- The International Kitchen
- France
Our Top France Cooking Vacations in 2025
Discover Provence: Food and Wine Tastings in Avignon, France
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There’s a reason our culinary tours in France are so popular
About Our French Cooking Tours
Your cooking vacations in France with The International Kitchen mean authenticity, fabulous food, and plenty of fun. We have 25 years of experience organizing the perfect gourmet holidays in France, and thousands of satisfied culinary travelers that we call friends. As a small, boutique tour company, we love planning cooking holidays in France for our foodie travelers, and consider personalized service one of the staples of our company.
On our amazing cooking holidays in France you can learn to make local recipes and the traditional dishes of French cuisine such as boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, cassoulet and confit de canard. Or, you can explore Burgundy, Bordeaux, and more on a wine tasting trip in France. From the Mediterranean cuisine of Provence to the duck of Gascony, to the pastries of Paris, we can help you master French cuisine during our fun and delectable cooking vacations in France.
Depending on your tastes, you might explore the remarkable produce and seafood of the sunny south, or savor some of the world’s best wines and cheeses while relaxing at country vineyards on our wine tours. We have the perfect culinary tours in France for every foodie.
If you’re a wine lover, you can visit boutique vineyards and wine shops during our wine tours in France and discover how the French combine the natural terroir of the land with their own centuries-old practices to make the world’s finest wines. Whether you want a foodie trip to France that includes casual wine tastings, or one of our luxury wine tours of France, we can help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
In general, foodie tours in France with The International Kitchen include:
- Hands-on cooking courses featuring authentic French gastronomy,
- Excursions to local towns and cultural sites,
- Visits to markets, wineries, farms, and more,
- Accommodations in everything from simple B&B properties to deluxe private villas and hotels,
- Plenty of personalized service and expert guidance while planning your France culinary tour.
FAQ about Cooking Holidays in France
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What is France's signature dessert?
France is renowned for its exquisite desserts, but perhaps the most iconic is the crisp and creamy crème brûlée. This classic custard, topped with a thin layer of caramelized sugar, perfectly embodies the French art of elevating simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Other contenders for the title of France’s signature dessert include the airy and colorful macaron, the decadent chocolate mousse, and the rustic yet elegant tarte Tatin.
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Which part of France has the best food?
This is a hotly debated topic, as each region of France boasts its own unique culinary specialties and delicacies. However, many food lovers would argue that Lyon, the culinary capital of France, takes the crown. Known for its rich, hearty dishes like coq au vin and quenelles, as well as its legendary bouchons (traditional Lyonnais restaurants), Lyon is a true paradise for gastronomes. Other top contenders include the Provence region, famed for its sun-kissed produce and fragrant herbs, and the Basque Country, with its flavorful stews and fresh seafood.
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What is France's national breakfast?
The quintessential French breakfast is a simple yet satisfying affair, typically consisting of a freshly baked croissant or pain au chocolat, accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a heartier option, the French might opt for a tartine — a slice of baguette slathered with butter and jam — or a bowl of creamy café au lait with a buttery, flaky croissant on the side. While breakfast in France is generally a lighter meal compared to other countries, the emphasis is always on quality, freshness, and indulgence.
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What are traditional French foods?
France is home to an incredibly rich and diverse culinary tradition, with each region boasting its own iconic dishes and specialties. Some classic French foods include:
- Coq au vin: A hearty stew of chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and bacon,
- Ratatouille: A colorful vegetable stew featuring eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers,
- Quiche Lorraine: A savory tart filled with a custard of eggs, cream, and bacon or ham,
- Bouillabaisse: A fragrant fish stew originating from Marseille, typically made with an assortment of fresh Mediterranean fish and seafood,
- Cassoulet: A slow-cooked casserole of white beans, duck confit, sausage, and pork,
- Soupe à l’oignon: A comforting onion soup topped with cheesy croutons,
- Boeuf Bourguignon: A rich, wine-infused beef stew with tender meat and vegetables.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious and iconic dishes that define French cuisine and continue to inspire food lovers around the world.
Recipes
Bring a taste of France to your kitchen with our collection of authentic French recipes. From classic dishes like coq au vin and ratatouille to delicate macarons and decadent chocolate soufflés, our recipes showcase the best of French cuisine.
blog
Immerse yourself in the world of French gastronomy with our insider guides, travel tips, and culinary insights. Whether you’re planning a trip to France or simply want to learn more about the country’s rich culinary heritage, our articles offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
Regions We Visit on Our Cooking Holidays and Wine Tours of France
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Visit this region for a fascinating mix of Celtic and French culture and plenty of fresh seafood. Stunning rocky shores, medieval castles, and megalithic monuments round out your experience on our cooking holidays in France.
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Experience this region’s fine wines and classic dishes like boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin on our wine tours in France and culinary trips in Burgundy. Your hands-on cooking classes will use fresh local ingredients as you explore French gastronomy.
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Discover this famed region of the north-east with its gothic cathedrals, timbered towns, and fertile plains, and taste the world-famous wines on our Champagne wine-tasting tours.
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With its stunning chateaux and world-class wineries, the Loire Valley is an ideal spot for our wine tours in France or a France culinary tour. The region is full of grand history and architecture, including famous chateaux, and you can explore them all.
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Explore miles of coastline, stunning countryside, and delectable local specialties while visiting Normandy on our cooking vacations in France. Your hands-on French cooking classes, market visits, and delicious meals will expose you to some of the best food in the world.
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Experience the City of Lights like an insider during our culinary vacations and wine tours of France, complete with hands-on cooking classes, gastronomic tours, wine tastings, and more.
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Explore the famed land of lavender, fine wines, flavorful produce, fresh fish, and succulent meats on our tours in Provence.
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The Rhone Alps are an international Mecca for foodies, making this the perfect destination for our cooking vacations in France. Taste fine wines, cook delectable French dishes, and enjoy the beautiful of the Rhone Alps on a France culinary tour.
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Visit this region for the ultimate wine tours in France! Explore French cuisine on our luxury wine tours in Bordeaux and intensive cooking courses in Gascony.
