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French Culinary Adventure in the Loire Valley

Highlights

  • Stay in a local 4 star hotel with swimming pool & daily breakfast buffet.
  • Master classics such as the chefs signature dishes, soufflés, bread making, macarons, and more.
  • All cooking lessons, culinary excursions & amazing meals are included.
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6 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

Learn to master French cuisine on this 6 night culinary adventure in a quiet hamlet with not one but two qualified and award winning chefs; return home with a range of new cookery skills and wonderful recipes for French classics with a twist including souffles, macarons, brulees & more.

If you are looking for an authentic French culinary experience that is hands on and full of variety, search no more! Take inspiration from French classics and take it to a new level with your Chefs’ added flare, spices and a hint of the exotic.

You’ll be guided on your culinary adventure by two qualified and award winning chefs, Alison and Sidney, whose passion for creating incredible dishes using local, seasonal produce, will teach you not only how to cook, but how to fall in love with cooking, and all of the rewarding results that come with it.

This husband and wife team, who met in Swaziland, have worked all over the world as groundbreaking, innovative chefs. Sidney was Captain of The British Craft Guild Team for 2000/2001 when they achieved a record medal total, and both have been recognised for their medals obtained at international levels as well as having cooked for heads of State and celebrities. We figured if they’re good enough for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, they’re good enough for you!

This culinary adventure leaves nothing out. From guinea fowl to duck, outdoor markets, regional wine and even a dinner at a Michelin Star restaurant, each day will be a new foodie experience – and that’s before embracing souffles, macarons and chocolates!

You’ll enjoy 6 nights in one of two 4 star hotels located within walking distance of the cooking school, and each has been renovated to have every modern convenience while retaining its old French charm. Your hosts will be happy to pick you up before your lesson, although many guests find the walk enjoyable or use a bicycle throughout their stay. Located in the quiet hamlet, it’s lovely to explore on foot and each has a swimming pool to relax in during your free time.

Do not be intimidated! This is a wonderful holiday perfect for any level and you will learn a vast range of skills to take home in just the one week you spend with Sidney and Alison.

2025 Dates

23 – 29 March

25-31 May

29 June – 5 July

27 July -2 August

24 – 30 August

31 August – 6 Sept

14 – 20 Sept

12 – 18 Oct

 

 

 

 

 

Arrival

– Arrive in the afternoon, check in and get settled in to your accommodation
– 7pm: Enjoy a welcome champagne cocktail and the opportunity to meet fellow guests along with your hosts during a ‘Taste of the Loire Valley’ buffet

 

Gold Medal dishes & brûlées

– 9am: Wake up and enjoy a traditional French breakfast at your hotel
– Head to the cookery school for your first cooking lesson; this morning you will be making two Gold Medal dishes, these dishes are simplified and easy for you to prepare back home in your own kitchen
– You will cover:
The art of butchering, cooking and working with poultry and duck
Fricasse of Guinea Fowl with Morrels and a Touraine Sauce
Seasonal Duck Dish
Pommes Fondantes, Dauphinoises and Seasonal Vegetable dish
– Enjoy the lunch you created with the group accompanied by regional cheeses and fresh bread
– In the afternoon, you will learn Chef Alison’s take on a Trio of Gourmet Brûlées
– This will be a hands on class on how to create stunning desserts using Brûlee as the main focus
– After some leisure time, meet up with everyone for a demonstration and dinner

Chateau visit & desserts

– 8.30am: Traditional French breakfast at your hotel
– 9:30am: Depart for Chateau Chenonceau and take the morning to explore at your leisure
– 12.30pm: Enjoy some lunch in the charming Orangerie restaurant set in the gardens of Château Chenonceau
– After lunch, head back to the farmhouse where you will participate in a hands-on cooking class of ice-cream and Alison’s Mousse au Chocolat
– 7:00pm: Enjoy a seasonal dinner

Food market & macaron

– This morning you will head out to Tours’ best bakery to pick out breakfast
– As Wednesday is market day, today you’ll be able to explore both the indoor ‘Les Halles Food Market’ and the twice weekly outdoor market
– Take some time out today to walk the medieval streets, take in some history and culture, or just sit and people watch, it is up to you
– Lunch today will be a traditional French lunch at the farmhouse, prepared by Chef Alison
– 2:00pm: Alison will share with you her passion for creating and preparing one of the world’s most sought after classics, the Macaron, with her special twists:
Exotic Chocolate Macaron
Seasonal Macaron Creation
Taking the Macaron on a Contemporary journey into the future
– After some leisure time before dinner, get ready for dinner at a Michelin Starred Restaurant

