About Us
Learn about the people behind La Vaquerie Farm
The story of La Vaquerie
For nearly twenty years, we’ve been bringing students to Normandy through Berridge Programs, sharing our love of this remarkable corner of France. What has stayed with us most is the way life is lived here — good food, time around the table, connection to the seasons, pride in one’s craft, and the pleasure of doing things well. We dreamed of creating a home where we could share that way of life with others. La Vaquerie is the realization of that dream.
Food gives us a way to connect with this place, with the people who grow and make it, the traditions they carry forward, and the rhythms of life here. More importantly, it connects us to one another, giving us a reason to slow down, gather around the table, share a meal, and simply spend time together.
Our hope is that your time here offers more than an experience of France, but the time and space to discover something about how you want to live within it.
We look forward to welcoming you to our table.
Chris & Andrea
Founders and Guest Chefs
ANDREA MARDON - FOUNDER
Andrea is a mindfulness practitioner, artist, gardener, and Normandy enthusiast. She first visited Normandy in 2007 and immediately fell in love. In 2008, she founded Berridge Programs which has since grown into a year-round programs designed to share the beauty and connection of Normandy with young people from around the world.
CHRIS GAGGIA - FOUNDER
Chris is a passionate cook and avid outdoorsman. He studied Creative Writing but got his real education working in the climbing industry, where his love of human-powered adventure put him on an unexpected career path. He taught in the high school classroom for 11 years and worked at Patagonia for 9 years before becoming a Co-Director of Berridge Programs.
BOGDAN SILAGHI - GUEST CHEF
Bogdan lives in Normandy year-round and has cooked on our programs for over a decade. Originally from Romania, Bogdan made a name for himself in London as an actor and a chef, working in kitchens to fund his way through an MA in Acting. Since then, he has been devoted to food, moving to Normandy and becoming our full-time chef and culinary teacher.
RAY GAGGIA - GUEST CHEF
Ray Gaggia is a passionate foodie who attended Berridge as a student and returned as a staff member. He is currently getting his culinary training in Ventura, CA. He is the former manager of Palermo Coffee, worked as a prep chef at the prestigious Highly Likely in Ojai, CA. and is currently a line cook at the acclaimed House of Bamboo in Camarillo, CA.
JAMES BOKEE
James trained at the Escoffier School in the United Kingdom before making Normandy his home. During a distinguished career in hospitality, he has owned and managed successful restaurants and hotels, run catering businesses, and taught culinary arts to aspiring chefs. Drawing on more than four decades of experience, James brings a wealth of professional knowledge, practical skill, and a deep appreciation for French food.
Partnership with Berridge Programs
For nearly two decades, Berridge Programs has welcomed students to France through programs rooted in community, creativity, and cultural immersion.
La Vaquerie Farm is operated by Chris Gaggia and Andrea Mardon, who together founded Cooking & Culture. Andrea is also the founder of Berridge Programs. Cooking & Culture is based at La Vaquerie Farm and offered in partnership with Berridge Programs, which manages admissions, enrollment, and academic partnerships.