French Cooking Schools: Culinary Vacations and Bordeaux Wine Tour

Chateau Cooking in Bordeaux
Bouliac (Bordeaux), Aquitaine

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Bordeaux of course is known for its outstanding wine production, but the city and region have much more to offer as well. The distinction of being acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage site attests to the beauty and unity of style of the architectural heritage of this remarkably well preserved city. Bordeaux has over 350 historical monuments and is less than an hour away for the Atlantic, with the highest dune in Europe. With its glorious wines and exquisite, stylish cuisine, this is a magnificent gastronomic center. Two thousand years old, Bordeaux is the largest and oldest wine-producing region in the world. Your accommodations will be in a charming chateaux, a Second Empire castle, which, due to the owner’s imprint, you will find very warm and welcoming. All rooms have private bathrooms and are furnished with period furniture, and have beautiful garden views.

About the classes: Suzanne was a managing director of a vineyard for several years, ultimately creating her own tutoring and professional wine tasting business, but of course, food was never far away. After moving to Bordeaux, she decided to apprentice herself to an excellent “cooker” friend to learn some techniques, and over the years has become a very good chef and teacher! Under the expert supervision of Suzanne, you will take part in casual, yet informative lessons, using fresh products from the market and—depending on the season—from the property’s own vast garden. You might prepare such recipes as salade landaise, fish with a white sauce, or learn the art of preparing glazed carrots or roasted peaches with honey and lavender! Along with the culinary lessons, you can expect a wine education as well!

Chateau Cooking in Bordeaux Itinerary

  • Arrival and transfer to Château Lavergne.
  • Welcome drink and a light cocktail-lunch.
  • Time to relax and unwind.
  • Casual dinner at the château and overnight.
  • Following breakfast, depart for one of the most beautiful outdoor markets of the region.
  • Return to Château Lavergne for your first cooking class followed by lunch.
  • Enjoy some time at leisure in the afternoon.
  • Dinner in the village of Bouliac (Saint-James Restaurant, 1 Michelin-star).
  • Return to the château and overnight.
  • After breakfast, transfer to Saint-Emilion, a small village about 13 miles from the château.
  • Enjoy a guided city tour, followed by lunch (on your own) in a typical French bistro with excellent food and wine.
  • Visit of a famous Grand Cru winery with tasting.
  • Return to the château for your cooking class and dinner in the orangerie.
* Breakfast. * Transfer to Bordeaux for a private guided city-tour followed by lunch in the brasserie of the Grand Hotel Regent of Bordeaux. * At 5:00 p.m., wine education and tasting of seven Bordeaux wines at the château. * Cooking class followed by dinner in the orangerie * . Overnight at the château.
  • After breakfast, transfer to the most famous wine growing area of Bordeaux, on the left bank.
  • Visit and tasting of a Grand Cru Classé in Pauillac.
  • Lunch in the 2 Michelin-star restaurant of Relais Château Cordeillan Bages.
  • Tonight’s dinner at the château, followed by tasting of old Armagnac.
  • Overnight at Château Lavergne.
  • Breakfast.
  • Time to relax before your departure transfer to the airport or railway station.