A very special full day experience with Chef Samira, an international culinary personality and owner of Bellissimo Restaurant in Fairfax, Va. in the US. Samira will guide you to a typical Parisian market and then take you to her home in Paris's 16th arrondissement where she instructs you in English on how to prepare a five-course French feast which you will enjoy after the class along with white and red French wines. Samira’s elegant, practical kitchen boasts a gorgeous granite island that can accommodate up to 8 people with an extention that can accommodate up to 18 people. The 6-burner stove, 3 ovens, 2 refrigerators, 3 freezers, and charming nooks featuring Samira's personal oils and vinegars, create a professional yet cosy and friendly environment. Samira's apartment is conveniently located within a 10-minute walk to both the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées, and a short 3-minute walk from the Metro. Classes begin at 8:30AM with the market visit and end at approximately 4:30 PM after lunch. Available any day on request for a minimum of two people. Not available on Sundays and a minimum of four for Saturday. There is no market visit on Mondays, as markets are closed. Please note that chef Samira’s apartment is located in an original Hausmannian building from 1860 (and therefore has no elevator).
Samira's cookbook, Food Unites the World: A Gourmet's Voyage, and aprons will be available for purchase the day of your lesson with payment by cash or check (US dollars or Euros). Please inquire for rates for 10 or more people.

Sold out or unavailable: May 21; May 26-June 14; July 17-Sept. 1; Oct. 3-14; Dec. 20-Jan. 2.

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After two decades of toiling in hotel management for Sofitel Hotels, Eric decided to move out from behind the desk and study cooking, his true love. Following his professional training he honed his craft in restaurant kitchens, but always planned on opening his own school. He found a lovely space to build his cooking atelier and created a lovely, light environment, complete with modern equipment, where you will have the unique opportunity to partake in classes that exhibit Eric's fast knowledge and love for food in a relaxed and convivial environment.

The class will begin in the morning when you will meet Chef Eric around 9:00 AM for a visit to a local French market, where you will discover seasonal ingredients and fresh produce. Eric believes that learning how to select fresh products is the first step in cooking and eating well! You will be able to meet local merchants and, with the help of Eric, ask any questions.

Head back to the school for a discussion of the day's menu, ingredients and procedures before beginning the preparation of your four-course meal: an appetizer, fish and meat, cheese and dessert. You will be given your apron and the hands-on fun begins! Experience the relaxing and aromatic atmosphere a French kitchen has to offer, ending the afternoon with lively conversation, fabulous food and wonderful wine.

Please note: It is advised that you allow about 45 minutes by metro to reach Eric's atelier from the center (either bank). Also, the market on Saturday is the organic market at Que du Poteau, a short bus ride away (bus tickets not included, but you can pay on board).

Eric also offers a class on desserts! You will concentrate on six different desserts such as creme brulee, eclair, mille feuille aux fraises, ice cream, chocolate tart, madeleines... and of course taste them once you are finished! Or, Eric can introduce you to the wonderful wines and cheeses of France during his wine and cheese tastings where you will enjoy seven cheeses and six wines.

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A cooking experience in Paris with Chef Myriam will be an unforgettable addition to your vacation in France. The class is taught in Myriam's home located a few minutes walk from l'Opera in the heart of the 9th arrondissement. She will welcome you into her beautiful apartment on the first floor of a historic Haussmannian building where you can relax on her patio garden or sit by the fire.

Your day will begin around 9:30 AM when you join Myriam for a shopping excursion at an outdoor market. Return to Myriam's home for a hands-on cooking class of a three-course traditional French meal. After the class enjoy lunch based on your efforts accompanied by wine. Myriam will provide all guests with the recipes in English.

Myriam also offers a dessert or chocolate class. The three-hour class includes three specialties cooked and tasted with coffee and tea. Another option Myriam offers is the regional meal and wine matching. Myriam will select a region of France where you will cook a typical regional recipe for an hour and enjoy the wines and cheese of the region.

*Please note that Myriam has a cat.

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Take a three-hour walking tour with an English speaking gastronomy specialist, who will share her knowledge, experience, and the best food addresses in all of Paris. This is a very unique opportunity to have an insiders' view of this amazing gourmet capital. You will meet local French people along the way and enjoy a glimpse into French daily life.

On this tour you will visit distinctive Parisian gourmet shops — a legendary pastry shop, one of the most esteemed chocolateries, a famous caterer, and an excellent regional food purveyor. Your tour will end at Ali Baba Cavern of Wine where you will enjoy a tasting of incredible French wines.

Tour on request for a minimum of 2 people any day, based upon availability, public holidays excluded. Tour starts at 2:00pm and ends at 5:00pm.

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A tasty tour of chocolate and bread! On this 3-hour guided walking tour in St. Germain des Prés you will sample some of the finest chocolates, macaroons, pastries and breads from top purveyors of Paris. Your knowledgeable guide will take you to the famed shops of Pierre Hermé, Poilâne, Gérard Mulot and more where you will discuss the creation and significance of these celebrated treats. You may also have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and see the masters at work. Bring your walking shoes and your sweet tooth! Available on request for two people, 2:00 – 5:00 PM.

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Come take a stroll through the lovely Marais, one of the oldest and historical areas of Paris. In this three-hour walking tour, our English speaking Marais expert Richard will show you breathtaking, historic buildings and private mansions dating back to the 1600s, beautiful manicured parks and gardens and some of the finest galleries and small, jewel-like museums. Discover the city's chicest home and clothing boutiques and food lovers can feast at some of the top food shops, patisseries and chocolate shops. Enjoy this unforgettable tour of a truly magical part of Paris. Tour includes a stop at a classic Parisian cafe (beverages not included).

Available year-round Monday-Sunday (please note that many establishments are closed on Mondays and your tour may be slightly altered).

