One-Day Cooking Classes in France

Explore “off the beaten tracks” along the “Route des Grands Crus” from Dijon to Nuits-Saint-Georges. You’ll experience beautiful vineyards, discover the castle “Clos de Vougot” and charming wine villages. Your English-speaking guide will explain how to decipher the complex Burgundy wine label as well as the importance of the terroir, the history of the region, the farming methods and the art of wine tasting. Then you will visit a traditional vaulted wine cellar where you will meet either the winemaker of the sommelier who will share their passion for wine. You will taste 4 to 5 wines served with typical Burgundian cheese.

Prices include pickup from the train station in Dijon, all transportation, tastings, etc.

Four itineraries are available:

• Tour A – Vineyard and Le Clos de Vougeot castle: visit of Cotes de Nuits wine cellar and tasting, visit of the castle.
• Tour B – Vineyard and Cheeses: visit of Cotes de Nuits wine cellar and tasting, visit of a local cheese factory with tasting.
• Tour C – Vineyard and Beaune: visit of Cotes de Nuits wine cellar with tasting and free time in Beaune.
• Tour D – Vineyard and Chateauneuf: visit of Cotes de Nuits wine cellar and tasting, visit of the medieval village of Chateauneuf.

Enjoy the tasting of three different champagnes in this one-day journey. The trip includes a pickup from your hotel, two tours in Champagne houses, transportation with an English speaking driver/guide, a three course luncheon and a visit of the famous cathedral of Reims, a truly one of a kind tour!

New Video: A day in the life of a culinary student with Chef Samira!

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, including a cheese course of at least six cheeses, 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.

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).

Chef Charlotte, author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook, and Chef Richard will lead you on a delicious journey during which you will learn to make French food with an ethnic twist featuring flavors and accents from Vietnam, Morocco, Lebanon, Senegal, Tunisia, the West Indies, and Cambodia. U.S.-born Charlotte traveled the world before settling in Pairs, where she graduated from the prestigious Cordon Bleu cooking school in 1992 with top honors. Chef Richard was a chef, caterer, pastry chef, and chocolatier for over 25 years in New York City before he moved to Paris several years ago. He worked mostly in the fashion and design world preparing feasts for Vanity Fair, Elle, Vogue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Ave.

You will meet the chefs at 9:00 am for a visit of a fresh food market where you will shop for some of the seasonal and exotic ingredients for your lesson. Afterwards, you will return to Charlotte’s private townhouse, which features a professional kitchen on the ground floor, for the cooking lesson. The class is conveniently located in the upscale 7th arrondissement, not far from the Eiffel Tower. Once back at Charlotte’s, you will discuss the menu over coffee and then prepare three courses (a starter, main course and dessert) for the next few hours. Past menus have included such dishes as: asparagus and goat cheese tart, Vietnamese monkfish cooked in caramelized nuoc mam (fish sauce), and almond macaroon galette with strawberries; Lebanese two-salmon tartare with bulgur and walnut oil, roasted duck breast with pomegranate sauce, and warm chocolate tarte; zucchini carpaccio with roasted red peppers and pine nuts, Moroccan chicken tagine with apricots and almonds, and peaches and blueberries with honey cake. You will finish, of course, with a delicious lunch featuring your culinary creations, salad and cheese courses, and accompanied by wonderful French wine. The class will end at approximately 2:00 pm.

*Please note that Charlotte has a cat.

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 morning class will begin when you will meet Chef Eric around 9:30 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 three 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 rue du Poteau, a short bus ride away (bus tickets not included, but you can pay on board [€1.50]).

Dessert and pastry classes also available! Enjoy a pastry class with Chef Pino or another of Eric’s wonderful dessert collaborators. You will prepare, from scratch, 6 pastries or desserts. The chef will guide you through the recipes and will show you some of the great tips learned during their many years of experience as a pastry chef. Possible desserts you might prepare are: creme brulee, Molten chocolate cake, Soufflé au Grand marnier, madeleines or poached pears with red wine and spices. After the class you can eat your desserts, or you can choose to take them with you to enjoy later (except for the creme brulee).

