France - Gourmet Cooking Vacations, Guided Wine Tours and French Cooking Classes

Whether it be learning to master local dishes from a renowned chef in the heart of Provence, biking amidst the spectacular red poppy fields of Chianti, or tasting fine Tuscan wines from the Brunello region, Active Gourmet Holidays offers the perfect escape.

Your 12-day culinary adventure begins in Paris, the “City of Light.” Here you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner with wine, guided sightseeing, and a visit to the Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School for a cooking demonstration and a tasting of the expertly created dishes.

With a capacity of 20 guests, the school specializes in teaching French and cooking in a relaxed atmosphere with professional instruction. Accommodation and meals are provided on site at the chateau. Lunch is buffet style, while dinner is a traditional French 4 course meal.

Come join us for a unique hands-on culinary and cultural vacation of a lifetime. You will experience 5 days of culinary instruction at the hands of Chef Daniel Bonnot, along with excursions into this sun-drenched and historical corner of Provence.

Our programs are designed to provide a relaxed, insider's perspective on the beautiful regions we visit. You will be part of a small group, staying at villas with hosts who are experts in food, history, culture, and the fine art of living well.

Anne Willan founded La Varenne, the famous French cooking school, in 1975 and directs its culinary programs at the Château du Feÿ in Burgundy, France. The programs at La Varenne are all-inclusive, except for travel to/from France, including accommodations.

Join our experienced and friendly travel team and get the most out of your vacation. We travel to the most desirable locations in France, Italy and Spain, immersing ourselves in the culture of food and wine. All food, wine, accommodations, cooking classes and other activities are included.

Our French Culinary Cooking Tour is here to serve your desire for an organized cooking vacation. You will learn to refine your cooking skills, as well as eat delicious meals in an atmosphere that is relaxing, fun…and above all…in the French Loire countryside.

Gourmet cuisine and cooking classes in the beautiful Loire Valley, that’s what you will find at Walnut Grove Cookery. There is only one way to learn gourmet cooking, and that is to do it! Top chefs, luxury accommodations, set in France – the home of gourmet cuisine.