French Cooking & Baking Mixed Week Course


Both Cooking & Baking for many come hand in hand. So for those of you that have a passion for Cooking & Baking why not join us on a combined week of the two.


A combined week of Patisserie perfection and traditional French Cooking.
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Pricing

Mixed Week Course€2750

(Approx £2353)*

NON RESIDENTIAL MIXED WEEK COURSE‎€1650

(Approx £1412)*

Non Cooking Guest‎€990

*Exchange rate based on Google currency converter 19/04/2024


If you have any questions about one of our courses, or would like to get in touch with us, please do so via the contact form.

New for 2024

Mixed Week Itinerary

Sunday

Arrival from 4:00pm. You settle into your room and we meet up for drinks and canapés at 7.00pm to discuss our program. You then enjoy a three-course dinner.

Patisserie Course

Day One

After breakfast we go to a local patisserie to sample a few classics with a nice cup of coffee. This will give you a precise idea of the presentation we will be aiming for when we reproduce them in our kitchen. Lunch will be ready upon our return back home.

At 1.00 pm, we meet in the kitchen, to create our own pastries, which will be served for dessert that very same night. We will be in the kitchen until about 4:00 pm, so you will get some down time to relax before we meet up at 7:00 pm for an aperitif & canapés followed by dinner.

Day Two

After breakfast we meet in the kitchen to start baking. We will stop for lunch and get back to the kitchen to finish our pastries. You will then get some time to relax and put your feet up before the aperitif and dinner. Once again, your creations will be served for dessert that very same night. We set up a little photobooth everynight for you yo take photos of your bakes and culinary creations to share with your friends and family. We'll also take a few photos of your bakes to show off on our socials - to be seen by the world!

Cooking Course

Day One

We leave after breakfast to go to a market or visit a producer, to get our ingredients. We will also make a few detours on the way to see the pretty villages of the area and stop for a coffee. We'll be back home just in time for lunch.

At 1.00 pm, we meet in the kitchen, where everyone gets involved in a real team effort to prepare dinner. We will cook for about 3 hours, so you then get some time to relax or to drive to town. We meet for aperitif at 7:00 pm, and head back to the kitchen for the last minute prep if necessary.
You are invited to pop into the kitchen to plate up each course, but you can do as little or as much as you like: your holiday, so your time, your rhythm!

DAY TWO

On day two of the cooking course side of things, we'll have a morning session in the kitchen, where we will prepare and cook lunch together. Weather permitting, you'll be able to enjoy lunch in the garden under the gorgeous linden trees.

After lunch we will venture off the the Choclaterie in Nérac, the very place that inspired Joanne Harris's novel 'Chocolate' (please note: the shop remains closed in July, but we'll still be able enjoy of the below). We'll choose a selection of delightful chocolate and be on our way to the historic part of the town. Taking a leisurely stroll along the river, crossing the ancient bridges leading through to the cobbled roads and paths. Our destination: the main 15th century built chateau from where we'll enjoy a glass of champagne, or two, and of course the chocolate. As the afternoon comes to an end, we shall make our way back home to rest.

To finish off a beautiful day as the week comes to a close, we will take you for dinner to one of the local resturants.

Departure is on Friday morning. The room is yours until 11.00am if you have your own vehicle, but drop off to Tonneins station is for the 8.10am train.

The order of days may vary. The French cooking course excursions may depend on the season and on their availability, we will visit some producers among the following: honey producer, duck farm, chocolatier, prune farm, wine maker, fish farm ... as well as producers markets.

What's Included

Free collection and Drop-Off

We provide complimentary transportation to and from our local train station for all residential courses, ensuring a hassle-free arrival and departure.

Fully Inclusive Price

Enjoy a worry-free experience with no hidden costs. Our all-inclusive package covers your accommodation, every meal (including drinks), and all taxes

We don't charge any supplements for solo travelers.

Small Groups - No Overcrowding

Large kitchen with over 30m2 of kitchen space.

Personalized Attention: To ensure a high-quality learning environment, we limit our classes to a maximum of six participants.

This way, everyone receives individual attention and has enough workspace to unleash their culinary creativity.

Delightful Dining Experience

Indulge in a delectable array of meals throughout your stay. Start your day with a continental-style breakfast featuring fresh breads, croissants, organic juices and yogurts, soft boiled eggs, coffee, tea, cereals, fresh milk (not UHT!) and more.

Enjoy a satisfying lunch each day, and savor a three-course dinner every night as well as a night dinning out in style at one of our renowned local restaurants.

Beverage Selection

Whatever your preferred drink, we have you covered. You'll be welcomed with drinks and canapes upon arrival.

Before dinner, enjoy different aperitifs and cocktails each day. During meals, complement your dishes with local wines.

Throughout the day, quench your thirst with water, tea, coffee, cold drinks, and beers. Additionally, your room is equipped with coffee and tea making facilities.

Excursions and Tastings

Immerse yourself in the local culture and culinary scene with our included excursions and restaurant visit.

Discover the region's highlights, participate in tastings, and explore fascinating attractions - all entrance and restaurant fees covered.

17 Years of experience

Benefit from our years of experience and expertise. Unlike passive demonstrations, all our classes are hands-on, allowing you to actively engage in the cooking process.

We provide all the necessary ingredients, equipment, aprons and your own recipe folder to take home.

Comfortable Accommodation

Accommodation (details on our accommodation page), on all residential courses.

Linen, towels, organic shampoo & shower gel, for the duration of your stay.

Welcome pamper pack and departing goody bag included!

Stay Connected

Stay connected with complimentary super-fast WiFi available throughout the premises, ensuring you can share your cooking & baking holiday adventure with friends and family.

Hands-on piping choux pastry in the kitchen at Le Gargantua Cooking
Vacations

Piping choux pastry in the kitchen

With over 17 years behind us, we know a thing or two about cooking and baking. But it's also the care and attention we provide to our guest's that is also part of your experience with us. Our reward, is your satisfaction. From the moment you make contact with us we'll take good care of you. Of course, you don't have to take our word for it, you can read the latest reviews here.

New for 2024
All of your recipes in one place

Gain access to every recipe covered during your cooking & baking holiday through our exclusive online portal.

As of 2024, you'll not only take your recipes home with you, but also be able to access them online exclusively. In addition, as so many of our guests have requested, we'll include some of the delicious recipes we use here at the cooking school to cater for you, such as the lunches, the aperitifs, the amuse-bouche and the evening meals, so you can recreate those at home too. There will also be a recipe Q&A - where you'll have a direct line to us should you have any questions or even if you just need a little guidance, we're be there to help.

Le Gargantua Recipe Portal WebApp
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