Five stars. No hesitation. Last night was our third Secret Supper at Maison Madeline, and we brought first-timers — my in-laws and a close friend — because this is the kind of experience you want to share with people you love. They get it now. Tyler Spreen of Herbsaint in New Orleans prepared the meal, and his team executed flawlessly. Every course was deliberate, generous, and beautifully done. Wine pairings curated by Wild Child wine shop in Lafayette matched each dish perfectly — not an afterthought, a real complement to the food. Grammy-nominated Steve Riley of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys greeted us at the door with his son on guitar. Live Louisiana music before you even sit down. That's how you set a tone. The real MVP: Annie Cormier. She conducted the entire evening with a warmth and attention to detail that made everything feel effortless. If you've been to a Secret Supper, you know her fingerprints are on every perfect moment. And when dinner ends? You walk over to the Jesus Bar on property, share a late-night drink with Walt, Maddie, and their four-legged welcoming committee, and wonder why you'd ever spend an evening anywhere else. Maison Madeline isn't just a venue. It's a feeling. We'll be back for a fourth.

Maison Madeleine is a rare find of great memories and places that stay in your heart long after you have departed.

A retreat to Maison Madeleine on the serene shores of Lake Martin is nothing short of magical. This 19th-century jewel, lovingly restored, felt like stepping into another time—where every detail speaks of care, history, and hospitality. Our deepest thanks to Walt & Madeleine, the sweetest hosts who welcomed us like family. We cherished every conversation about Cajun culture, history, and the magic of this place—it’s rare to find such warmth and passion woven into every detail.Mornings unfolded slowly with mist rising over the Cypress Island Preserve, where graceful white herons glided above the still water, and evenings carried the scent of cypress and the hush of the bayou. There’s a quiet luxury in being surrounded by such unspoiled beauty—a place where time lingers a little longer.A special thank you to Taylor, who doubled as both our housekeeper and waitress—her charm and humor brought the best Twyla energy (if you know, you know). And to Café Sydnie Mae, where every meal was a celebration of local flavors—because no getaway is complete without a little indulgence.And of course, the breakfasts were truly unforgettable, especially the pain perdu—a traditional French dish, also known as “lost bread,” that’s a beloved part of Cajun and Creole culture. This decadent version was made with thick slices of bread soaked in a custard-like mixture and cooked to golden perfection, served with fresh fruit. It’s a dish born out of French culinary traditions, where day-old bread was “saved” by turning it into something delicious. This special morning treat was my absolute favorite and tasted like a little piece of heaven.We can’t wait to return to Maison Madeleine and experience even more of what this beautiful place has to offer—like a guided kayak tour of Lake Martin, where we can paddle through its peaceful waters and explore the natural beauty, or a hands-on Cajun cooking class to learn the secrets behind the region’s incredible flavors.For those seeking an escape steeped in history, elegance, and the wild beauty of Louisiana, Maison Madeleine is an experience unlike any other.. . .maison madeleine, lake martin, cypress island preserve, luxury escape

Attended the October Secret Supper. Excellent all the way around. Hosts were wonderful, as well as the food and entertainment. Well worth it if you’re ever in the area. Highly recommend this if you want to experience south Louisiana hospitality at its finest.

What a wonderful experience. We happened on Madison Madeleine in a book on the American South and decided to look it up. I’m so glad we did. The location feels incredibly remote but it’s only about 10 minutes from the interstate. Madeleine and Walt were perfect hosts. Interesting but not pushy. The house was absolutely charming, our bedroom was very nice and breakfast was wonderful. Next time we will stay for a couple of days so we can explore the lake and have another dinner at Cafe Sydnie Mae. Our dinner there was extremely good and the jazz was great. Thanks for getting us in Walt. Overall one of the best stays we’ve ever had while traveling. It will be our new stop on the way to Florida.