Discover the flavours of France and a taste of Charente with hands-on food experiences, artisan visits, and shared laughter in the heart of the Charente
At La Grue Gîtes, we believe that some of the most memorable moments of a holiday are the ones shared around food. Whether it’s learning the secrets of a perfect macaron, tasting walnut liqueur straight from the farm, or chatting with passionate artisans over a cheese tasting, our food tours and culinary workshops offer guests an authentic, hands-on way to experience the rich flavours with a real taste of Charente region.
During your stay, you can go beyond the restaurant table and dive into the kitchens, farms, and vineyards of our favourite local producers. With a glass in hand, an apron on, and new friends around you, you’ll discover a true taste of French life.
Meet Adeline: The Magic of Macarons
Our culinary experiences began with a chance reunion. Carol, your host at La Grue Gîtes, reconnected with Adeline—an inspiring cook and teacher behind L’Atelier Fait Maison. With a background in professional pâtisserie and training from top local chocolatier Nicolas Bichon, Adeline runs warm, welcoming cookery workshops both in Angoulême and right here at the gîtes.
Over the Easter break, we took a group of guests to a macaron-making workshop—and it was nothing short of magical. The setting? A stylish, open kitchen inside Autour du Feu, a showroom in Angoulême that gave us total Bake-Off vibes. Everything was provided—ingredients, equipment, and expert guidance—and guests of all skill levels felt supported and inspired.
We piped, whisked, and filled, learning step-by-step how to create those perfect little pillows of almond goodness. There were laughs (particularly when Carol’s “touche anglaise” resulted in some wonky shells!), language lessons, and even a new method of making lemon curd.
Adeline’s bilingual approach makes these sessions ideal for everyone: holidaymakers wanting to try something new, students preparing for French exams, or house hunters looking for a deeper cultural connection.
More Than Macarons: A Menu of Foodie Fun
But our love of food doesn’t stop at pastry. Guests can now choose from a curated range of culinary adventures, each one offering a taste of something truly special:
🧀 Cheesemaking with Valérie and Marina
Head into the Charentais countryside to meet the charming Poitou goats and discover the art of making your own cheese. This hands-on experience is a hit with families and anyone curious about sustainable farming.
🍝 Pasta with Philippe in Gourville
Philippe is an organic grain farmer with a passion for pasta. At his workshop, you’ll learn how he turns homegrown wheat into handmade pasta, with tastings to follow of course.
🌰 A Day at the Walnut Farm
Cécile’s organic walnut farm is a picturesque spot for a picnic. After exploring her orchards and walnut oil press, enjoy sampling her range of products from liqueurs to tapenades.
🍷 Sips and Stories: Cognac, Wine & Cocktails
Join us on tastings that celebrate the region’s most famous exports. From Cognac tours to boutique Charentais wines and a mixology session with the brilliant Julie from Belle de Brillet, you’ll discover just how much variety there is to savour.
🐌 Snails, Farm Shops & Hidden Gems
Visit La Cagouille Charentaise for a snail experience (yes, really!) or pop by the Logis de Mortier farm shop for local delicacies and handmade treats. We’re always finding new gems to share with our guests.
More Than a Holiday: A True French Experience
These food tours are more than activities—they’re immersive cultural encounters. Whether you’re a serious foodie, a first-time baker, a curious traveller, or simply someone who loves to learn, you’ll find an experience that’s fun, friendly, and memorable.
We’ve welcomed house hunters keen to improve their French, groups of friends looking for a light-hearted day out, and even teenagers brushing up for their French oral exams. Everyone leaves with full bellies, new skills, and plenty of stories to tell.
How to Book Your Foodie Adventure
All of these experiences are exclusively available to guests of La Grue Gîtes. When you book your stay, just let us know you’re interested in a culinary tour or workshop and we’ll tailor the itinerary to suit your tastes and timing.
You can stay in one of our three lovingly restored gîtes and add as much (or as little) to your food tour as you like. Whether it’s a single macaron workshop or a week-long flavour-filled adventure across the Charente, we’ll help you create something special.
🥐 Book Your Stay and Start Your Culinary Journey
Ready to savour the Charente? View availability and book your gîte today at La Grue Gîtes. Let us know you’re interested in food tours and we’ll send you our latest seasonal itinerary and help you plan your perfect trip.
