Atelier Béarn:
Culinary Retreats
Here at Maison Le Grand Saule, we believe small and intimate get togethers are the best kind.
Our curated retreats are built on this philosophy. When you stay at Le Grand Saule, we want it to feel like you are visiting friends.
All of our retreats are centered around our love of food and the idea that gathering around the table creates community and is something to be cherished.
When attending one of our retreats we want to give you a fun and easy experience, where you can participate or relax as much as you want.
Let us show you France though our eyes.
Fall 2026
The Whole Hog Workshop
Intensive
September 13th -20th 2026
Hosted by Chef John Denison & Chef Nathan Gilmour
Join the Deux Bouchers Américains: John Denison & Nathan Gilmour for this intensive retreat that has you exploring the craft of whole-animal butchery and charcuterie. Together, they’ll guide you step by step—breaking down a pig, making sausages, and creating a beautiful charcuterie board—all in an approachable, hands-on way that builds both confidence and skill.
Southwest Cooking Retreat
October 12th - 18th 2026
Hosted by Chef John Denison & Chef Madeline Denison
Spend a week with us discovering the flavors of Southwest France. Together we’ll explore bustling markets, taste regional wines, and learn to prepare classic dishes that capture the spirit of this remarkable region.
Pastry Classics Retreat
September 27th - October 2nd 2026
Hosted by Pastry Chef Madeline Denison
Spend the week with Chef Madeline Denison learning to create a collection of classic French desserts. Alongside time in the kitchen, we’ll enjoy a local wine tour, visit pastry shops, and take time to explore the beautiful surrounding region.
SOLD OUT!
Spring 2027
Bread Retreat with Sophia Jackson
5th - 11th April 2027
Hosted by Chef Sophia Jackson & Chef Madeline Denison
Spend the week diving into the art of bread baking with Sophia Jackson of Toothbutter PDX. Learn to master baguettes, brioche, & seeded sourdoughs, all while taking a little time to adventure around the region.
COMING SOON
Jurancon Wine Week
12th - 18th April 2027
Hosted by Chef John Denison & Chef Madeline Denison
Join us for a week exploring the wines of Jurançon. We'll visit family-run vineyards, meet local winemakers, learn about the unique grapes and appellation, and enjoy leisurely tastings together. We’ll finish the week at the Terrasses du Jurançon festival in Pau, where the region's producers gather to celebrate the wines that make this corner of France so special.
COMING SOON
Southwest Cooking Retreat
April 19th - 25th 2027
Hosted by Chef John Denison & Chef Madeline Denison
Spend a week with us discovering the flavors of Southwest France. Together we’ll explore bustling markets, taste regional wines, and learn to prepare classic dishes that capture the spirit of this remarkable region.
Summer 2027
The Whole Hog Workshop
June 7th - 13th 2027
Hosted by Chef John Denison & Chef Nathan Gilmour
Join the Deux Bouchers Américains: John Denison & Nathan Gilmour for a retreat that has you exploring the craft of whole-animal butchery and charcuterie. Together, they’ll guide you step by step—breaking down a pig, making sausages, and creating a beautiful charcuterie board—all in an approachable, hands-on way that builds both confidence and skill.
COMING SOON
Pastry Classic Retreat
June 14th - 20th 2027
Hosted by Pastry Chef Madeline Denison
Join Chef Madeline Denison for a week dedicated to the art of classic French pastries. Together, you'll learn the techniques behind classic macarons, delicate millefeuilles, and beautiful seasonal tarts, building the confidence to recreate them at home. Beyond the kitchen, we'll visit local markets, discover the region's exceptional producers, and enjoy a memorable dinner in Pau.
Southwest Cooking Retreat
June 21st - 27th 2027
Hosted by Chefs John & Madeline Denison
Spend a week with Chefs John & Madeline Denison discovering the flavors of Southwest France. Together guests will explore bustling markets, taste regional wines, and learn to prepare classic dishes that capture the spirit of this remarkable region.
Fall 2027
The Whole Hog Workshop
November 20th - 26th 2027
Hosted by Chef John Denison & Chef Nathan Gilmour
Join the Deux Bouchers Américains: John Denison & Nathan Gilmour for a retreat that has you exploring the craft of whole-animal butchery and charcuterie. Together, they’ll guide you step by step—breaking down a pig, making sausages, and creating a beautiful charcuterie board—all in an approachable, hands-on way that builds both confidence and skill.
Pastry Classics Retreat
November 27th - October 3rd 2027
Hosted by Pastry Chef Madeline Denison
Join Chef Madeline Denison for a week dedicated to the art of classic French pastries. Together, you'll learn the techniques behind classic macarons, delicate millefeuilles, and beautiful seasonal tarts, building the confidence to recreate them at home. Beyond the kitchen, we'll visit local markets, discover the region's exceptional producers, and enjoy a memorable dinner in Pau.
Southwest Cooking Retreat
0ctober 11th - 17th 2027
Hosted by Chefs John & Madeline Denison
Spend a week with us discovering the flavors of Southwest France. Together we’ll explore bustling markets, taste regional wines, and learn to prepare classic dishes that capture the spirit of this remarkable region.
Jurancon Wine Week
October 18th - 24th 2027
Hosted by Chefs John & Madeline Denison
Join us for a week exploring the wines of Jurançon. We'll visit family-run vineyards, meet local winemakers, learn about the unique grapes and appellation, and enjoy leisurely tastings together. We’ll finish the week at the Terrasses du Jurançon festival in Pau, where the region's producers gather to celebrate the wines that make this corner of France so special.
COMING SOON