Food Tours and Cookery Experiences

Taste the Charente with hands-on culinary adventures during your stay at La Grue Gîtes

If you’re dreaming of a holiday that stirs the senses and satisfies your appetite, our Food Tours and Cookery Experiences in the Charente are just the ticket. During your stay at La Grue Gîtes, you’ll enjoy unique access to local artisans, immersive cookery classes, and guided tasting sessions—all set against the beautiful backdrop of rural southwest France.

Whether you’re baking French macarons in a professional kitchen, meeting cheese-making goats, or sipping walnut liqueur under the sun, these unforgettable activities offer a true taste of French life.

What’s Included in Our Food Tours and Cookery Experiences?

We partner with trusted local producers, chefs, and artisans to bring you a handpicked selection of culinary adventures. Many workshops can take place on-site at the gîtes, while others involve scenic short drives through the Charente countryside.

All tours are available exclusively to La Grue Gîtes guests. When you book your stay, just let us know what interests you and we’ll help arrange the details.

Cookery and Artisan Experiences

👩‍🍳 Cookery Workshops with Adeline

Bake your own macarons, croissants, or tarte tatin with local cook Adeline, trained by top chocolatier Nicolas Bichon. Held either at the gîtes or in a stylish professional kitchen in Angoulême, these workshops are relaxed, fun, and fully bilingual. All ingredients and equipment are included.

Great for: food lovers, French learners, complete beginners, and groups of friends.

🧀 Cheesemaking with Valérie and Marina

Visit a working goat farm and learn how to make artisan cheese from scratch. Meet the friendly Poitou goats and take home your own handmade creation.

Great for: families, foodies, and those curious about traditional French farming.

🍝 Organic Pasta Workshop with Philippe

Philippe grows organic wheat and transforms it into pasta in his workshop in Gourville. This is a unique chance to see real farm-to-fork production in action.

Great for: those passionate about organic produce and handmade food.

🌰 Walnut Farm Visit with Cécile

Cécile’s family-run farm produces a delicious range of walnut-based products including oil, liqueur, and spreads. After the tour, enjoy a relaxed picnic in the orchard.

Great for: nature lovers, local food enthusiasts, and relaxed afternoons.

🍷 Cognac, Wine and Cocktail Tastings

Discover the spirit of the Charente with tasting visits to local Cognac and wine producers. Or try something a little different with a cocktail workshop hosted by Julie fromBelle de Brillet.

Great for: couples, celebration breaks, and grown-up experiences.

🐌 The Snail Experience

Visit La Cagouille Charentaise and explore one of France’s most iconic delicacies—snails! Learn how they’re farmed and prepared, and sample this traditional dish.

Great for: adventurous eaters and those curious about French culinary culture.

🛍 Farm Shop Visits and Hidden Gems

We’ll help you discover local farm shops like the Logis de Mortier, where you can browse, taste and shop for beautifully made regional products to take home.

Great for: food souvenirs and local shopping.

Who Are These Food Tours and Cookery Experiences For?

• Families looking for hands-on learning and memory-making

• Couples wanting a romantic or unique experience

• Groups of friends seeking fun and relaxed activities

• Teenagers practising French before exams

• Solo travellers trying something new

• House hunters who want to immerse themselves in local culture

No experience is necessary, and many sessions are fully bilingual—making them ideal for beginners and language learners alike.

Book Your Stay and Enjoy Food Tours and Cookery Experiences

When you book your holiday at La Grue Gîtes, let us know you’re interested in adding Food Tours and Cookery Experiences to your stay. We’ll send you our latest seasonal itinerary and help tailor the perfect package for you.

💬 “Our macaron-making class was the highlight of our trip! It was fun, educational, and the results were delicious.” – Guest from Spring 2024

📅 Availability is limited and workshops are popular, so early booking is recommended.

📩 Contact Us to start planning your delicious Charentaise escape.