Frequently asked questions
GENERAL FAQ
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A culinary retreat is an immersive escape where food, place, and presence come together to nourish both body and soul. Set in inspiring destinations, it blends hands-on cooking experiences, shared meals, and guided tastings with moments of rest, connection, and discovery— alongside chefs, artisans, and local, seasonal ingredients. More than a cooking class or a vacation, a culinary retreat invites guests to slow down, savor deeply, and rediscover the joy of eating and cooking as a mindful, meaningful, and celebratory part of life.
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Unless otherwise noted on your retreat page, all experience levels are welcome!
Whether you’ve never cooked a meal on your own or you’ve started your own cooking channel, we would love to have you along.
We are accustomed to teaching all levels, and if you’re an avid cook perhaps you can teach us a thing or two!
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Everything!
Well, just about everything.
Travel to and from the retreat city is not included, but we’ll come and pick you up from the nearest airport or train station (see the GETTING THERE section for each retreat).
Any “extras” that you should decide to purchase will be on you - such as snacks or trinkets at the open air markets, that extra bottle of wine for the table at our lunches or dinners out, and any other shopping you choose to do.
We will take care of all of your meals, drinks, and any planned experiences for the week - tastings, winery tours, workshops, etc.
*During some day trips, you’ll have the option of a packed lunch or eating in the city we are visiting on your own.
*For any of our Reveroo trips, add-on excursions will be available for purchase, but only scheduled outings are included.
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All of our retreats are conducted in English unless noted otherwise (i.e. French language immersion retreats).
We have several staff members who speak fluent French if you would like to practice your language skills.
Otherwise, you can get by in English almost anywhere you visit, and most natives here in France are more than happy to practice their speaking skills! Not to fear!
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Cancellations at least 180+ days before the trip start date will receive a full refund minus a $500 service fee per reservation.
Cancellations between 60 - 180 days before the start date will receive a refund at 50% of the full cost.
Cancellations within 60 days from the start date will not receive a refund.
We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover any reimbursement for cancellations due to illness (including testing positive for COVID-19) or other family matters as we cannot guarantee a refund in these cases.
If any retreat does not reach the necessary number of attendees, we reserve the right to cancel a retreat - in this case, a full refund will be issued to any who have reserved.
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For each of our retreats, there are several options for how to get there. Please reference the GETTING THERE section on each retreat page. If you don’t find your answers there, feel free to reach out!ere
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If you’re like us, you might think that coming all the way to France, Ireland, or St. Lucia for just one week simply isn’t enough! Please reach out to us for suggestions or help planning your travel.
In France, we are delighted to partner with The French Travel , a locally owned and operated trip designer based in Paris. They are true experts who will help you perfectly plan your before and/or after Rêverie experience. Check them out if you plan to join us in France!
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Great question!
We have several reasons to plan so many of our trips in France.
Foremost, it’s what we know best! Julie Belcher, one of Rêverie’s founders, spent a good part of her 20s traveling around France as a musician and working at a bakery in the Loire Valley when she wasn’t touring. Naturally, she fell in love, and had the opportunity to explore several different regions’ cuisines and wineries. Sharing the beauty of those discoveries with our guests is at the heart of what we do!
Secondly, the core ingredients in France are undeniable. From local produce at the market to freshly milled flour from the baker down the street (and don’t forget the wine!!) it’s so easy to source inspiring ingredients that draw us into the kitchen and spark the desire to create!
TOULOUSE // FAQ
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The Château de Labusquière is a 45-minute drive from the Toulouse city center. The nearest towns are Samatan and Lombez, both small villages but equipped with all the basic needs (grocery/post office/doctors/pharmacies). The nearest hospital is a local hospital in Lombez.
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For our Toulouse retreats, we typically host between 12-16 people. The château and its grounds are vast, so it’s the perfect group size!
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Toulouse, known as "La Ville Rose" for its pink terracotta buildings, offers a rich blend of history and culture. Start your visit at the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can admire its stunning Romanesque architecture. Wander through the vibrant Capitole de Toulouse, home to the city hall and the Théâtre du Capitole, where you can catch an opera or ballet performance. Explore the Musée des Augustins, which showcases a diverse collection of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Don't forget to stroll along the Garonne River, enjoying picturesque views and local cafés. For a taste of local cuisine, try the regional specialty, cassoulet, in one of the many charming restaurants scattered throughout the city.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourites in this Toulouse guide - HERE
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There are many good options for places to stay, but here are some of our favorites:
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The Château de Labusquière is set on a peaceful hillside in the Gers countryside, surrounded by over 30 acres of lawns, open fields, and woodland. There are fruit trees, ancient rose bushes, and fields of rotating crops - home to a variety of singing birds, buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies! It’s a little Rêverie wonderland!