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If this is your first trip to the "City of Lights" or if you're looking to navigate like a Parisian, join us for this wonderful 2 1/2 hour introductory tour. Learn how to get around the city using the Metro, discover which sites are a must see and even how to politely ask for assistance. Your tour will be led by a local English speaking guide or a licensed historical guide (the licensed guide will be able to focus more on the architecture and history of the city).

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Make your Parisian experience something special with a half day of wine tasting. We have partnered with a wonderful, vibrant young company to guide you through the maze of discovering French wines. The experience is both fun and instructive, while you sample outstanding French wines and develop your knowledge of the French terroir. The wine tastings are conducted in English by a French connoisseur and are held in his charming loft apartment in the center of Paris. Like our cooking classes, these are very authentic experiences! They can be booked only in conjunction with a cooking class for a minimum of two (2) people, otherwise an additional $25 per person booking fee applies.

Grand 7:

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Join noted Chef Marc Heracle at his beautiful estate in Provence for a unique culinary experience. Your day begins around 10:00 AM as you join Marc for a trip to the Aix market where you will shop for the day’s cooking class. You will return to his antique countryside bastide (about 15 minutes outside of town) for the hands-on cooking class in English. The three-course class will feature typical Provençal cuisine and will be followed by lunch. There is time after the class to enjoy the estate’s beautiful gardens.
This class requires you have your own transportation. We would be happy to assist you with a low-cost rental. Or, we can arrange a private transfer for you at an additional cost.
Available any time for a minimum of 2.

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The banks of the Rhone River have been home to wines and wine makers for more than 2000 years. Spend a morning or afternoon discovering three of the best AOC wines made in Provence: Beaumes de Venise and Gigondas or Vacqueyras and Châteauneuf du Pape. You will taste wonderful wines, classified as crus and be treated to a warm provençal welcome by true wine lovers. Views from the perched villages provide a great panorama!

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If your time is limited, make the most of it! Book a wonderful day trip and discover the charming towns of Provence. Highlights will include Pont du Gard, Arena of Arles, perched villages of Alpilles and Luberon (classified among the "most beautiful villages of France"), the natural spring in Fontaine de Vaucluse and lavender fields, when in bloom. This day will remain an unforgettable memory!

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Working hard in the foothills of the Alpilles mountain range, located just outside of St.-Rèmy de Provence, you'll find Pascal Volle-a young and enthusiastic chef for the popular restaurant Le Saint-Georges, of the hotel Domaine de Valmourine. It is here, outside one of the most fashionable towns of Provence, that you will have an opportunity to spend a day working with one of the most talented chefs the area has to offer. Pascal's emphasis is on a local, Provencal cuisine, influenced by the seasons and by produce found in local gardens or markets. He is always eager to share the secrets of his personal creations and how they are influenced by different cultures and spices.

If you are doing the market visit, your day begins at 9:30 AM where you will meet Pascal at the market in St. Rèmy to buy the ingredients for your class. Otherwise, you will meet at Domaine de Valmourine at 10:00 AM where your cooking class takes place. Pascal will guide you through the many Provencal recipes, assisted in translation by Philippe or Martina; owners of the hotel. Of course, your lesson will be comprised of a complete menu, preparing traditional Provencal dishes and finishing with fabulous French desserts! Lunch to follow based on your efforts.

Available any day upon request for a minimum of two people, market available only on Wednesdays.

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Nestled at the foot of the Gorges-du-Loup canyon, la Confiserie Florian invites you to discover their cookery lessons based on "cooking with flowers." Formerly from Paris, Chef Yves Terrillon instantly fell in love with the beautiful Grasse region and decided to specialize in cooking with flowers. You will learn hot to use fresh regional flowers such as the Tango rose, violets from Tourettes, jasmine from Grasse, nasturtium (Capucine), pansies and carnations. He will also show you how to transform candied violets and roses into delicious sweet or savory recipes.

The content of the lessons depend on the season, the proposed dish and also the fresh flower harvest production; March, violets, May, roses, August, jasmine. Tourrettes-sur-Loup is one of the most charming small villages of the region. Filled with local artisan shops along the winding streets, the town is worth a visit on its own. The classes are in a historic hotel of the village, where, while cooking, you will be treated to a panoramic view of this picturesque town. Class begin at 10:00 AM and will be followed by lunch with the chef and a nice glass of wine.

Available year-round upon request for a minimum of two.

Sold out: May 10, 13, 14, 16, 20-23, 25, 30, 31.

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Enjoy a hands-on cooking class with Chef Jean-Marc Villard in the professional teaching kitchen he built in his garden in Champagne au Mont d'Or, about 10 minutes from the center of Lyon. Jean-Marc’s long list of accomplishments includes experience at Alexadrin a one-star Michelin, Oasis, a three-star Michelin, Paul Bocuse’s cooking school, and being named one of the finalists in the “Best Professionals of France” of 2000. You can choose from either a hands-on cooking lesson only, or a combination of a gastronomic visit followed by a hands-on cooking lesson.
The cooking lesson begins at 9:00AM at Jean-Marc's kitchen in Champange au Mont d'Or, and ends at approximately 1 PM. A tasting with wine to follow, if weather permits on the outdoor terrace. Gastronomic Visit and Cooking Lesson: Meet at 8:00AM at your hotel (if in the center of Lyon, otherwise at a prearranged meeting point). Visits include: The famous market in Lyon, “Les Halles de Lyon,” with a Lyonnaise tasting; Chocolate or cheese factory, according to season. (Please note that other markets will be substituted if your class falls on a day the above are closed.) Lesson follows and ends at approximately 1:30PM. Tasting with wine to follow, on the outdoor terrace if weather permits. Available any day on request for a minimum of 2 people.

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