Baking class: You will prepare from scratch 3 breakfast pastries such as croissants, pain au chocolat, and brioche. You can enjoy the results in-house accompanied by hot chocolate, tea or coffee, or you can take them ‘to go’ to enjoy later. The class lasts around 3 hours. (Please note that due to obvious time constraints some of the dough will be prepared before your arrival, as it needs to rest overnight. However, you will go through all the steps of the preparation personally so that you can re-create the dishes at home.)

June spots still available: June 22 (AM or PM pastry class), June 24 (PM pastry class), June 25 (PM cooking class), June 26 (AM baking class), June 28 (AM or PM pastry class), June 30 (PM cooking class).
July spots still available: July 16 (PM class), July 17 (baking class), July 19 (dessert class), July 20 (baking or desserts), July 21 (PM class), July 22 (AM class or desserts class), July 23 (AM or PM class), July 24 (baking class), July 26 (desserts class), July 27 ( baking or desserts class), July 28 (baking or desserts class), July 29 (desserts class), July 31 (baking class)

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. The class will be conducted either in English, or in both English and French, depending on the make-up of the class. After the class, enjoy lunch based on your efforts accompanied by wine.

Myriam also offers a dessert or chocolate class. The three-hour class includes two or three specialties cooked and tasted with coffee and tea.

*Please note that Myriam has a cat.

Formerly a New York chef and caterer, Richard Nahem has now lived in his beloved Paris for five years. He leads delicious insider gourmet tours in his multifaceted neighborhood, the Marais. Walk the historical, winding streets with Richard and discover the oldest food market in Paris with an international food court, a cheese shop with over 50 varieties, a top foie gras boutique, and a sensational middle-eastern gourmet shop with sawdust floors, open sacks of grains, wooden boxes of unusual glazed and dried fruits, and a vast selection of exotic spices from all over the world. Last but certainly not least, your sweet tooth will go wild with a visit to a chocolate shop with unbelievable life-like chocolate sculptures and a stop at one of the best pastry shops in Paris for a decadent pastry and a coffee.

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!

Meet Parisian people in their home, share a convivial four-course dinner with wine and discover the true French lifestyle in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Your hosts are English speaking Parisians who are eager to share insights and cultural backgrounds with international guests. Truly an exceptional experience!

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).

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).

Come and taste the wines of France the way the French do – at small local wine shops, with commentary and advice from the cavistes who own then. You’ll begin the three-hour tour at 5pm near the Arc de Triomphe, and will be led by Donna, an English-speaking wine enthusiast who lives in the neighborhood herself. You’ll walk to the first stop, a wine shop on an outdoor market street. Here you’ll taste several sparkling wines, paired with artisanal cheeses and raspberry macarons from Ladurée.

Next you’ll visit a wine bar to sample white wines and charcuterie. The final stop is at a “cave a manger,” a wine shop that is authorized to serve food. Here you’ll taste several red wines paired with more locally-produced nibbles; all the wines here are organic. The tour ends at 8pm, but many people stay in this convivial space for dinner on their own.

Each caviste you’ll meet knows personally the producers of the wines they sell; they are close to the source and can tell you exactly where the grapes for the wine you’re drinking have been grown. The cavistes speak English, so you can ask all the questions you want.

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 a beautiful 17th-century wine cellar, located right by the Louvre. 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.

The Loire Valley is famous both for its opulent chateaux as well as for its rich, renowned wines. Explore the region during this one-night culinary getaway, which includes a cooking class, dinner, and accommodations for one night at a centrally located 3-star hotel in the enchanting city of Blois.

