French Cookery Course in Bordeaux

Discover the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of Bordeaux in southwest France. This two-day French Cookery Course break features a cookery class, slap-up lunch and wine tasting - the perfect introduction to the fine cuisine of the region.

With mile upon mile of glorious Atlantic coastline, sandy forest and heathlands and the Pyrenean foothills within its borders, the Aquitaine region of southwest France is among the country’s most diverse and spectacular travel destinations. Aquitaine has a long and rich history, as evidenced by the many castles, bastides and medieval villages that pepper the landscape. The region is renowned for its stunning countryside and abundance of vineyards – Bordeaux produces arguably the world’s best wines – as well as for its vibrant cities, including glamorous Biarritz, historic Perigueux and Bordeaux itself, a major urban centre and UNESCO World Heritage site.

This two-day French Cookery Course takes you to the charming village of Bouliac, 10km outside Bordeaux. Based at Chateau Lavergne, a stunning Second Empire house, you’ll spend your first afternoon exploring the area under your own steam, enjoying a meal in either a local bistro or a restaurant in nearby Bordeaux. The following day begins with a lavish breakfast, after which you’ll head to a beautiful outdoor market to stock up on provisions. It’s then back to the chateau for a gourmet cooking class led by your hostess, Suzanne, owner of the chateau. This is followed by a lazy lunch and wine tasting, when you’ll get to sample some of the famous white and red wines from the region and also Clairet a dark rose wine from Bordeaux. The tour finishes in the afternoon, then it’s back home to practice what you’ve learnt!

This one’s for anybody with an interest in great food, both its eating and its preparation. You don’t need to have any prior experience of gourmet cooking as everything will be explained by your expert tutor; all you need is an open mind, a curious attitude and a healthy appetite! The setting is magnificent, the itinerary undemanding and the pace gentle, making this tour suitable for pretty much anyone. Bon appétite!