Vegan French Patisserie Course

April 26-29 2024

 

 

Vegan French Patisserie Course

26-29 April 2024

SOLD OUT

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Welcome to an exquisite culinary experience in the heart of Southwest France – our exclusive Vegan French Patisserie Course. Immerse yourself in the art of creating delectable, plant-based French pastries over a relaxing three-night retreat. Hosted by a seasoned French pastry chef, The Floating Baker, this course is a unique opportunity to master the intricacies of classic French patisserie with a vegan twist.

Over the weekend you can craft iconic French pastries, from sumptuous madeleines to delicate macarons – all made with plant-based ingredients. Our intimate group ensures personalised attention from the expert chef, allowing you to unlock the secrets of vegan patisserie in a relaxed friendly environment.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Southwest France, this immersive experience extends beyond the kitchen. Indulge in a tipple at a local cognac vineyard during a guided tour and tasting and then relax in the luxury accommodation here at La Cour de Husson in our stylish French gîtes surrounded by the charm and beauty of the French countryside.

Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure, where the artistry of French patisserie meets the innovation of vegan cuisine. Elevate your baking skills and savor the essence of Southwest France in this one-of-a-kind Vegan French Patisserie Course.

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What’s included in our vegan French patisserie course:

3 nights stay in luxury accommodation

2 mornings of baking lessons with a French pastry chef and all ingredients included

All your meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Sunday evening ‘goûter’ (afternoon tea with all the delights you’ve made over the weekend)

Cognac tour & tasting at a local vineyard

Transport to excursions during the weekend

3 nights stay in luxury accommodation

2 mornings of baking lessons with a French pastry chef and all ingredients included

All your meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Sunday evening ‘goûter’ (afternoon tea with all the delights you’ve made over the weekend)

Cognac tour & tasting at a local vineyard

Transport to excursions during the weekend

Weekend itinerary

Friday

Arrive Friday evening (we can discuss transport from the airport with you)

Welcome group dinner

Saturday

Breakfast

Morning – Baking lesson

Lunch

Afternoon – Cognac tour and tasting at a local cognac house

Evening Meal

Sunday

Breakfast

Morning – Baking lesson

Lunch

Afternoon tea “goûter” to eat all the delicious pastries you have made

Light evening meal

Monday

Breakfast

Check out

What you’ll be baking

Macarons

Tarte aux fruits

White chocolate madeleines

Lemon gateaux with cream

Your teacher

Portrait of Fifi, the floating baker, who specialises in vegan french patisserie

Originally from Paris, Fifi Fourcroy lived in London for years working as a theatre director, but after losing her job during the pandemic she thought it was the perfect time to follow a dream of hers to open a cake shop. Having worked as a baker in the past, she decided to set sail on her canal boat and use it as a floating bakery, and so The Floating Baker was born!

Focussing on vegan cakes and patisserie she would sail along the Kennet and Avon Canal mooring in different spots and amassing a loyal following of locals searching for plant-based sweet treats, regularly selling out.

Since then, Fifi has returned with her family to live in Paris and now specialises in teaching vegan baking. We’re very excited to have her at La Cour de Husson offering this course in collaboration with us! 

 

Accommodation

The courtyard of gîte complex La Cour de Husson in the Charente

La Cour de Husson is nestled in the beautiful rolling fields and cognac vineyards of The Charente. Guests will stay in two newly renovated self-contained gîtes (holiday cottages). There are a mix of king, super king, double, and twin rooms to choose from. Please see the prices section for more details on room setup.

The Gardens

Al fresco dining in the courtyard at La Cour de Husson

The Rooms

stylish relaxing bedroom design in a french gite

Meals

All your meals during the weekend are included in the price. You can expect delicious homemade freshly cooked vegan food. Breakfasts feature sticky homemade cinnamon buns, nourishing chia pots, fresh fruit, creamy tofu scrambles, and much more. Take a look at the images below to get an idea of what will be on offer. 

EVENT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

FAQs

Do I have to be vegan to join the course?

Absolutely not! The course is open to everyone to enjoy the delights of plant-based baking.

How do I get there?

