The napa table presents:
France Retreat may 2026 — registrations open soon!
Join us in France for the trip of a lifetime. Explore local food origins, learn the art of mindful eating, build lasting connections, and rediscover the joy of nourishing both body and mind. Will you join us?
a curated retreat for the mindful soul—experience the heart of French food culture.
May 17th-May 25th 2026
This is truly a unique retreat, with the perfect balance of adventure and respite, rustic charm and luxury. Each day is like a dream, opening our eyes to the wonder of the world around us and engaging the senses through food, friendship and history. Together we’ll experience the art of taste, meet artisans, makers and farmers, and explore both city and countryside. Limited spaces are available for this retreat. Secure your spot now to join us on an unforgettable journey.
a dream trip.
We’ll start in Paris or ‘Ville Lumière’, settling into the City of Lights with cheese tastings, pastry tours, multi-course group dinners, and plenty of time to explore all the city has to offer. Once we’ve embraced the French ‘joie de vivre’, we’ll head to Normandy for a stay at the historic Chateau de Boucéel, complete with beautifully appointed rooms, sprawling grounds, a heated pool, and lavish meals. While in Normandy, we’ll explore coastal towns, visit farms and cheesemakers, pay our respects at the Brittany American Cemetery, and take day trips to awe-inspiring sites like Mont St. Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meet your hostess:
Hayley pingree
My journey into the culinary world started during my travels to France in my 20’s. I was in constant awe of the dedication to their craft French artisans, makers, chefs, farmers and purveyors had. A country where there are bread laws to preserve baguette ingredients, and they name protect their cheeses?! A foodie’s dream. Now as a Certified Cheese Professional® I’ve found that the best way to learn about food origins is to experience it firsthand. To be a witness to the process, from start to finish. That means going behind the scenes to meet the farmer caring for animals and the artisans making each cheese and fine food. To hear their stories and see their daily process up close. Our tours to France do just that— giving you an in-depth experience that’s taken me years to curate, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Is This you?
Are you a seeker,
eager to learn more about where your food comes from? Are you yearning to explore the world of cheese: meeting makers, farmers and purveyors who create this delicious immortal milk?
Are you a ‘foodie’ or an aspiring one,
dreaming of a getaway centered around incredible meals, where each bite becomes a mindful ritual, allowing you to fully savor its flavors, texture, and find joy in sharing the experience with others?
Are you craving a vacation that offers more than just sightseeing?
One that helps you slow down, savor the present moment, and form lasting connections with others who share your desire for mindfulness and authenticity?
Do you long to experience a retreat that balances leisure with deep nourishment,
offering the chance to relax, recharge, and explore a new culture while immersing yourself in meaningful culinary experiences?
If that’s a screaming yes(!), then I invite you to join us in France and let me show you how to truly embrace slow living, reconnect with yourself, and explore the origins of a truly magical food (cheese!) —all while immersing yourself in the beauty of Europe.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel Fougère
Nestled in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Hotel Fougère merges exceptional design with historic charm, exuding a serene, hushed elegance. If you crave comfort and a gentle pace of life, this is your sanctuary. Begin each day with a generous à la carte breakfast—no buffet in sight—then savor quiet moments reading on the terrace or wind down with a drink at the bar.
Situated just steps from the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, you’ll be immersed in the stylish heart of Paris. Fashionistas can revel in the latest trends at nearby boutiques, while others might simply enjoy the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere. However you choose to spend your time, Hotel Fougère invites you to slow down, soak in the surroundings, and experience a side of Paris that leaves you feeling refreshed and inspired.
chÂteau du boucéEl
In the heart of the bay of Mont St. Michel, Chateau du Boucéel boasts a rich history in a beautiful part of the Norman countryside. Cows dot the fields along the path to the chateau, and you are welcomed to this charming country home by their flocks of white ducks and fluffy French chickens. The property is stunning and vast, with a beautiful pond, fields and forests for exploring, a heated pool and even a pair of perfectly sweet donkeys that love to be fed! The interior of chateau is gorgeously decorated in the Louis XV style, with each spacious room meticulously curated and crafted.
Our stay includes a delicious daily breakfast in the formal dining room. There is also an honesty bar complete with drinks, snacks and entrees created by Michelin-starred chefs available for purchase. This family-run estate is truly a hidden treasure.
what you can expect
Accommodations:
3 nights at boutique Hotel Fougere in central Paris
5 nights at historic Château de Boucéel in Normandy
Included:
Daily breakfast, most dinners, and some lunches
All transportation within the tour, including transfers between Paris and Normandy
Excursions: cheese tastings, pastry tours, farm visits
Special surprises and thoughtful touches
Not Included:
Airfare and airport transfers to Hotel Fougere
Most lunches and some dinners on day trips
Souvenirs and personal purchases
Optional activities and spa services
It’s about slowing down, being mindful about how you’re eating, and using the time as a means of connection with yourself and/or others.
I am beyond excited for you to join us. I’m here to answer any questions you might have about the retreat. My team and I manage all the essential arrangements, from transportation and bookings to excursions and activities, allowing you to focus on what matters most—enjoying the retreat. Just arrive at the designated location, and we’ll take care of everything else!
Before the retreat begins, you’ll receive a detailed schedule, a packing checklist, and a personalized travel plan to help you prepare for a seamless and memorable experience.