Top 5 cooking vacations in France

“Bouillabaisse is only good because cooked by the French, who, if they cared to try, could produce an excellent and nutritious substitute out of cigar stumps and empty matchboxes.” – Norman Douglas, British novelist.

The French love their food, and are indisputably good at creating those exquisite culinary delights such as the sweetest tarte aux pommes, the scrumptious ballotine de poulet and the unassuming but infinitely fragrant baguette de tradition. Wouldn’t it be great if you could learn how to prepare these gastronomic treasures from traditional recipes handed down over generations? Take a little crumb of the French culture and fill your home with the wonderful aromas of authentic French food with these magnificent cookery vacations in France.

 

Cookery vacation in Bordeaux

Have a great time preparing authentic French dishes on this popular 7-day cookery vacation in the Lot-et-Garonne region. Visit some of the local producers in the region. Pick up your ingredients from the French markets. Chef Marlene, who has been cooking from the day she was old enough to hold a spoon, will share her passion for cooking and family secrets passed down over generations. In Marlene’s words, ‘make your belly smile’ on this fun, hands-on cooking vacation!

For you curious souls, find out more about the ever-smiling Marlene here.

 

Dessert making and patisserie weekend in Toulouse

Have a sweet tooth? Pamper it with this 3-day dessert galore in the heart of Gascony. Learn pastry making, caramelised decoration, piping techniques and much more under the guidance of Chef Bernard and Chef David, both widely acclaimed chefs trained in France. Create the perfect French desserts, from the classic crème brûlée to the traditional croquembouche (that’s the delicious wedding cake, as you will soon find out). On this holiday, you can have your cake, and tart, and the other cake, and eat it all. Yum.

 

Gourmet cookery vacation in the Loire Valley

This 6-day cooking holiday is set in a tastefully restored 18th century farmhouse with luxurious bedrooms, a lovely guest lounge, beautiful gardens and a magnificent outdoor terrace. Learn the art of preparing top-range restaurant quality French cuisine, from preparation to final presentation. Whip up gourmet dishes in the professionally equipped kitchen. Enjoy the fruits of your labour at the al fresco dining area with stunning views of the Loire Valley. Fuel your passion for luxury, good food and free-flowing wine in the land of the chateaux and vineyards.

 

 

French and cooking in Nice

An unforgettable cultural experience awaits you in the vibrant city of Nice. Immerse yourself in all things French for 7 days, from language to culture to cuisine. Stay with a local French family to experience the French lifestyle and practise the language. Prepare complete French menus with seasonal and fresh ingredients. Learn the taste of sunny Cote d’Azur on this cooking vacation with a difference.

 

French macarons cookery course in Lyon

Of course we haven’t forgotten those marvellous, melt-in-your-mouth macarons. No one makes macarons quite like the French do, and learning to make these magical treats is top of MY wish list. Michelin star restaurant Chef Jean-Marc with over 30 years of cooking experience will show you the secrets of artisan baking in the fun and friendly environment of his home. Create delightful, brightly coloured macarons to take home (and we sure wouldn’t mind if you sent some our way)!

 

If these top 5 cooking vacations in France have left you hungry for more, check out other French cookery holiday ideas here.