Baking

•The RI.Perspective
Nestled in the heart of Reims, this retreat explores Champagne through French pastry, conviviality and the French art of living, alongside Coco and Anissa.
Hosted by pastry chef Mel Asseraf, who trained in Paris alongside some of the most respected names in haute pâtisserie, including Pierre Hermé, François Payard and Laurent Duchêne, the week blends refined French technique with creativity. Mel’s teaching style is approachable and thoughtful, guiding guests through each recipe step by step, from mastering the foundations to adding the finishing touches that make French pastry special.
Throughout the retreat, guests will create a collection of iconic French pastries inspired by the region itself: a revisited tarte tatin with caramel beurre salé, vanilla and Champagne, a poire amandine galette with buttery pâte sucrée and almond cream, and the Paris-Brest filled with crème mousseline and rich praliné. The week finishes with an elegant selection of small sweets including canelés, financiers, madeleines and chocolate creations.
The retreat is designed to help guests feel confident recreating these pastries at home, while understanding the techniques behind them: lamination, creams, choux pastry, balancing textures and presentation.
The experience goes beyond the kitchen. Between classes, guests will discover the region through intimate tastings at Champagne domaines, visits to producers, chocolate ateliers, ancient Gallo-Roman cellars, sabrage experiences and long lunches shared around the table amongst vineyards.
Founded by French-born Coco and Anissa, Madame Voyage was created from a love of France and a desire to share the country in a more personal and immersive way. Every retreat is carefully curated to feel intimate, authentic and joyful, bringing together beautiful places, meaningful encounters and moments that stay with guests long after the week ends.

A retreat by @madamevoyage.au‍ ‍@bakinbossbabe