Depending on where you’re traveling from you can fly into the following airports:

Poitiers – 50 minute drive

Limoges – 1 hour 20 minute drive

Bordeaux – 2 hours drive

If you are travelling by train our local main station is Angoulême (there are direct trains to Paris & Bordeaux from here)

You can pick up car hire from all of the airports and train stations as there is no public transport beyond these locations.

Travel between the airport and the accommodation is the responsibility of the guest but we will be doing 1 transfer to and from Poitiers airport on Friday and Monday on flights FR 2479 & FR 2480 – Please get in touch with us for details and costs. 

During the weekend transport is included to the cognac tasting and any other planned excursions.

What do I have to bring with me?

Just yourselves. All the ingredients and equipment for the baking are provided.

Can I eat all the things that I make?

Yes, absolutley! We’ll be having at goûter on Sunday afternoon to enjoy all the delicious bakes from the weekend – and we’re sure there will be some tasters along the way too…

Will all the meals be vegan?

Yes, all the food provided will be vegan. Please let us know in advance of any food allergies or things we need to be aware of. 

Can I extend my trip beyond the weekend?

If you wanted to come a day earlier or leave a day later, the price for extending your stay would be €100 per person per night, room only.

What language will the course be in?

Fifi is French but speaks excellent fluent English, so the course is open to English and French speakers.

Do I have to be vegan to join the course?

Absolutely not! The course is open to everyone to enjoy the delights of plant-based baking.

How do I get there?

Depending on where you’re traveling from you can fly into the following airports:

Poitiers – 50 minute drive

Limoges – 1 hour 20 minute drive

Bordeaux – 2 hours drive

If you are travelling by train our local main station is Angoulême (there are direct trains to Paris & Bordeaux from here)

You can pick up car hire from all of the airports and train stations as there is no public transport beyond these locations.

Travel between the airport and the accommodation is the responsibility of the guest but we will be doing 1 transfer to and from Poitiers airport on Friday and Monday on flights FR 2479 & FR 2480 – Please get in touch with us for details and costs. 

During the weekend transport is included to the cognac tasting and any other planned excursions.

What do I have to bring with me?

Just yourselves. All the ingredients and equipment for the baking are provided.

Can I eat all the things that I make?

Yes, absolutley! We’ll be having at goûter on Sunday afternoon to enjoy all the delicious bakes from the weekend – and we’re sure there will be some tasters along the way too…

Will all the meals be vegan?

Yes, all the food provided will be vegan. Please let us know in advance of any food allergies or things we need to be aware of. 

Can I extend my trip beyond the weekend?

If you wanted to come a day earlier or leave a day later, the price for extending your stay would be €100 per person per night, room only.

What language will the course be in?

Fifi is French but speaks excellent fluent English, so the course is open to English and French speakers.