Chef Damien Garanger will welcome you the afternoon of your arrival for a private cooking demonstration. Chef Garanger trained in Michelin-star restaurants in the Loire Valley (the “Domaine des Hauts de Loire”), as well as in Paris and Burgundy. After spending time traveling around the world (Saint Martin, Cyprus, Moscow), he returned to the region of his birth. Chef Garanger won the French Chef competition “Madarine Impériale” in 2000. Dinner will follow your cooking lesson. Wine is not included with the meal, as the restaurant has over 300 bottles of excellent wine (many from the Loire Valley) from which to make your own selection.

After dinner, enjoy a night at your charming hotel. The next morning you can depart following breakfast or spend the day exploring the culturally rich city of Blois, including the Chateau de Blois and the Museum of Magic honoring the famous magician Robert Houdin, born in Blois. (You can leave your luggage at the hotel while you explore.)

For a detailed itinerary, please see Taste
of the Loire Valley.

Enjoy an authentic day in rural Normandy! Your hostess Sinéad, Irish by birth, has lived in Normandy for over 15 years. Her philosophy is to share her experience of rural life in northern France by opening her home, heart and kitche to travelers from around the world. She will introduce you to the simple yet delectable flavors of Normandy—based on fresh local ingredients and rich flavors.

Your day begins in the morning around 9:30 AM with a visit of the local market in Bricquebec (Mondays) or Les Pieux (Fridays). Sinéad will lead you through the process of choosing the best local ingredients for your cooking course. While you select the fresh produce, you will sample items offered by the proud, enthusiastic stall holders. You might also stop for a coffee at a local café to keep your energy up! After the market visit, Sinéad can recommend places for you to have lunch or to tour (such as the nearby D-Day beaches). You will rendez-vous with Sinéad back at her recently restored 18th-century farmhouse kitchen around 5:30 PM for your hands-on cooking course. Classes last around 3 hours and generally include the preparation of a complete French meal: an apéritif, generally followed by a seasonal starter, main course, salad, cheese, dessert and coffee…. with the emphasis on seasonal, locally-produced ingredients. Dinner of course will follow, wine included.

If you are not available for the market visit in the morning (Mondays and Fridays only), you can book just the evening cooking course and dinner.

Starting in May, rooms will be availble on a B&B basis. Please inquire for details. If you have more than an afternoon
at your disposal, consider the fabulous 3-night itinerary,
Discover Normandy.

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. Please note: 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.

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! 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.

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 how to use fresh regional flowers such as the Tango rose, violets from Tourrettes, 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.

Having lived and traveled extensively abroad, Laurence understands what a difference a native perspective can make! In just one day with Laurence you will discover Avignon (or famous near by Provence sites), through the eyes of a local. She will present many aspects of Provence and together you can decide what you would like to visit, according to your interests and desires. You can make the decisions or allow Laurence to lead the way; she will always make the extra detour to show you something that will make your day even more special.

The most popular sites in Avignon are the Popes’ palace, dating back to the 14th century, and the bridge of St Benezet. Then, through the pedestrian streets, you will also have the opportunity to see a number of remarkable churches, the synagogue, medieval buildings and mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries. You will also discover charming shady squares, trompe-l’oeil painted windows, Place de l’Horloge – the living heart of the city, and feel the atmosphere of this bustling town. A walk through the city market will be an opportunity to explore the basics of local gastronomy. During the visit, chat about life in Provence, the Avignon theatre festival, local traditions…etc. She will also give you hints with some of her favorite spots, nice restaurants, unusual shops and more!

Few visitors can resist the call of the French Riviera’s endless shopping opportunities. If you are a die hard aficionado, then this eight hour shopping adventure is for you! Your spending journey begins with a pickup from your hotel (anywhere between Cannes and Menton). Drive on the seaside to Cannes, the shopping city of the Riviera! Along the shore of the Mediterranean is the famous Promenade de la Croisette (Avenue of the little cross), the most prominent road in Cannes that specializes in luxury shops. When your wallet can spend no more, Grasse will be your next stop of the day, the world capital of perfume since the 16th century. Enjoy a visit of the perfume factory in the city center and enjoy merchant prices on hundreds of exclusive and rare products. Stop for a petite pause and enjoy lunch on your own in a typical provencal restaurant.

