COOKING IN GASCONY
July 14th-19th, 2026
Join us on this summer escape to Southwestern France! Nestled in the rolling hills of Gers, we’ll call the charming hilltop village of Lectoure home and relax at the stylish boutique hotel Le Manufacture Royale. Over 6 days and 5 nights we’ll cook with local chefs, feast on regional delights, meet passionate producers and artisans, wander colorful markets, and uncover this well-kept treasure. Plus, we’ll throw a lively Bastille Day celebration—think wine, fireworks, and a festive communal meal.
Where are we going!
Lectoure, France
Welcome to the rolling countryside of France’s beloved Gascony. Know for its distinct tradition’s and rich agriculture. Duck, plums, and Armagnac are some of it’s most iconic exports. The villages of of Gascony, and their sun drenched white bricks, are dotted through thousands of acres of sunflower fields. There is a stillness, and peace to this place that feels beyond the reach of modernity.
Lectoure, our home during this retreat, is an ancient Gallo-Roman city and a former medieval capital. Known as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (Town of Art and History) it is often described as the most beautiful detour in France. The town is known for its vibrant local market (Whitney’ favorite when she lived in Gascony).
Our Accommodations:
The Manufacture Royale de Lectoure
An 18th century historical monument and former leather tannery in a remote French village is where you will call home.
Built in 1754 by the architect Pierre Racine, it had been abandoned for 30 years before a complete renovation restored it to its present state. Thanks to its location on the famous Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, the place was discovered by a pair of Parisians who spent four years overseeing its transformation into the elegant La Manufacture Royale de Lectoure.
The main hotel has five chic rooms characterized by sophisticated but subtle details. Co-owner Christèle, formerly a decorator and set designer, collaborated with colorists to design custom paint shades for the lime-washed walls, and rooms feature designer furnishings, vintage pieces, writing desks, and spacious bathrooms with tubs. Downstairs, the common spaces and gardens are just as aesthetically pleasing.
Our workshops on food, cooking, eating and discovering Gascony
July 14-19, 2026
The focus of our time together will be the exploration of French ingredients, cooking, and culture. We will enjoy daily meet ups in our kitchen workshop to explore culinary topics including cheese, wine tastings, market fruits and vegetables, and French pasteries. Classes will be conducted by local makers and experts along side your co-host, Chef Whitney Otawka. We invite all skill levels to join us around the table. Maybe you prefer to sit and watch, or maybe you have collection of carbon steel knives you want bring along. There is something for everyone.
THE DETAILS
6 Days/ 5 Nights (July 14-19, 2026)
Inclusive Retreat Price Staring at $4,150. Single room supplements and variations available.
Deposit to hold the space $2000
Final payment of remaining balance due 90 days before the retreat start date. Read our full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.
*Airfare is not included, we strongly recommend purchasing travelers insurance
LOCATION/ TRAVEL
Le Manufacture Royale in located in the South West of France.
Airport Options:
Toulouse (about 55 miles away)
Bordeaux (about 100 miles away)
Train Stations:
Auch
Agen
INCLUDED
Exclusive use of Hotel B&B property, including indoor swimming pool
Accommodations (spacious bedrooms with private bathrooms)
Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Welcome Aperitif & Bastille Day Celebrations
Transportation to/from day trips
Daily cooking workshops
Pétanque Lessons
Market Visit
Cheese Tasting/Workshop
Wine Tasting/ Workshop
Armagnac producer visit with tour
Visit to a local farm
Textile Dying Worksop at Blue Lectoure
Visit to a Brocante Market
A Michelin Bib Gourmand farewell dinner
Airport transfers to and from Toulouse airport
Taxes
