Course itinerary
This cooking holiday experience offers you a taste of Provence with a focus on the ancient local recipes from the area.
Go learn to cook in the 17th century home of your Chef in his amazing Bastide (farmhouse) for a learning holiday with a difference.
Each day starts with an introduction to ancient Provencal cooking techniques and ingredients before rolling up your sleeves for your hands-on cooking lesson followed by a guided tour of the park (xVille) that surrounds the chateau and is classed as a historical monument before relaxing at the end of the day eating the delicious Provencal you have cooked.
Your professional Chef has run cooking lessons for over 11 years and through his classes pursues his passion for the ancient cooking techniques and recipes of this Mediterranean area.
This French cooking holiday will take you on both a culinary and cultural journey that will ensure you return home with a new skill and knowledge that will stay with you long after the holiday is over.
Suitability
- Suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced
- Minimum age 14
- All lessons are given in English and French
- Classes are for a minimum of 2 persons, if you are travelling solo and want to join a class, please email to check availability
Start Days
- The school is closed August - 10 September each year for Summer
- Classes run daily but all dates are on request, to request the dates you require please use the live-chat, call us or email us on with the date you require and we will be able to confirm your place very quickly
- 2 day courses run on consecutive dates but you may also split the dates if you prefer, please specify your preferences when you contact us to request availability
Park Visit and Cooking Class Schedule Each Day
- Menus change daily so each day you'll be learning to cook different dishes to expand your knowledge of cooking
- At 10am each morning you will meet at your chef’s home and will have an introduction to cooking techniques and ingredients, perhaps selecting your own fresh herbs from the gardens before rolling up your sleeves for your hands-on cooking lesson
- After your lessons, you’ll have a guided tour of the park (XVille) that surrounds the cooking school and is classed as an historical monument, the park covers acres of grounds so you'll discover something different each day
- After your walk, you’ll return to the house to eat the delicious 3 course lunch you have prepared, ending your class around 2.30pm in the afternoon
What Will I Learn?
- How to select fresh, seasonal produce
- The history of Provencal food, cooking techniques and culture
- How to cook a traditional 3 course French meal using ancient recipes from the region
- Menus change daily so you'll learn to cook a variety of dishes each day
Sample French Menus
Please note that dishes may change according to the season and availability of fresh produce but may include:
- Tarte d’herbes: Learn how to make this delicious Provencal tart including its delicate olive pastry
- Poulet au Safran: Following the chef’s traditional Provencal recipe, create this rich speciality
- Sel aux herbes fraiches: Chef Marc will share with you his secret blend of ‘Herbes de Provence’
Go learn to cook authentic French food in the magnificent home of your Chef on this unique cooking holiday course and share your passion for food with others.