Cook in France offers practical cooking classes in English for individuals and groups, led by trained chefs in the French countryside.
A Culinary Experience in the Heart of France
A Structured Course Designed for English Speakers
Cook in France is a cooking school located in the south-west of France, in the village of Gramont, in the Tarn-et-Garonne department. The program is run by chef David Chance, a trained British chef who offers cooking classes in English, specifically designed for international visitors. His courses are open to both individuals and private groups, with sessions tailored for varying skill levels, from novice to home cook.
The classes are held in a converted 19th-century stone barn, equipped with a modern kitchen. This practical environment is meant to simulate a real home kitchen rather than a professional setting. The goal is to allow people to replicate the recipes when they return home.
The school operates on a small scale. Sessions are limited to six participants, which allows for hands-on participation and direct interaction with the instructor. Courses take place from March to November and can be booked online.
Participants are taught how to prepare a typical French meal using seasonal products available locally. The day begins with a coffee and planning session, followed by a full morning of cooking, and ends with a shared lunch, where the prepared dishes are served and discussed. The focus is not on decorative elements but on practical, reproducible skills.
What You Learn During a Cooking Day
From Starters to Desserts, the French Way
Each course covers a complete French menu, including entrée, plat principal and dessert, with a possibility to explore sauces, pastry or technical preparations such as reductions, knife work, and slow cooking.
The meals are based on regional specialities and change according to market availability. Common dishes include duck confit, tarte Tatin, crème brûlée, quiche, and garlic soup. Ingredients are sourced from local producers and village markets, which supports small-scale farming and ensures freshness.
Classes are structured so that each student is involved in every step of the cooking process. Techniques are explained in plain English, with visual and practical demonstrations. Every participant is given printed recipes, so there is no need to take notes during the session.
Chef David provides insights into cooking temperatures in Celsius (°C) with equivalents in Fahrenheit (°F), ingredient quantities in grams and millilitres, and tips for adapting recipes in different countries. For example, a tart may require 250 grams (8.8 oz) of flour or a meat roast cooked at 180°C (356°F).
This method benefits both beginners and experienced cooks who want to understand the logic behind French cuisine without being lost in translation or kitchen jargon.
Group Classes and Private Bookings
See all our cooking classes in France (follow the link)
Learning Together in an Intimate Setting
In addition to individual enrolment, Cook in France offers cooking classes for groups, which are often booked by friends, families, or corporate teams. These private sessions follow the same structure but allow for more flexibility in choosing the menu or theme.
Group bookings can accommodate up to six people, and prices range from €140 to €180 per person (about £120 to £155, or \$150 to \$195), depending on the menu and season. This includes all ingredients, equipment use, instruction, lunch with wine, and recipe handouts.
The small group size avoids overcrowding and ensures that each participant has access to cooking stations and tools. This makes the experience more productive and less observational. Unlike large cooking tours in Paris or Lyon, the setting in Gramont is quiet and focused, without distractions or long waits.
For those staying longer in the area, the school also recommends nearby guesthouses and rural accommodations, but accommodation is not included in the course price.
Location, Practical Info and Booking Conditions
Why Gramont Appeals to International Food Enthusiasts
Gramont is located in Occitanie, near the borders of Gers and Tarn-et-Garonne. It is reachable by car from Toulouse (1h30, or 100 km / 62 miles) and Agen (1h, or 70 km / 43 miles). Although it is rural, many international guests find it accessible via flights to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, followed by a rental car.
Most participants come from the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and Ireland, and are looking for a cultural experience around food in France without language barriers. Having a chef who speaks English fluently and who understands the expectations of English-speaking travellers adds clarity and comfort.
Courses must be booked in advance via the website. A deposit is required, and cancellations are allowed up to 14 days before the scheduled class. The average day starts at 10:00 a.m. and finishes around 3:30 p.m., with cooking, dining and short breaks.
Chef David also shares recipes and seasonal notes through the website blog, and occasionally offers special workshops, such as vegetarian menus or pastry techniques.
A Neutral Look at the Pros and Limits
What the Experience Offers – and What It Doesn’t
The major benefit of Cook in France is its clarity and practicality. Unlike many cooking classes that mix wine tourism or sightseeing with short demonstrations, this school is focused entirely on learning to cook a French meal. There is little waiting or idle time, and participants leave with a sense of having done the work themselves.
On the other hand, it may not suit those looking for luxury settings, hotel services or gourmet tasting menus. There is no Michelin-star association, no hotel facilities, and no urban attractions. It is a day-based rural workshop, oriented toward education more than entertainment.
There is no pressure to perform. The atmosphere is described by participants as calm, methodical and hands-on. You don’t need prior training, but you should be ready to work at your station.
The cost is reasonable compared to big-name schools in cities. Prices are below the national average for French cooking classes, especially given the length of the sessions and the full meal included.
Cook in France is your gateway to French cuisine and gastronomy in France. Get in touch for your next cooking workshop.