Food, friends and France
Three ingredients for an unforgettable summer.
Cook every day, explore bustling markets, meet the people behind the food, and experience the traditions that have made France one of the world's great culinary destinations.
Whether you're thinking of a culinary career or simply love being in the kitchen, you'll build skills, confidence, and friendships while experiencing food from source to table.
Build your culinary skills
Become more confident and capable in the kitchen as you learn the fundamentals and make classic French dishes.
Learn everything from seasoning and sauces to baking and bread making. Prepare fresh seafood, shop at the French market and cook with seasonal ingredients like the pros. By the end of the program, you'll have expanded your culinary repertoire and developed a deeper understanding of the ingredients, traditions, and culture that shape French cuisine.
Life on the farm
La Vaquerie is a place to settle in and enjoy the rhythms of everyday life.
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Everyone takes part in caring for the place we share, whether that's tending the garden, feeding the chickens, harvesting herbs, preparing a meal or looking after the spaces we use together.
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Life here also leaves room for simple pleasures. A bike ride through the countryside, a book in the garden, a game after dinner or an evening around the fire are all part of the experience.
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Dates and Details
Cohort Size
6-8 students​
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Program Length
14 days
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​Dates
SUMMER 2027
Session 1: June 23rd - July 6th, 2027
Session 2: July 9th - July 22nd, 2027​
Session 3: July 25th - August 8th, 2027
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Ages
14 - 19 including graduated seniors
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Cost
€4800
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More information on how and when to pay your tuition can be found HERE
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Tuition includes accommodation, meals, instruction, excursions and transportation to/from Paris CDG. Students are responsible for travel to France and some meals while away from La Vaquerie.
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Scholarships are available for this program.
Travel Information​
Airport meet and greet and private transportation direct to our location are provided by our staff on both arrival and departure days.
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Eligibility
This program is open to all, from confident cooks to complete beginners.
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Language Requirements
None. The program is taught entirely in English.​​​​​​​​​
Meet the makers
Every ingredient begins with someone who cares deeply about what they do.​
Meet fishermen, cheesemakers, bakers, farmers, chefs, and oyster growers who welcome us into their world. Visit working farms, artisan bakeries, and organic producers to learn firsthand how Normandy's most celebrated foods are grown, harvested, and made.
By meeting the people behind the food, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the skill, dedication, and craftsmanship that goes into every meal.
The stories behind the food
Every dish carries the story of the place it comes from.
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As you explore Normandy, you'll discover how history, geography, tradition, and family shape what people eat and how they live. From centuries-old recipes and regional specialties to the traditions passed from one generation to the next, every ingredient has a story to tell.
These experiences transform cooking from simply following recipes into understanding the culture and way of life behind every dish.
Gather around the table
In France, the table is where everything comes together.​
Bring what you've discovered back to the kitchen as you cook with seasonal ingredients, learn new techniques, and prepare meals alongside your peers.
From long lunches and family-style dinners to seaside picnics and special celebrations, you'll experience the French tradition of slowing down, sharing stories, and gathering around the table together.
Beyond the farm
Follow the food beyond the kitchen and into the places it comes from.
Discover vibrant markets, picturesque fishing villages, historic towns, artisan workshops, and spectacular coastline.
Learn breadmaking at a 16th-century windmill, sample oysters beside the sea, explore Cherbourg's specialty food shops, and enjoy meals in some of the region's most memorable restaurants.
Each experience adds another piece to the story of Normandy's food, connecting what you cook and eat to the land, traditions and people behind it.
Who is Cooking and Culture for?
Anyone who loves food, is curious about the world and wants to spend two weeks cooking, exploring and experiencing everyday life in France, including:
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Students looking for an international experience that combines cooking, culture, travel and new friendships.
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Foodies who already love cooking and want to learn new techniques and recipes.
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Lovers of France who want a meaningful experience in one of the world's great food destinations.
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Complete beginners who want to build confidence in the kitchen.
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Students interested in culinary careers who want to experience another food culture.
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Students looking to build life skills for college readiness and beyond.
