By Wendy Byard
Travel Advisor for solo women travellers
French Cooking & Gastronomy in Gascony – A Taste of Rural France for the Soul
7 Nights | Slow travel, local flavours & hands-on culinary discovery

Why I Chose This for You
Because France is best savoured slowly — in laughter shared over wine, hands dusted with flour, and long afternoons spent watching the light change across the hills.
This retreat is a love letter to the simple pleasures of life: connection, creativity and the kind of meals that linger in memory. It’s perfect for solo travellers who crave company without crowds — where you’ll feel like part of a small, joyful family rather than a group of tourists.
Come hungry, leave full — of food, warmth, and stories worth telling.
About this Trip
Discover the heart of rural France on this intimate, soul-nourishing culinary escape. Set in a lovingly restored 19th-century farmhouse amid 50 acres of rolling countryside, this week-long retreat celebrates everything that makes Gascony so special — its people, its produce, and its passion for life.
Under the expert guidance of Adam, your Irish-born host and gifted cook, you’ll roll up your sleeves for hands-on classes, visit vineyards and châteaux, meet local producers, and share indulgent home-cooked feasts that capture the true spirit of French gastronomy.
Between sessions, explore nearby markets, sip Armagnac under the sun, or simply unwind beside the pool with a glass of something local. This is slow travel at its most delicious — a chance to reconnect with food, people and pleasure.

Itinerary Highlights
Hands-on French cooking classes with your host Adam
Guided visits to vineyards, artisan markets, and a local château
Taste and bottle your own Armagnac during a distillery visit
Daily gourmet meals prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients
Champagne and méthode traditionnelle tasting
Cheese and wine pairing evening
Stay in a peaceful 19th-century farmhouse with pool and countryside views
Small-group experience (max 5 guests) with no single supplements
Whats Included
7 nights’ accommodation at Baron-Figués farmhouse (private ensuite room)
4 French cooking classes with all materials provided
All breakfasts, lunches, and 3-course gourmet dinners
Vineyard, château & Armagnac distillery visits (with tastings)
Make & bottle your own Armagnac
Champagne & méthode traditionnelle tasting
Cheese & wine pairing session
Excursions to local markets & nearby towns
Return train station transfers from Agen
Use of bicycles and on-site leisure facilities
Helpful Hints
Currency: Euro (€) – cards widely accepted, but bring cash for market purchases
Best Time to Visit: Spring to early autumn (April–October) for the best seasonal produce and warm weather Fitness Level: Easy – includes local walks and light excursions
Solo Vibe: Intimate, homely and welcoming – perfect for relaxed connection
Packing Tip: Bring a favourite apron or notebook for recipes you’ll want to recreate at home
Getting There: Fly to Toulouse, Bordeaux, Pau or Bergerac; transfers included from Agen train station