La Cour de Husson
La Cour de Husson
5.0
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Alex BlakoeAlex Blakoe
07:57 10 Sep 24
If you want to feel completely looked after and cared for, this is the place to be. From the very beginning, Jen and Nick could not have been more warm and welcoming, meaning we could truly relax and enjoy our escape to the stunning French countryside.Everything about our stay was perfect. The interior is beautifully designed and well thought through. The bedrooms and communal areas are modern without sacrificing a homely feeling. You can tell the hosts have poured their hearts into renovating the gîtes to an exemplary standard.The rest of the property is equally stunning, with a lovely pool area as well as a cosy covered area lit by fairy lights.The food was absolutely exquisite - every meal featured a beautiful and generous selection of inventive dishes using fresh ingredients, many of which were sourced from the neighbouring area. So not only are Jen and Nick the friendliest hosts you could wish for, but they are incredibly talented in the kitchen too.We spent much of our trip plotting our return - we can't wait to come back with our families to show off this gem we are so pleased to have discovered.
Gill and Rob ReidGill and Rob Reid
17:15 03 Sep 24
We had such a lovely week at La cour de Husson! We took the train from London which was really straightforward and hired a car from Angouleme for the week. Gite 2 was a delightful space with the comfiest bedding and furniture and everything we needed for a week of mostly self catering. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind in a peaceful setting but with plenty to keep us and our two boys occupied on site and in the local area too. Jen and Nick added some lovely touches to our stay (an incredible welcome hamper with homemade cakes, welcome cocktails, delicious breakfasts and a picnic) which made the holiday feel quite special. They gave us so much information about things to do in the local area we didn’t have to do much to plan our days out and it was a revelation to travel in France and eat so well! Paddle boarding and kayaking trips on the Charente followed by a relax by the pool were holiday highlights. Vegan or not we can’t recommend a stay at La Cour de Husson highly enough.
susan morrellsusan morrell
19:00 26 Aug 24
Our visit to La Cour de Husson was a dream come true. Actually, it surpassed my imagination. As a vegan family, we thought it might be tough to visit the French countryside. But we had the dreamiest holiday. The beautifulhome, days spent by the pool, epic scenery, even the weather was perfect. And homemade vegan ice cream, come on! Jen and Nick are super hosts and went above and beyond to help us have the best, most relaxed time. We are vegan gîte converts now and we're already counting the days until we return. Merci pour tout!
Helen PalmerHelen Palmer
11:03 06 Aug 24
The ultimate gîte experience in France. We travelled as a family of five with young teens. Beautiful, stylish and spacious accommodation with super comfortable beds, all brand new equipment and generous Grind coffee supply with home made delicious baked treats. Plenty of well tendered outdoor space with gorgeous pool, hammocks and fun barn to play in. Endless supply of home made ice cream/sorbet, soft drinks, iced coffees along with delicious vegan breakfasts. So much thought and care into every aspect! The best bit - the hosts! Nothing was too much trouble! Jen even baked a cake for my son’s birthday! This is luxury gîte living. And the local area is fantastic! Within 15 minutes drive, fun lakes, tranquil rivers, beautiful villages and a summer of fun, authentic French experiences - broccantes, bric a brac, Cognac tasting, food markets and endless sunflowers etc. The perfect combination of relaxation and fun. Book while you can. This gem is sure to fill up with returning guests… us included! Helen Palmer, July 2024.
Julian O'DellJulian O'Dell
08:12 31 Jul 24
We had the most wonderful week in the beautiful two bedroom gite, which is well equipped, spacious and very comfortable, with two double bedrooms (one huge) and a big bathroom. And the views across the fields are fantastic. Jen and Nick are the perfect hosts…they’re when needed and so attentive. They provided us with breakfast on two mornings and it was absolutely delicious. The pool is clean and fabulous to swim in and the area around it has plenty of loungers and parasols. It is peaceful too. Free parking on site was a bonus. There is only one other gite currently on the site so there are very few folk around making it very quiet and relaxing. Lots of places to visit including nearby villages where there are some great little restaurants and bars. All in all, a brilliant holiday and a place we will definitely rebook in the future. Marvellous.
Lucy SkennertonLucy Skennerton
18:11 15 Jul 24
We enjoyed the most wonderful week at La Cour de Husson. The Gite was both beautifully presented and absolutely spotless. Jen and Nick (and Betty the dog) are wonderful hosts who have thought of everything and made us feel completely at home. Nothing was too much trouble. This is a very special place within easy reach of idyllic villages and towns. The perfect place for a quintessentially French holiday.
