Food, friends and France
Discover three ingredients for the best summer ever! Join us on our Cooking and Culture Program and elevate your culinary skills while crafting meals that nourish the body, inspire the soul, and bring people together.
Cook and connect
Few moments in life spark creativity and inspire connection more than a mindfully prepared meal shared with family and friends. Food is not just sustenance—it’s a chance to slow down, share stories, and celebrate the moments that bring us together. Meals tell stories of where we’re from, our family traditions, and the places we’ve explored, making food a powerful bridge between people and cultures.
Nowhere is this more evident than in France, where food is a way of life. Gathering around the table is a celebration of flavors, history, and togetherness. Every dish, from a rustic loaf of bread to a hearty boeuf bourguignon, reflects the essence of place and the people who created it.
The Cooking and Culture Program invites you to immerse yourself in this tradition. Rooted in mindfulness and connection, the program teaches you to plan, shop, prepare, and cook meals that honor the beauty of French culinary heritage. Whether crafting dishes for the daily hustle or creating meals for celebration and tradition, you’ll discover the joy of food as a way to connect with others and tell your own stories.
DAILY SCHEDULE
8:30: Breakfast
9:30: Community Hour
11:00: Morning Session (Cooking class, market shop or culinary exploration)
12:30: Lunch
1:30: Afternoon Session (Dinner prep, gastronomic excursion or guest chef demo)
6:00: Dinner
8:00: Evening activities (Film Night, Baking Club)
Create memories through meals
As you develop your skills in the kitchen, you’ll also weave photography, writing, and art into your experience. Through guided workshops, the group will create a Carnet du Culinaire, a beautifully curated anthology of recipes, reflections, and imagery that captures the essence of your journey. This creative process invites you to savor not only the flavors but also the stories, moments, and emotions tied to the food you prepare and share.
Dates and Details
Program Length
21 Days
Program Dates
2025
Session 1: June 29th - July 19th, 2025 (Ages 16-19)
Session 2: July 22 - August 12th, 2025 (Ages 16-19)
2026
May 18th - June 7th, 2026 (Ages 19-22 only)
Cohort Size
14 students maximum.
Cost
$5600 inclusive of all rooming, meals, excursions, activities and personalized chef jacket. Not included in the cost is round trip airfare to Paris and some meals out.
Eligibility
This program is open to all, no previous cooking or creative experience required.
Language Requirements
None. French is taught conversationally to enrich your experience.
Program Highlights
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Build Culinary Skills: Hone your cooking skills with hands-on practice in crafting French classics like ratatouille, tarte tatin, and boeuf bourguignon. Learn the art of sauce-making, bread baking, and elegant plating to elevate your kitchen confidence
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Savor Local Flavors: Shop for fresh, seasonal ingredients at local markets, bakeries, and butchers. Visit cider farms, goat cheese producers, and oyster beds to experience Normandy’s rich food heritage firsthand.
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Enjoy Fine Dining: Indulge in meals at a range of restaurants, from casual bistros to the Michelin-starred Le Pily, where you’ll meet the chef and discover the artistry behind each dish.
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Creative Expression: Weave photography, writing, and art into your food journey. Through guided workshops, create your Carnet Culinaire—a beautifully curated anthology of recipes, reflections, and imagery, capturing the essence of your experience.
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Explore Normandy’s Treasures: Hike along the stunning coastlines, visit a working 16th-century windmill to bake bread in an ancient wood-fired oven, and discover the beauty of Saint Vaast as you savor world-famous oysters fresh from the sea.
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Celebrate Connection: Share meals with peers around a communal table, embracing the French tradition of food as a celebration of community, mindfulness, and storytelling.
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Cultural Immersion: Learn to plan, shop, and prepare meals the French way, with seasonal produce at the heart of every dish. Uncover the history and regional traditions that make French cuisine iconic.
Program Pillars
Creativity
Creativity is essential to a fulfilling life, not just in art but as a way of thinking and self-expression. We value creativity in all forms—journaling, cooking, painting, and craft—and draw inspiration from artists and thinkers to inspire personal discovery.
Community
We value community for its role in personal growth and collective well-being, fostering meaningful connections through shared experiences. By caring for ourselves, each other, and the environment, we create a supportive space for learning and growth.
Contemplation
We encourage quiet reflection through time in nature, poetry, and contemplative practices like yoga and meditation. These practices nurture presence, self-awareness, and inner peace, helping us connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.
Culture
We believe culture enriches our lives and shapes our understanding. In Normandy, we explore how food, art, and conversation create joy and connection, drawing inspiration from poets, artists, and thinkers to live with passion and purpose.
Who is this program for?
This program is for any high school or gap year student interested in food, French culture, community and learning to cook (and eat!) great food. This program is great for:
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Cooks and Food Enthusiasts: Whether you’re a passionate home cook or dreaming of a culinary career, this program offers hands-on experience to elevate your skills.
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Creatives and Storytellers: Writers, photographers, and artists will find inspiration in the program’s focus on documenting the culinary journey through the Carnet Culinaire.
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Travelers with a Love for French Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich traditions, flavors, and history of France while exploring the stunning region of Normandy.
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Community Builders: Ideal for individuals who value meaningful interactions and shared experiences, this program emphasizes connection and the joy of gathering around the table.
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Curious Explorers: For those eager to discover new skills, embrace cultural traditions, and embark on a journey of personal growth, this program offers a fresh perspective on food and community.
What our students say
