Restaurants and cookery courses

When taste is not enough, or perhaps to impress the man or woman of your dreams, why not try a cookery course taking you to the roots of the local cuisine.

Some are available in the region’s most prestigious restaurants , but there are also “farmhouse cooking” packages and even courses in Logis de France hotel-restaurants. (see the list) 

In some cases, pupils get an opportunity to watch as a leading chef lets them into some of their secrets – Nicolas Frion at the Chapon Fin in Bordeaux, for example. Generally, however, the pupils also have to get down to work – such as at Michel Trama’s Five Senses Workshop in Puymirol, or with Annie Demen on the banks of the Lake of Halco in the Landes.

Of course, on the farmhouse cookery courses, students learn how to carve a duck and prepare foie gras and confit, or how to make the best use of the flavour of truffles and how to decorate a plate attractively.

Often lasting a weekend, these courses are also an opportunity to taste regional specialities. Sometimes the dishes prepared by the pupils are tasted during a meal and sometimes they are put into a jar to be taken home and savoured later. An entertaining atmosphere is guaranteed!

Consult the (non-exhaustive) list or get information from the local Tourist Boards or Tourist Offices who will provide a list of the best addresses.