Gary DuarteGary Duarte
10:19 05 Jul 24
Just wanted to say a huge than you to Nick & Jen, our wonderful hosts for a Vegan patisserie weekend! The family and I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend long course, it was so much much fun, French patisserie chef Fifi was fabulous, we learned lots of new techniques, ate lots of fabulous vegan meals and - perhaps best of all - got to eat our body weight in Vegan friendly patisserie! I couldn't recommend La Cour de Husson (Beautiful!) any more highly!
Gabriela Lacaci InfanteGabriela Lacaci Infante
07:03 19 Jun 24
Amazing experience at this beautiful holiday homes. The house is perfect, has everything you need for a lovely stay. It's beautifully decorated and with all the amenities you would expect at home. We stayed with our baby daughter and the hosts provided a travel cot and high chair.The grounds and house is absolutely stunning, with a huge garden, great pool, BBQ etc and set in lovely fields. Very quiet, relaxing area but with plenty to do nearby. The hosts are super nice and accommodating. The vegan breakfast was a highlight also.Loved our stay there and would certainly come again.
Lucy JohnsonLucy Johnson
09:16 17 Jun 24
Such an idyllic little stay at La Cour de Husson - tucked away in a peaceful but super accessible part of Charente, SW France. Our lovely hosts Jen and Nick could NOT have been more welcoming and hospitable - arming us with all the information and advice we could ever need for our trip! Around every corner there is a truly thoughtful touch - welcoming guests with any kind of need. We felt SO looked after. The gîte itself was stunning - kitted out tastefully and stylishly, treating us to a real slice of luxury inside these stunning historic buildings.I was personally after a trip where I was able to switch off and relax, but also be able to explore a bit of this fairytale part of France - and this stay really delivered! We were able to find real peace chilling out in the gîte, but also enjoyed fun days out cognac tasting, exploring local towns, eating cake in local villages, going for evening walks through the fields and even visited some historical sites and museums (thanks to Jen & Nick's amazing recommendations!) I honestly barely had to use my brain the whole time - and had no idea how much I needed that!I cannot recommend La Cour de Husson enough - and can't thank Jen & Nick enough for being such brilliant hosts. We will absolutely be back!
Vivien JonesVivien Jones
14:30 05 Jun 24
We had a fantastic time at La Cour de Husson. . Jen and Nick were super hosts. Nothing was too much trouble for them. A welcome basket awaited us. We had breakfast made for us twice whilst we were there. It was absolutely delicious. The gite was wonderful, had everything you needed. Lovely quiet surrounding. We didn't want to leave. Can highly recommend a visit.
Lauren MarchantLauren Marchant
19:59 04 Jun 24
The most stunning farmhouse and perfect holiday let. We hired both gites as a family and had the best time. Jen and Nick were such lovely hosts and went above and beyond to make our stay wonderful. The food is exceptional- I’m going to dream about those breakfasts for a long time. Stylish, beautiful decor and the comfiest beds.Thank you for the best stay- we will 100% be returning!
Stephanie HannaStephanie Hanna
10:46 03 Jun 24
We have just returned from our second stay at La Cour de Husson and we had another fantastic stay. Jen and Nick (and Betty the dog!) are the perfect hosts and always make us feel so welcome. From making sure we have everything we need in the gite to providing expert local knowledge, we really couldn't ask for more. The gite is so beautiful, comfortable and well equipped and the outside space and swimming pool is always a massive hit with our sons! The local area is also excellent and there's lots to do nearby including walks, kayaking, local sightseeing and eating delicious food. Thank you Jen and Nick - we can't wait to return soon!
David PeuaudDavid Peuaud
21:14 21 May 24
Jane and Nick are charming hosts, attentive to make the stay very unforgettable. The cottage is pleasant and well decorated. The area is very pretty with superb sunsets. A visit to Tusson is essential. without forgetting Jane's excellent ones
Herve QueraudHerve Queraud
11:47 20 May 24
An ideal place to share a spacious, very well equipped and nicely decorated gîte with your family. Very nice touches, a gourmet basket, a homemade breakfast, .... and a cuddly teddy bear in the bed for our little girl!!! Thank you, Jen and Nick for your warm welcome and your availability. See you
jaz Storey youngjaz Storey young
18:41 14 May 24
I had the most amazing long weekend at La Cour de Husson in April for a vegan patisserie course. There was nothing that Jen and Nick couldn't do to make our stay perfect, from cooking us the most delicious meals and snacks to leaving us welcome gifts and providing airport transport. I had the best, most memorable time and couldn't reccomend this place enough!
