Exclusive France Tours

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Getting down to basics

..Culinary workshops & cooking classes

Learn a few well-guarded culinary secrets with an expert

Attention food lovers!

What better way to explore a regional culture than learning about its cuisine? Our private cooking classes and culinary workshops in France will make you discover our gourmet culture through local expertise. Take delight in a special moment with a Master chef. He or she will not only share their passion, but give you insight into the tricks of the trade, initiating you to cherished traditions in a relaxed and joyous atmosphere. Interested in a specific sort of workshop, such as bread-making or pastries? We are sure to find just what you are looking for. During our ever sought-after baking workshop you will learn how to make authentic croissants and baguettes. For those with more of a sweet (gourmet) tooth, you will be initiated to the secrets of excellent patisseries from some of France’s best artisans.

Intrigued? Browse some of our inspiring suggestions below on cooking classes and culinary workshops in France. Once you get a sense of what interests you the most, let us know– we’ll craft a bespoke gourmet adventure exclusively for you.

We also invite you to take a look at some of our other gourmet tours of France. By embarking on one of our entirely private, tailored getaways, you can discover French culinary terroirs, or experience some truly extraordinary dining experiences.

Marie Tesson in vineyard founder of Exclusive France Tours

Marie Tesson

Founder

Passionate about pastry and gastronomy, my greatest pleasure is to meet artisans. I like exploring new places, new products. I never hesitate to go beyond the demands of our customers, for a full satisfaction.

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Some suggestions for your culinary workshops and cooking courses in France ...

Provençal gastronomy with a Michelin-star chef

When: Year-round

For who : Gourmets and anyone interested in Provençale cuisine. This is one of our most popular cooking classes in France.

Why : Learn all about the traditions, flavours and presentation of typical dishes from Provence— all from top-rate chefs.

Description : Would you like to discover French and Provençal gastronomy, full of bright colours and enticing aromas? Working in the kitchens of a rustic country house in Provence, a Michelin- starred chef will guide you through the secrets of Provençal cuisine. You will learn centuries-old secrets and techniques, enabling you to reproduce several traditional dishes in your own home. To round it off, you may learn how to perfectly pair French wines with gastronomic delights.

Backstage in a boulangerie – Bourgogne

When : Year-round

Who : Anyone who wants to learn the secrets of French bread and bread-making

Why : For the sheer pleasure of making, and tasting, extraordinary breads, croissants and other specialities.

Description : Imagine yourself pushing open the door of a delightful French bakery and being struck by the extraordinary aroma of freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven! There, the baker will welcome you around his or her enormous bread oven. You will be taught how to make fresh, authentic croissants and pain au chocolate. You will gradually master some of the key tenets of French baking. Your baker and instructor will also reveal the delicate art of making a perfectly well risen baguette with a crunchy, golden crust and slightly chewy interior. You will feel pride and elation at crafting your very own French breads and viennoiseries, under the tutelage of true masters. Remember: love and passion are always key ingredients in the best among these!

Secrets of the Kouign Amann – Bretagne

When : Year-round

For who : Anyone interested in learning about this signature treat from Bretagne

Why : Discover the mysteries of a dessert that can be a bit challenging to bake

Description : When most people think of Brittany, they imagine buckwheat pancakes, alcoholic cider, fresh oysters– and its most famous dessert, the “kouign amann”. Originating in Douarnenez in South Finistère, this distinctive little cake perfectly illustrates the philosophy of Breton cuisine (rich in salted butter!). An artisan baker, whose family has been based in Questembert since 1983 will give you all his secrets for baking this Breton delight.

The ins and outs of a Bordeaux cannelé

When : Year-round

For who : Pastry lovers and aspiring cooks who want to up their game

Why : Try to rival the best cannelés of Bordeaux.

Description :

The humble yet elegant cannelé is the ultimate emblem of Bordeaux, alongside red wines, of course: a chewy, caramel-y little cake that can be enjoyed with either coffee or tea. It is also a great satisfaction to be able to bake these at home so as to prolong the pleasure. That is the very reason why we offer private cannelé -making workshops with an expert pastry chef. He will initiate you to both classic and original recipes for the iconic Bordelais pastry.

Discover the rich local cuisine of Normandy

When : Year-round

For who : Anyone interested in the old traditions of Norman cuisine

Why : Easily replicate traditional Norman dishes at home

Description : Tucked away behind the town hall of Saint Philbert, in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, you will fall in love with the House of the Norman Chef. Elisabeth, a farmer’s daughter, will help you discover all the secrets of Norman cuisine. All the produce, as you would expect, is fresh and grown on surrounding farms. This local chef will share her love of delicious little dishes for which she holds cherished secrets. From Norman leeks and camembert tarts to small gourmet desserts, you will certainly find your favourite flavours! Undoubtedly, you will be surprised to discover just how rich, diverse and full of wonderful flavour the cuisine of Normandy really is.

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What do people say?

I want to thank you for your love and support in making it possible for us to have the most amazing proposal day. Thank you for helping me in making this a very special and memorable day in our life. Everything went very well and we are extremely happy!

We are now celebrating in the French Riviera and reminiscing how prefect everything was!
G.&A. Exclusive Romantic Proposal in Champagne - AMEX Australia

Dear Marie and Emeline,Thank you both for all of your help with this itinerary you have both been amazing we cannot believe how we have been able to organise everything that G. requested at such short notice. Your team has been amazing. I will certainly advise our lifestyle team to use your company for any future requests. We appreciate all of your help. As Julia said we can’t wait to see pictures and hear from G. how it all went!
Amy R. Exclusive Romantic Proposal in Champagne for a couple, client of AMEX Australia

Highly recommend. I am not easily impressed, but Marie managed the impossible throughout our entire Champagne experience. She was able to secure private and exclusive access to prestigious houses, which is a privilege reserved only for major distributors and celebrities. Each visit was unique, exclusive, educational and delicious. Looking forward to working with her to explore the rest of France.
Amanda M. A VERY exclusive Champagne Tour...
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