Atelier with Marjorie Taylor, Kendall Smith Franchini, and Brian Hart Hoffman

• Visit to the resting place of Dom Pérignon in Hautvillers

• Visits and tastings at family-owned domaines in Champagne and Burgundy

• Vintage Citroën 2CV tour through the Burgundian vineyards with a picnic among the vines

• Celebration of Brian Hart Hoffman’s birthday and new book, A Moment for Madeleines

• Some lunches

• Private group transportation to all scheduled retreat activities

• Car service from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) on arrival, and transfer to Beaune train station with train ticket from Beaune to CDG on departure

• One-year Bake from Scratch or other Hoffman Media subscription of your choosing

• Gift bag with curated favorites

• Airfare to and from France

• Some meals

What's Included: Non-Baking Guests

• 6 nights in luxury accommodations (3 nights at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, 3 nights at Château la Commaraine)

• Daily breakfast

• Welcome wine reception at Royal Champagne

• Celebration of Brian Hart Hoffman’s birthday and new book, A Moment for Madeleines

• Visit to the resting place of Dom Pérignon and family domaine visits

• Vintage Citroën 2CV tour through the Burgundian vineyards with a picnic among the vines

• Car service from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) on arrival, and transfer to Beaune train station with train ticket from Beaune to CDG on departure

What’s Not Included: Non-Baking Guests

• Airfare to and from France

• Some meals

• Baking classes

• One-year Bake from Scratch subscription

• Gift bag with curated favorites

Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy

All bookings for this retreat are final and nonrefundable under all circumstances. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, illness, and other unexpected events. You agree that you will not initiate a chargeback or payment dispute for amounts properly charged in accordance with this policy.

If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you understand and agree that you are responsible for all costs or losses related to trip interruptions.

Changes, Cancellations & Unforeseen Events

This retreat requires a minimum of 16 participants to proceed. If fewer than 16 guests have registered by two months prior to the retreat's start date, we reserve the right to cancel the retreat. We will email all registered participants to confirm once the minimum has been met. If we cancel due to low enrollment, we will refund all payments made.

If we must cancel the retreat for any other reason beyond our control, our liability is limited to a refund of amounts paid or a credit toward a future retreat, at our discretion. In all cancellation scenarios, we are not responsible for additional expenses incurred by participants, including airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.

We are also not responsible for expenses related to travel delays, cancellations, illness, injury, or other events beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, government actions, and airline or transportation issues.

Health & Travel Risks

Travel involves inherent risks, including the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses. By booking this retreat, you acknowledge these risks and agree to assume responsibility for your own health and safety during the trip.

If you become ill during the retreat, particularly with a suspected or confirmed contagious condition, the group leaders may require you to modify or end your participation if they reasonably believe your presence poses a health or safety risk to other participants. In such cases, no refund or credit will be provided.

Program Changes

Due to circumstances beyond our control, certain activities, instructors, services, or amenities may be modified, substituted, or unavailable. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund, but we will work tirelessly to make sure you have the best experience possible.

Acknowledgment

By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy.

Do single travelers attend your retreats?

We always have single travelers on our retreats, and many make plans in advance for dinners and free time. We will connect you with all travelers ahead of the retreat via WhatsApp.

What airport should I fly into?

You’ll fly into and out of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Car service is included from CDG to Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa on arrival. On departure, a transfer to the Beaune train station and a train ticket from Beaune to CDG are included. Please share your travel arrangements no later than January 15, 2027.

Is breakfast included?

Yes, daily breakfast is included.

Are the baking classes hands-on?

Yes, all baking sessions are fully hands-on.

Are children allowed?

All participants must be 18 years or older.

What should I wear?

Smart casual attire is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Is this retreat suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Retreats are designed for passionate home bakers of all skill levels.

Will we have free time?

Yes. Leisure time is thoughtfully built into the itinerary.

Can I extend my stay?

Email events@bakefromscratch.com if you’d like to extend your hotel stay before or after the retreat.