Fish lesson & afternoon excursion

– Thursday mornings at 4am, the farmhouse receives the fresh fish delivery from the Atlantic port of La Rochelle
– Today is all about fish! Learn to identify, test for freshness, and hone in on your fish skills by working on the following items:
Sidney’s “Smoke, Fire and Spice” Fruits of the Sea creation
Preparing and working with Mussels, fresh from the Atlantic coast
You’ll prepare a seasonal Fish course using the fresh catch of the day
– Afterwards, enjoy your seafood feast, followed by some free time before meeting up for dinner
– During your free time, feel free to hike, cycle, have a river walk, play boules, or treat yourself to a massage at a renowned local spa
– Visit the picturesque town Angles sur Anglin or go to le Grand Pressigny to get in some sites and culture
– 7:00pm: Make your way back to the farm house for tasting of Loire Valley wines and French chocolates – the perfect match!

Souffle & group BBQ

– After breakfast, you’ll head out to the local goats cheese farm and meet the local producers where you can taste and experience some of the finest goats cheese in the world
– After the farm, you’ll learn how to perfect the Souffle and prepare some amazing dishes that focus on the local goats cheese, featuring the following:
Cheese Soufflé
Soufflé Grand Marnier
Sidney’s hands of French Bread Making
– You’ll be able to feast on this at lunch in the Orchard
– In the afternoon, using local and fresh ingredients, your host Alison will guide you through preparing a dessert to impress even the most discerning guest
– You will also assist Sidney in preparing for tonight’s Zulu BBQ and have the opportunity to learn some impressive local dishes from the African continent
– 7:30pm: Join everyone for your cooking certificate of completion, along with Champagne
– Your holiday will be wrapped up with a  Zulu BBQ “A Taste of Africa”, inspired from Sidney’s upbringing, where you can feast on the following:
Mozambique Chicken Peri Peri
Chakalaka Sauce
Lamb Samosas
Durban Vegetable Bhajis
Putu Pap
Sidney’s childhood nanny’s (Edith’s) Fruit Chutney

Departure

– Enjoy breakfast before your departure by 11am

What's included

Included

  • 6 nights 4-star hotel accommodation in a private ensuite room
  • 22 hours of cooking and instruction throughout the week with two professional chefs
  • Welcome “Taste of Loire Valley” buffet and glass of Champagne
  • A chocolate and wine tasting
  • Dinner at a Michelin star restaurant
  • All meals including wine at dinner
  • Transport for all excursions and activities in the itinerary
  • Entrance into Château Chenonceau
  • Personalised apron and recipe folder
  • Return transfers from Chatellerault train station
  • Check in any time after 2pm on day 1 and check out by 11am on day 7

Accommodation

Accommodation is either in Les Sorels or Les Loges Du Parc

Depending on availability, you will be staying in one of two 4 star hotels located just a few minutes walk from the cooking school (transfers are provided if needed)
The hotels are set in a tranquil hamlet with access to lovely cafes, historical buildings, a spa, and great rural walks
Each hotel offers single, twin or double ensuite rooms, with air conditioning, TV and WIFI
All bedrooms are fully air conditioned and have an ensuite bathroom with a shower
Both hotels have swimming pools for you to enjoy, along with delicious buffet breakfasts every morning
and have a bar and restaurant on site as well as lovely common areas inside and out.
Check in is after 2pm on day 1 and check out is by 11am on day 7
If you would like to stay for extra days in the accommodation or even add an additional day cooking class this can also be added, just let us know we’ll be happy to help

Set in the quaint hamlet of Fromenteau along the River Creuse, Les Sorels offers an enchanting escape in the heart of the French countryside.
Seamlessly blending its traditional charm with modern comforts, each room at Les Sorels provides pure linen, smart flat-screen TVs, an in-room coffee and tea station, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and turn-down service for ultimate relaxation. With a private terrace in every room, guests can immerse themselves in the peace and calm of the picturesque French country side.

There are hammocks nestled beneath beautiful trees, inviting guests to sway gently in the breeze amidst the fragrant lavender. Guests can also explore the surrounding countryside with ease, using Les Sorels bicycles and the provided walking and cycling map, carefully crafted to guide them along perfectly designed trails.

Les Loges du Parc is a delightful hotel nestled in the heart of La Roche Posay. With its elegant ‘Belle Epoque’ facade, surrounded by rose gardens and a thermal pool, it offers a unique retreat. Recently renovated with a chic country style and a touch of British flair, the hotel boasts spacious rooms and suites, each with its own distinct character inspired by nature.

