French Cooking School 2027

Introduction

Experience the delights of authentic French gourmet cooking in the home of French cuisine, with top chefs and luxury accommodation.

Your hosts and tutors are acclaimed chefs who use the freshest ingredients with an emphasis on distinct flavours and meticulous presentation. Their passion and enthusiasm for cooking will stimulate your own love of food, and their expertise will help you gain confidence and perfect your cooking skills and techniques in the kitchen. Meet local artisans, gain insights into the farm-to-table philosophy and enjoy the convivial atmosphere, in a charming 200-year-French farmhouse kitchen.

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Note: This a beginner-friendly experience. For a more advanced cooking course there are more advanced options (contact for more information). Classes are limited to just six students, ensuring personalised attention and a truly intimate learning experience.

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Your accommodation:

‍Conveniently located just an hour from Mont Saint-Michel or only 1 hour and 20 minutes by train from Paris, your accommodation is in a renovated farmhouse set in a walnut grove in the heart of the idyllic rural western Loire region. Blending rustic charm with modern comforts, the luxuriously appointed ensuite bedrooms offer stunning views stretching out over the countryside. Depending on the number of guests, some guests may also be accommodated in a delightful boutique B&B in the nearby village (transfer time is 10 minutes).

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Itinerary

Day 1 : Laval > Cooking School

On arrival at Laval Railway Station transfer to your accommodation (check-in time is from 5pm) and settle in. This evening join your host for an introduction to the course followed by complimentary champagne and canapés. Later, sit down with the group to enjoy a gourmet 6-course dinner which includes fresh foods from the farmhouse garden and local artisan producers.

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Day 2 : Laval Excursion & Cooking School

Enjoy a delicious breakfast that includes fresh croissants, breads, preserves and beverages. After that you will be off to Laval’s market for shopping and sightseeing. Return and meet your chef for an initial introduction to the kitchen. Learn basic knife skills, the care of knives, safety, sharpening and simple cuts for a range of vegetables. Your day progresses with a range of demonstrations and hands-on classes. Enjoy lunch and then dinner after each class.

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Day 3 : Cooking School

After breakfast you will receive a menu with instructions for today’s classes, followed by cooking demonstrations. You will prepare delicious meals, learn more about traditional methods and master cooking techniques.

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Day 4 : Cooking School

Another day to create flavourful dishes and learn new cooking techniques including hands-on experience of making pasta dough, and much more. After lunch discover the art of the French macaron, a combination of technique and creativity

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Day 5 : Cooking School & Artisan Cheese Excursion

Today you and your team will prepare dinner, from designing your dish to presenting the final plate. Take a break for lunch before an excursion to visit a passionate local cheese specialist, learning how to select, cut, and present cheeses beautifully, creating a refined and perfectly balanced cheese board with an understanding of flavour, texture, and seasonality. Return to the cooking school and finish preparing your special dinner, to be enjoyed at its culmination.

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Day 6 : Mont-Saint-Michel & Brandy Excursion

After breakfast set out to Mont-Saint-Michel, where monastic life influenced bread culture, broths, and seasonal cooking. The region is known for its salt-meadow lamb, a striking example of terroir shaping flavour. Continue with a visit to a traditional Calvados producer to explore Normandy’s apple heritage through a guided tasting.

Return late afternoon.

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Day 7 : Cooking School > Laval

After breakfast you will check out of your accommodation by 10am and transfer to Laval Railway Station for your onward travel.

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PRICED FROM EUR4,500 pp

Departs

2027

‍19 Mar

9 Apr

7, 21 May

4, 18 Jun

27 Aug

10, 24 Sep

8 Oct

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Type of Journey

Culinary, small group experience (6 guests max): Stay and learn at a French Cooking School. Enquire about adding touring before and/or after your culinary course.

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Included

• 6 nights’ accommodation in the farmhouse or at a village B&B
• 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 6 dinners
• Welcome reception with champagne and canapes
• Shared arrival and departure transfers from Laval Railway Station
• Shared excursions as per the itinerary
• Hands-on cooking classes as per the itinerary
• All cooking equipment
• A folder with menus and recipes from your cooking classes
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Not Included

• Alcoholic beverages
• Laundry

Important Notes

• Pricing is subject to change
• Arrival and departures are available at select times

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*Terms and conditions apply

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