1. What types of experiences do you offer?

Our signature offerings include immersive culinary experiences and château stays:

• 3-day and 5-day culinary experiences: These are hands-on, seasonal, and deeply collaborative. Guests cook alongside Chef Denise, explore local ingredients, and share meals in the château’s kitchen and garden. Each experience includes instruction, lodging, and most meals.
• Bespoke culinary experiences: Planning something special? We love designing custom workshops for private groups—whether it’s a birthday celebration, team retreat, or just a few friends who love to cook together.
• Château stays: Not joining a culinary experience? You’re welcome to stay in one of our guest rooms (minimum two nights) and enjoy the quiet rhythm of Roanne. Breakfast is included daily, and additional meals can be arranged.

We’ve also hosted writing workshops, wine seminars, and art retreats—while these aren’t part of our standard lineup, they’re absolutely possible. If you have a vision for a creative or educational gathering, we’d love to help bring it to life. Reach out to explore a customized experience that’s unforgettable.

2. Can I stay at the château without attending an experience?

Yes! We offer three beautifully renovated guest rooms with en-suite baths for stays (minimum two nights). It’s a peaceful escape in the heart of Roanne. You can book your stay directly through our online booking system.

3. How do I book a stay or experience at the château?

You can book directly through our online booking system. Whether you're joining an experience or simply staying in one of our guest rooms, you'll find all the options and availability there. For special requests, feel free to contact us.

4. Where is Château Depierre located?

Tucked away in the heart of central France, Château Depierre calls the village of Roanne home—a charming destination known for its culinary legacy, riverside beauty, and warm local spirit.

Curious about what makes this village so special? Discover more about Roanne and why it continues to inspire chefs, artists, and travelers alike.

5. Are meals included during my stay or experience?

Most culinary experiences include meals prepared in collaboration with Chef Denise, with guests actively participating in the cooking process. Menus blend seasonal ingredients with international inspiration, creating a shared kitchen atmosphere that’s both educational and delicious.

On arrival night, guests are welcomed with an apéro—local wine, small bites, and good conversation. Dinner that evening is intentionally left open, giving guests the chance to explore Roanne’s vibrant restaurant scene. You can browse a curated list of dining options here.

For regular château stays, breakfast is included daily. Additional meals can be arranged upon request.

6. Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

We genuinely want every guest to feel cared for at the table. While we do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice, our culinary programs are rooted in seasonal ingredients, shared preparation, and traditional techniques—which means we’re not able to accommodate vegan diets, strict vegetarianism, or gluten/lactose intolerance.

If you have allergies, sensitivities, or foods you prefer to avoid, please let us know ahead of time. We’ll always do our best to create an inclusive and enjoyable experience, even if we can’t tailor every dish to individual needs.

7. Is there an age requirement to participate in experiences?

Yes—our experiences are open to guests ages 12 and up. Minors (ages 12–17) must be accompanied by a participating adult guardian, and we ask that younger guests have a genuine interest in culinary learning.

Guests 18 and older are welcome to attend independently. Please note that classes often involve extended periods of standing and walking, and the château is not handicap accessible due to its historic nature.

8. Is the château available for private events or custom retreats?

We occasionally host intimate gatherings, workshops, and special events. Reach out to discuss your vision—we love collaborating.

9. What’s the story behind Château Depierre?

It’s a labor of love! A Chicago couple dreamed of life in France and made it happen. The château is a living restoration project and a hub for creativity, cuisine, and connection.

To read more about our journey—from coffee shop meet-cute to French château life—visit Our Story.

10. What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that planning a trip to France is a big commitment—and we’re honored you’re considering Château Depierre. To reserve your spot in one of our experiences, we require two payments:

• 25% deposit to secure your reservation (non-refundable)
• 75% balance due 30 days before the experience (also non-refundable)

If you’re booking within 30 days of the experience, the full amount is due at the time of booking.

Because we hold your place and prepare in advance for each guest, all payments are considered final. That said, we know life can be unpredictable. In rare cases, we may be able to reschedule your experience, subject to availability and at our discretion. If approved, you’ll have up to 18 months to rebook.

For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

11. Do you recommend travel insurance?

Yes—we strongly encourage guests to consider purchasing travel insurance, especially for international travel. Our experiences represent a meaningful investment, and insurance can help protect against unexpected disruptions like missed flights, delays, or medical issues.

Many policies also reimburse for missed hotel nights or experiences due to covered travel interruptions. Be sure to check that your plan includes trip interruption or missed connection coverage, and that it applies to prepaid, nonrefundable bookings.