The Art Nouveau charm of the exterior blends seamlessly with modern amenities, including a relaxing pool area for guests to enjoy. Inside, the ambiance exudes tranquility and authenticity, with solid wood floors and a cozy fireplace in the lobby. As part of the prestigious Châteaux & Hôtels Collection under the Alain Ducasse Group, Les Loges du Parc promises a comfortable and charming stay.

Your local host

Alison & Sidney

Join professional yet fun & friendly chefs Alison and Sidney, a dynamic kitchen duo who have cooked for the likes of Queen Elizabeth II & the royal family, Richard Attenborough, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (to just name a few), and can’t wait to show you their secrets and recipes while you’re their guest in their converted French farmhouse.

Their cookery school is located in a charming hamlet in the Loire Valley and when you’re not in the kitchen you will find it easy to relax and make the most of your time whether you’re walking by the river, people watching at the cafes, or booking yourself in for a spa treatment.

Your hosts also have bicycles on hand for you to get out and ex... Read All

Join professional yet fun & friendly chefs Alison and Sidney, a dynamic kitchen duo who have cooked for the likes of Queen Elizabeth II & the royal family, Richard Attenborough, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (to just name a few), and can’t wait to show you their secrets and recipes while you’re their guest in their converted French farmhouse.

Their cookery school is located in a charming hamlet in the Loire Valley and when you’re not in the kitchen you will find it easy to relax and make the most of your time whether you’re walking by the river, people watching at the cafes, or booking yourself in for a spa treatment.

Your hosts also have bicycles on hand for you to get out and explore the countryside, and perhaps work up an appetite for the amazing dinners you will be having every evening. Make sure to hit the pool in your free time and soak up some sun while you’re on holiday. You can even enjoy the local, laid back lifestyle and play boules in the village square.

Alison & Sidney image

Location

This French cookery school is located in a small French hamlet on the river Creuse in the stunning Loire Valley. The region is home to European Renaissance which brought with it a rich and diverse culinary history and depth.

When you’re not cooking with your professional chefs, you’ll be enjoying some river walks, cycling or time out by the pool in your relaxing 4 star accommodation.

Nearest airports:

Tours ( 1hr 10 mins by car ), Poitiers ( 1 hours by car)
Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports (1.5 hours by train)

If you need transfers these can be arranged for you at an extra cost. Please let us know on booking.

 

What our travellers are saying...

We arrived a group of 12 people some of us where professional cooks, other amateur cooks in order to enjoy a culinary study abroad program, to learn about local h as habits, classic French cooking and more. We all heard about this venture but did not expect such an amazing experience led by two outstanding chefs Alison and Sydney Bond. We have experienced master classes, tours in a Truffels Farm, duck farm, fantastic local restaurant and much m

Michael

A week full of on the job learning from highly qualified experts who provided not only guidance on food preparation but multiple foundational tips for succeeding in the kitchen. Always of good humour, highly professional, gracious, and client focused. Very well thought out program with excursions to the famous Tours market and also Chenonceau chateau. Kitchen supply shopping in Paris, the food tour in Montmartre were outstanding.

Dorra

FAQs

Who is it suitable for?

- Suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced cooks
- Minimum age 18 (under 18s accepted if accompanied by an adult)
- All classes are taught in English
- Please note that although your hosts can cater to vegetarians, they unfortunately cannot accept vegans, celiac or lactose intolerant guests

Restricted mobility access

Please find below some information regarding the accommodation and location of the holiday which may be useful when deciding if this is the right holiday for you; should you have an further questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help
- We generally do not recommend this location for those with restricted mobility, as the hotels aren't equipped
- The holiday is based in a village with cobbled, uneven streets

Are meals included?

All meals are included on your holiday, as well as wine with dinner

Breakfast
- Breakfast is inclusive of freshly baked pastries, home-made confitures, local artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, muesli, cereals, yogurts, freshly squeezed juices, seasonal fruits, eggs to order, coffee and tea

Lunch and dinner
- Some meals may be in restaurants, such as a meal at a Michelin star restaurant during the week, however, when dining at the cooking school, the menu is adjusted according to season and the best available locally sourced products will only be used
- Please note that vegetarians will follow the normal cooking classes but your hosts ensure they are catered for at meal times
- This holiday isn’t the right match for vegans, celiac and lactose intolerant guests

What can I do in my free time?

- The countryside is a great place to get out an explore; whether you hit a cafe, people watch, or take a dip in the pool or river
- Feel free to borrow a bicycle, walk the riverside, or book yourself a treatment at the local spa

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