Catherine WaltonCatherine Walton
17:03 29 Apr 24
Nick and Jen hosted a vegan French pâtisserie weekend with @thefloatingbaker which was great fun. We learnt how to make a number of French pâtisseries and then went back to La Cour de Husson for a delicious vegan lunch prepared by Nick and Jen. Nick and Jen made everyone feel welcome. Their passion for #veganfrenchlife is clear. Their gîte looked like a fab place to stay and is in a great location.
Abigail TownsendAbigail Townsend
14:43 19 Oct 23
Cannot recommend highly enough. Our gite was beautiful: well equipped, spotlessly clean, comfortable and stylish. The swimming pool was great: kids loved playing in it, we loved lounging by it. It was really peaceful - you're surrounded by vast sunflower fields - yet interesting towns and cities were easy drives away. Most of all though, we can't praise our hosts Nick and Jen enough. They were welcoming, helpful and generous, and provided us with some of the best breakfasts we've ever eaten. Truly worthy of a 5-star review.
Hélène DHélène D
14:33 13 Oct 23
very welcoming hosts, a pleasant and nicely renovated gîte and a vegan place which is quite rare in France and even more so in the countryside to underline it.
Clarissa FergusonClarissa Ferguson
19:56 13 Sep 23
I can't say enough about my stay at the beautiful French villa; La Cour de Husson. Apart from being an absolutely stunning and peaceful place to stay, the hosts Jen & Nick were so kind and thoughtful throughout. The gite I stayed in was absolute perfection, every detail was thought through, such a comfortable sleep too! (Also extremely clean and I am a tad fussy with that!)Although Jen & Nick were around if needed it was such a private little haven, honestly I could have just stayed there the whole time and been extremely happy! I read on my private terrace for hours with a beautiful local wine that my lovely hosts suggested I try. However, there are some lovely places to see nearby and there is a book of things you can do too in the gite which I found really handy.The vegan breakfast was also divine!! It was so delicious, among other things I tried Jens vegan cinnamon buns. For all my fellow vegans out there, just come for those alone! Next time I also want to try the vegan picnic hamper that you can organise via the hosts too.Without a doubt I will definitely be coming back here again. I felt so comfortable and at home, and there is still so much I would like to do. I genuinely feel like I had a luxury break away from the madness of London.Thank you so much to Jen & Nick, I hope to see you again next year!!
Anneke De GrootAnneke De Groot
08:09 26 Jul 23
This is one of our favourites place to stay. The gite is a lovely place, with eye for detail. You can feel and see the love of Nick and Jen (the owners). With a very warm, open and friendly welcome from this lovely couple, your holiday will come in your top 3 for sure.The surroundings are beautiful and lovely towns and villages to go to.Jen and Nick made our holiday unforgettable, for so many reasons. And we also love the vegan life.We hope to visit them again and enjoy everything they have to offer.And the swimming pool is the best we had in years.
Clément BorielloClément Boriello
13:19 03 Jul 23
La Cour de Husson is a true gem, a place that exudes calm and tranquility, in an absolutely idyllic setting. Imagine an old Charentaise building, perfectly preserved, renovated and furnished with all possible comfort; where you can relax around a magnificent swimming pool, which overlooks fields as far as the eye can see.Nick & Jane are high-quality hosts who go out of their way to offer you a very high standard of stay (special mention for vegans, who will appreciate the efforts of adapted breakfasts).The lodgings are extremely comfortable, perfectly equipped, and decorated with great taste, in a rustic and modern mix which totally preserves the authenticity of the atmosphere.The place is in a hamlet which adjoins a medieval village with many shops (including a very practical grocery store / tobacconist), and 10 minutes from a town which offers all amenities.The ideal place to visit a region that never ceases to surprise us, for its tranquility, its immediate nature, its historical heritage and even its proximity to the ocean!Thanks again !
Michele CardinaliMichele Cardinali
10:41 30 Jun 23
C’est magnifique !Nestled between cognac vines and sunflower fields is a beautiful relaxing place. La Cour de Hudson. Our hosts welcomed us with a delicious vegan dinner and couldn’t have been more welcoming.The gite is surrounded by local markets and farm shops. A treasure trove for a foodie like me.The accommodation itself is sparkling; beautifully decorated and every night was like sleeping in cotton wool. We couldn’t have asked for more than an everyday refreshing swim in the clear blue pool before drinks in the courtyard.Nick and Jen were perfect hosts and knew best recommendations.I’ll definitely be returning !
Dawn WilsonDawn Wilson
09:42 19 Jun 23