Following lunch, drive by the countryside to Opio. In the middle of it’s olive groves you will discover an authentic mill that produces the highest quality of olive oil in the region. You will also find many delicious local products made with olives. Your next stop will be in Saint-Paul, with its dozen of art galleries, local shops and wine cellars, you will be sure to have a great end to your jour des achats!

The French Riviera is internationally known as a place that offers a plethora of irresistible shopping opportunities for the fashionista! With seemingly endless sunny beaches, charming towns, glamorous yachts and celebrities galore, the French Riviera keeps the Belle Époque alive. Towns of course, can be explored on foot, but the best way to see the coast is by tour and a shopping one at best! Fabled destinations such as St-Tropez, Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, St-Paul and Juan-les-Pins, lure visitors to experience the hundreds of bars, seaside restaurants and shops dedicated to beach fashion. Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel (anywhere between Cannes and Menton) and continues for four hours where you will explore the French Riviera with your own English speaking driver-guide. Three half day shopping tours are available.

Chic Shopping

Drive on the seaside of the Promenade des anglais followed by a stop at Cap 3000, the largest mall of southeast France. Here you will find everything your heart desires from fashion to design products and the most elegant food stores of the Riviera! Once you have managed to depart the mall, continue following the seaside to Antibes, stopping off in Juan-les-Pins. Enjoy the surplus of shopping entertainment that the town has to offer. After you can spend no more, return to your hotel.
Available year-round, Tuesday through Saturday for a minimum of two, maximum of eight. Tour must start between 9:00 AM-3:00 PM.

If this interests you, but you would like to enjoy the Riviera by night, please inquire about our five hour tour, Shop by Night. Available May through October, Tuesday through Saturday for a minimum of two, maximum of eight. Tour starts at 7:00 PM.

Art and Artisans

Drive by the panoramic sea and countryside to Saint-Paul. Enjoy the most famous village of the Riviera, full of world famous art galleries as well as charming shops specialized in high quality Provencal products. Biot will be your next stop. The medieval village itself is extremely beautiful and oozes with art in every form – architectural, ceramic, sculpted, jeweled, painted and culinary. Above all, it is especially known for its art of glass blowing (a visit to a factory is possible depending on season). If Biot does not strike an interest, you can choose to drive to Vallauris, the potter’s city, a great shopping place for lovers of the industry. It is here that Picasso lived and learned the art of pottery in the 1950’s. Return to your accommodations on the Riviera.

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 9:30AM 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.

Your wonderful day takes place near Bordeaux in the town of Gensac, where your hosts Jonathan and Barbara opened a charming inn set in a late 18th-century maison surrounded by its own park. The property was completely restored in summer 2008 and offers some of the finest dining in the area. Jonathan and Barbara worked for many years as professional chefs in London before following their dream and opening an inn and informal cooking school in the south of France. They are masters of both traditional and modern French fare, and the cooking lessons take place in a large and well-equipped kitchen.

The day begins with your arrival around 10:00 am. You will discuss the day’s menu with chef Jonathan while enjoying a welcome beverage. The menu often focusses on one of the region’s most well-known dishes, duck—learn to clean it, make the stock and prepare confit de canard or confit de poulet, and discuss dishes that can be made from the stock the next day. The area is also known for its melons, which you may use to make a tasty soup, and you will finish the class with a pastry lesson, making a light and delicious tart. The class will last about three hours, followed by lunch: perhaps the melon soup, an interetsing duck dish with vegetables, and dessert.

If you are looking for a full-day culinary experience in the region, we can offer the possibility of visiting a local vineyard with wine tasting in the afternoon, then return for a scrumptious dinner featuring fish and shellfish. The full-day option includes accommodations in a very comfortable room for the night, and of course breakfast the next morning.