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An outdoor swimming pool overlooking the hills
A cozy lounge and library for moments of calm and playful cocktail hours
Two large open fireplaces to sip brandy next to
A pétanque court for building new friendships
A professional kitchen if you want to really roll your sleeves up and watch the chefs at work
A spacious courtyard for long unhurried meals under the sun
An ancient chapel for moments of reflection
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We understand! We’re all adults and we’re accustomed to having our own private spaces. But not to worry - the shared bathroom situation at the château has never received a complaint and always works out splendidly. Both shared bathrooms are spacious, with large walk-in showers, and there are separate toilets on every floor. By the end of the week, you’ll feel like you’re sharing with family and you might even miss brushing your teeth with your hallmates - who knows! ;)
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The short answer is yes! There is wifi! It works best in the common rooms on the ground floor (the grand salon and the breakfast area). Because the château walls are thick, we cannot guarantee that the wifi will work in your room. So if you need to stay connected in your room, we recommend using your personal cell provider’s international plan. The service is typically great in most areas of the château!
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The Château de Labusquière is a family château, meaning it does not act as a hotel and does not have a staff onsite. Your room will not be made during your 5-night stay, but if you need a fresh towel or extra towels or linens, we are more than happy to provide that for you!
French Basque Country
and Biarritz // FAQ
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Château de Larraldia is a historic 17th-century estate in the Basque countryside surrounded by peaceful parkland, gardens, and open views of rolling hills and the Pyrénées. It is about 20-25 minutes outside Biarritz.
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For our Basque retreats, we typically host between 15-18 people. The château has 20 guest rooms and its grounds are vast, so it’s the perfect group size!
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Biarritz and the Basque coast offer the perfect blend of ocean, culture, and cuisine. Guests can relax on beautiful Atlantic beaches, walk to the iconic Rocher de la Vierge for panoramic coastal views, or explore the lively food stalls at Halles de Biarritz.
The area is famous for its surf culture, seaside cafés, and elegant Belle Époque architecture. Nearby towns like Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz offer charming old streets, traditional Basque markets, and incredible regional cuisine. For those who love nature, the Pyrenees foothills provide scenic hiking routes, while spa and thalassotherapy centers along the coast offer restorative wellness experiences.
We’ve compiled a list of all our favourites in the area on our google maps - HERE
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There are several options for places to stay in Biarritz, but here are some of our favorites:
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The château sits on roughly 17–40 acres of lush gardens, terraces, and open lawns - perfect for morning walks, outdoor workshops, or quiet moments in nature.
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A large swimming pool for leisurely swims or lounging.
A pool house and equipped gym adjacent to the pool.
Tennis court and space for Basque pelota.
Terraces with panoramic views and shaded sitting areas
A professional kitchen if you want to really roll your sleeves up and watch the chefs at work
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Yes! There is Wifi available in all common areas of the property and most of the bedrooms.
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The Château de Larraldia does not offer a turn-down service during your 5-night stay, but if you need a fresh towel or extra towels or linens, we are more than happy to provide that for you!
PROVENCE // FAQ
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Château Martinay is nestled outside Carpentras in the Provence countryside. Surrounded by 35 hectares of parkland and wooded areas the Château is about a 40 minute drive from the historic walled-in city of Avignon.
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For our Provence retreats, we typically host between 15-18 people.
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Avignon is one of Provence’s most historic and vibrant cities. Visitors can explore the magnificent Palais des Papes, wander the medieval streets within the city walls, and walk across the famous Pont d’Avignon. The city is filled with cafés, galleries, wine bars, and lively markets.
Beyond Avignon, the surrounding area offers quintessential Provençal experiences: browsing open-air markets in nearby villages, wine tasting in the Rhône Valley, scenic drives around Mont Ventoux, and visiting the dramatic limestone landscapes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. You’re also just a stone’s throw away from the Mediterranean sea! Whether you’re drawn to history, food, wine, or countryside views, there’s no shortage of inspiration nearby.
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There are many beautiful properties in the surrounding hills of Provence and the Southern Rhone Valley. Here are a few of our favourites!
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This vast property features wide lawns, tree-lined avenues and three beautifully tended gardens. The estate is made up of one main château and four dependancies sprawled across lush fields intersected by rushing creaks and gravel paths perfect for morning coffee walks or afternoon strolls.
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Large outdoor swimming pool and pool house equipped with a small kitchen/bar
A historic interior billiards room
A library for quiet contemplation
Beautiful salon bar with grand piano
Park paths and shaded lawns for relaxation or activity space - golf carts for exploring available on request
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Yes! There is Wifi available in all common areas of the property and most of the bedrooms.
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The Château Martinay does not offer a turn-down service during your 5-night stay, but if you need a fresh towel or extra towels or linens, we are more than happy to provide that for you!