A taste of France
Explore French cuisine through an educational journey in Normandy, a region celebrated for its fresh produce, seafood, dairy and deep-rooted food traditions.
Designed for educators and students, the Culinary Discovery Tour blends culture and culinary adventure. From bustling markets to ancient windmills, experience Normandy’s living food heritage through experiences that reveal how dedicated artisans and food professionals shape the legacy of French cuisine.
From touring historical sites to getting hands-on in our kitchen to dining in farm-to-table restaurants, students gain practical skills, cultural insight, and inspiration to bring back to the classroom.
More than a school trip, this experience fosters an understanding of how food reflects the culture, history, and heart of a place.
Excursions and Experiences
St Vaast Market & Oyster Tasting: Taste the “Grand Cru” of oysters at this bustling traditional French market.
16th-Century Windmill & Breadmaking: Grind flour and bake bread in a 250-year-old wood-fired oven.
Cider Making Tour: Tour a traditional cider maker, learning about this eco-friendly regional product.
Mont St Michel: Wander cobbled streets, visit the 1,000-year-old abbey, and take in tidal island views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Farm Visit: Meet Christelle and Valéry Ferey, third-generation cheesemakers crafting raw-milk cheeses by hand from grass-fed cows.
Local Bakery Tour: Watch baguettes and pastries made from scratch, and enjoy warm tastings straight from the oven.
Program Outcomes
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Build Culinary Competence: Develop hands-on skills in classic French techniques through dishes like ratatouille, boeuf bourguignon, tarte Tatin, and crème brûlée.
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Understand Regional Food: Explore Normandy’s ingredients and traditions through visits to markets, dairies, oyster beds, and farms. Learn how Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (A.O.C.) regulations, terroir, and seasonality protect quality and preserve culinary heritage.
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Engage with Artisan Traditions: Experience historic foodmaking, bake bread in a centuries-old oven, tour a working windmill, and observe the craftsmanship behind traditional copper cookware.
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Apply Cultural Context: Connect cooking to place through excursions across Normandy’s coastal landscapes and historic sites, gaining insight into how culture and environment influence cuisine.
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Promote Collaboration & Leadership: Cook, share, and live in community, developing teamwork, communication, and leadership through collective culinary practice.
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Integrate and Inspire: Return with practical skills, cultural understanding, and creative ideas to enrich classrooms and inspire future learning through food.
Educator Open Days
While our Cooking and Culture Program is in session, we have an open-door invitation to any Culinary Arts Educators to join us for a three-day culinary adventure!
You’ll have the chance to see how our programs run, meet our team, explore the stunning Cotentin Peninsula, and discover for yourself what makes this region such a rich classroom for culinary learning.
Whether you’re thinking of bringing a group on one of our tours or simply curious about what we do, our Open Days are the perfect way to experience the food culture of Normandy in person
2026 DATES:
Any three days between June 27 - July 9, 2026
Any three days between July 28 - August 9, 2026
OPEN DAYS ARE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE
Get in touch to plan your site visit to Normandy this summer.
Dates and Details
Available Dates
SUMMER 2027
Dates available from May 1st to August 15th, 2026.
SUMMER 2028
Dates available from May 1st to August 15th, 2027.
Cohort Size
Minimum 6 students, maximum of 12
Cost
Starting at $2400 for our basic 7-day program inclusive of accommodation, tours, local transportation and meals (some out and some cooked together). Not including airfare to Paris, France and travel to our location.
A range of custom and add-on options are available to build the most meaningful trip for your students.
Language Requirements
None. The program is taught entirely in English.
A letter from the Directors
Bonjour from Normandy!
We’re Andrea and Chris — two former teachers who fell in love with this beautiful corner of France and have made it our home. Over the years, Normandy has become more than just a place to us; it’s a way of life we feel deeply connected to and our greatest joy is sharing this region with others. We love opening doors to the places, stories, and flavors that make Normandy so special — the bustling markets, the seaside villages, the farmers and chefs who carry on traditions that have been part of this land for generations.
As former educators, we understand how powerful it can be when learning moves beyond the classroom. The experiences we create are designed to connect meaningfully to curriculum and ignite a love of learning. Whether you’re an educator looking to bring new ideas home or hoping to give your students a once-in-a-lifetime experience, we’ll work with you to make it truly memorable.
We look forward to welcoming you here soon,
Andrea & Chris
