From mastering Michelin-starred techniques to learning the secrets of rustic regional dishes, these cooking classes offer a delicious blend of hands-on instruction and local flavour.
Taste of Normandy Cookery School (Photo: Tripaneer)
France, with its rich culinary heritage, is the ultimate destination for food enthusiasts. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux to the bustling markets of Provence, France offers a feast for all the senses, as well as some of the world’s top-rated cookery schools. With so many options available, we’ve cherry-picked five exceptional cooking classes based on value for money, customer reviews, brand reputation, and inclusions. Whether you’re a novice eager to learn or a seasoned chef looking to refine your skills, these classes promise an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of French gastronomy.
Taste of Normandy Cookery
For those who thrive in more intimate settings, this exclusive cooking retreat in Normandy is perfect. Offering classes with a maximum of just two participants, the course provides hands-on instruction from Chef David Asquith, a former British Army chef renowned for his expertise and high-profile clientele. Guests can enjoy daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, including a half bottle of wine or cider with each meal. The programme features two cooking lessons focused on three-course French meals, a market visit and an excursion to meet a local producer. Rooms at The Old Farm of Amfreville, a charmingly restored B&B, are about as cosy and authentic as they come. From £1,063 per person.
Foundation Cooking Holiday at Gascon Cookery School
6 Day Foundation Cooking Holidays in Tarn-et-Garonne, Occitanie (Photo: Tripaneer)
Total novice when it comes to French cooking? This immersive week-long culinary retreat in Gascony is guaranteed to get you up to speed, rapidement. Designed for beginners and intermediates keen to refine their cooking skills, the course includes daily cooking sessions with seasoned chefs covering knife skills, pastry making and traditional French dishes, such as foie gras and cassoulet. Highlights include a local market visit, a winery tour, and accommodation at Le Petit Feuillant, complete with stunning countryside views, a hot tub, and regional gastronomic experiences. From £1,738 per person.
Wine-tasting and Chill extravaganza in Western France
This highly sought-after six-day culinary retreat in France’s Loire Valley combines hands-on cooking classes with exploring local markets, artisan food producers, and nearby historic sites. Guests enjoy five half-day cooking sessions, including demonstrations on dessert, starters and wine cocktails, alongside visits to cheese makers and vineyards. Accommodation includes five nights in charming en-suite rooms with river and farmland views. Daily activities feature multi-course meals, scenic picnics, and wine tastings, all in an intimate setting with a maximum of six participants. From £1,758 per person.
Dessert and Pastry Making in The Loire Valley
8 Day French Dessert and Pastry Masterclass Culinary Adventure in The Loire Valley (Photo: Tripaneer)
Set in the heart of the Touraine, renowned for its European Renaissance heritage, Le Calabash is ideal for those with a sweet tooth. Over eight days, participants can dive into daily pastry and culinary classes, exploring techniques from chocolate crafting to modern viennoiserie. The itinerary includes guided tours of Tours, visits to local markets and indulgent French meals paired with selected wines. Accommodations at the charming Les Sorels or Les Loges du Parc are remarkably luxurious. From £2,903 per person.
Intensive Cooking Course with Michelin-Star Trained Chef in Moncrabeau
This eight-day intensive cooking course offers a deep dive into the art of French cuisine under the expert guidance of Chef Jerome. The focus here is on hands-on cooking sessions to allow participants to master a range of dishes from breads and pastries to meats and sauces. Set in the charming Gascony region, the course includes gourmet dinners, visits to local markets, and tastings of fine wines and Armagnac. With a focus on technique and presentation, participants are guaranteed to learn invaluable skills, all while savouring the rich flavours of French gastronomy. From £3,428 per person.