Amazing hosts ! Amazing location! Attention to detail was spot onNic and Jen went above and beyond to make our stay perfect !Will definitely be returning
Itti OllyItti Olly
07:15 12 Jun 23
La Cour de Husson lived up to my every expectation: a wonderfully restored, historic farmhouse, with mellow golden stone, authentic architectural details, and the scent of roses in full bloom.The Gite is stylish, tasteful, and simple yet chic, with every convenience. I even had my own private little courtyard - perfect for coffee and croissant in the mornings after a sublime morning dip in the crescent shaped pool!The wonderfully comfortable beds with gorgeous crisp, white linen ensured a great nights sleep in this haven of peace and tranquility.Jen and Nick are lovely: perfect hosts, discrete yet on hand when needed. They have done an amazing job of bringing this wonderful old building back to life.Thank you for a really enjoyable stay!Top tip: try the delicious vegan breakfast served in the courtyard - I'm now a convert to vegan cuisine.
Erin MooreErin Moore
14:59 26 Apr 23
My boyfriend and I stayed at La Cour de Husson for 4 days and it was an absolutely lovely experience, from beginning to end. We flew into Paris from NYC and drove to La Cour de Husson from Paris, which was nice. We could have taken the train from Paris to Angouleme, about 2 hours and 45 minutes. From there, we would have rented a car and driven 35 min drive to Charme, where the gite is located. We tried this drive (from the train station in Angouleme to the gite) and it was really straightforward!What we all loved about staying here is that it felt like no detail was left unnoticed. The gite had everything we needed and was decorated so tastefully-it's the perfect combo of feeling "homey" and also like a hotel. There were fresh flowers and a great welcoming basket of snacks (chocolate, chips, Lotus cookies, cake), all excellent quality, when we arrived. Then we had beautiful breakfast spreads every morning -fresh baguettes, homemade cinnamon rolls, overnight oats, preserves, orange juice, chia yogurt cups, homemade granola-a different combo of the above, each day. They had coffee and tea and options for all: French press, espresso maker, and Italian coffee maker, and non dairy milk. All of it was tasty and we really looked forward to the breakfast every morning.The rooms are spacious with cute decor and we had plenty of space. We loved the big tub in one of the bathrooms (and plenty of hot water for baths!!!!), and the aromatherapy soap was a nice touch:)The setting doesn't get more beautiful. It overlooks the countryside, and there is a ton of outdoor space. There's an area to barbecue, including a full-sized grill and table. There's an area to hangout on the hammock and read a book. There's an area for lounging at the beautiful, clear blue pool. It's all so peaceful and picturesque. It's a dream switch up for us city people-all the amenities but in nature!Jen and Nick, the owners were the most hospitable and gracious, hosts. They left no stone unturned inside the gite and with the meals. They also were super helpful with info and recommendations on what to do in the area, where to eat, and just made us feel at home and comfortable. We went to a local cake and flower shop that they recommended as well as a Cognac tour, about 45 minutes away and enjoyed both. We loved staying here and plan to come back whenever we next visit France.
Jonathan WattsJonathan Watts
11:07 20 Nov 22
Such a wonderful place to escape, beautiful accommodation quietly set in open countryside; lovely walks to be enjoyed. Conveniently located for exploring the Charente region. Nearby town Ruffec is convenient for supermarket shopping. So many lovely places to explore nearby (owners Nick & Jen can offer recommendations) I particularly enjoyed the city Angoulême as well as the small local villages nearby which have plenty to offer. Verteuil-sur-Charente is an absolute must! I spent the week with my family, relaxing by the pool, exploring the local area and thoroughly enjoying the peace.
Rie KitagawaRie Kitagawa
12:57 08 Oct 22
I spent two weeks at La Cour de Husson. A really enjoyable experience. The place was so relaxing that I forgot the all stress from the city. The room I stayed was stylish and good taste. I loved specially the cute bathroom with a big bathtub. The vegan breakfast was flavorful and satisfying. Jen and Nick who own the place were nice and kind. 5 stars!
Kate VoigtKate Voigt
14:10 05 Oct 22
La cour de Husson is absolutely beautiful, both the accommodation itself and the surrounding areas. Jen and Nick are all incredibly kind, cool and accommodating! Everything was immaculate and considered, the bed was comfortable and warm & the vegan breakfast was delicious. I stayed for two weeks, and each day for breakfast we had differing vegan options from fruit, Bircher, avocado on toast all served with fresh juice and lovely coffee. If you are looking for a serene and beautiful trip to France this place is perfect. It is well deserving of 5 stars. Thank you Jen and Nick for a beautiful stay x
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