Discover the Flavors of Southwest France
At The Gastronome Bordeaux, we specialize in hands-on culinary experiences that showcase the rich cuisine of Southwest France. From market visits to expertly paired meals, our classes are designed to immerse you in the local food and wine culture.
immersive culinary experience :
market tour, cooking class, 5-course lunch, & local wine pairings
Price: 200€ per person (20% VAT included)
Duration: 4.5–5 hours | Tue–Sat, 9:30 am–2:30 pm | Private classes available 7 days per week
Participants: Up to 6 for group class | Taught in English or French
Optional Guest: Full immersion participants may invite one guest to join the lunch portion for 50€ (VAT incl.). Guests are invited to arrive around 12:15–12:30 pm.
Discover Bordeaux through food! Start with a guided stroll through the lively Saint-Michel neighborhood, then explore Marché des Capucins, selecting fresh, seasonal ingredients for your meal. Back in our kitchen, enjoy a hands-on cooking class culminating in a five-course seasonal bistro meal, paired with local wines.
Why Our Class Is Different:
Customizable menus: The chef adapts dishes to your group’s tastes and dietary needs.
Small, intimate groups: Maximum 6 participants for a personal, hands-on experience. Participate as much or as little as you like, guided by the chef.
Market connection: Meet and interact with local vendors while discovering seasonal ingredients.
Immersive approach: Explore Bordeaux culture, local ingredients, and regional cuisine beyond the kitchen.
Private Immersion Experience
1–8 participants | Starting at 810 €
Custom menus & full-day culinary adventure.
the gâteau basque & the Canelé
Hands-on regional pastry workshop, tasting, & take-home treats
Price: 120€ per person (20% VAT included)
Duration: 2.5–3 hours | Select dates in 2025; We plan to offer weekly classes starting in April 2026 | Private option available
Participants: Up to 8 | Taught in English or French
Learn the secrets behind two of Southwest France’s most beloved pastries: the Gâteau Basque, a tender, buttery cake with a soft, flavorful center, and the iconic Canelé, with its caramelized crust and custardy interior.
In this hands-on pastry workshop, each participant will create their own Gâteau Basque, filled with your choice of pastry cream or jam, while the group collaborates on a batch of Canelés.. The class concludes with a tasting and beverage, plus the option to take home your individually prepared Gâteau Basque.
What sets us apart:
The only pastry class in Bordeaux focused on regional specialties.
Recipes and techniques perfected by the chef over years of experience.
Learn insider methods: greasing for the perfect caramel finish, precise temperature control, and troubleshooting tips.
Guidance on selecting the best molds and tools for baking at home.
Private Regional Pastry Class
1–12 participants | Starting at 510 €
Perfect for a group activity!
Offered October 7th, 2025 at 4pm
The Canelé: Bake Bordeaux’s Iconic Pastry
Price: 70€ per person (20% VAT included)
Duration: 2-2.5 hours | There are a few afternoon classes from 4-6 pm in September for group classes, then this class is on hold for the fall/winter season. | Private canelé classes are still available by appointment.
Participants: Up to 8 | Taught in English or French
Discover Bordeaux’s beloved local specialty, the Canelé, in this 2-hour hands-on class. Learn how to achieve the perfect caramelized crust and custardy interior that make this pastry a local favorite.
While the Canelés bake to perfection, you’ll also explore the delicate Madeleine, learning the secrets to its light texture and characteristic hump. The class concludes with a tasting of both pastries, accompanied by a glass of local wine.
Unique to This Class:
Insider tips for temperature control, batter consistency, and greasing methods
Guidance on selecting and preparing molds for authentic results
Problem-solving skills to help you replicate Canelés and Madeleines at home
Private Canelé Class
1–12 participants
Perfect for a group activity!
Essentials of Duck: Flavors of Southwest France
Price: Private group starting at 510 € (20% VAT included)
Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Participants: Private groups only – please contact us for availability
Taught in: English or French
Savor the flavors of duck and Southwest France as you pan-sear breast to perfection, sample home-cured duck prosciutto, and enjoy a classic duck parmentier crafted by the chef.
After cooking, enjoy your plated duck entrée, served with Sarlat potatoes, a seasonal vegetable, & a red wine sauce, accompanied by a glass of local wine.
Why you’ll love it:
Sample duck prepared in multiple styles and get insider recipes for home cooking
Decode a French menu: spot classic duck dishes, understand the key terms, and learn to order duck cooked at the desired temperature
Hands-on guidance helps you recreate authentic Southwest French flavors at home
Private Duck Workshop
1–12 participants
Perfect for smaller groups looking for a shorter version of our immersive culinary activity.
The Dune Blanche: Bordeaux’s Signature Choux Pastry
Price: Starting at 510 € (20% VAT) for small groups (1–4 people)
Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Participants: Individual private instruction to small groups
Taught in: English or French
Dive into the art of pâte à choux, the airy, versatile dough behind éclairs, profiteroles, and cream puffs. Bordeaux puts its own signature twist on this classic dough with the Dune Blanche, a delicate, cream-filled choux pastry.
In this hands-on class, you’ll try your hand at piping and learn about other sweet and savory applications for pâte à choux, concluding with a tasting of your creations.
What makes it unique:
Discover Bordeaux’s twist on pâte à choux with the Dune Blanche.
Hands-on piping and pastry cream techniques.
Explore sweet and savory applications.
Insider tips from professional pastry methods.
Custom private classes
sweet or savory options available
Price: Starting at 510 €, inquire about rates and availability
Duration: 2.5 - 5 hours | Private group only
Participants: For 1-12 | Taught in English or French
Looking for something unique? If you don’t see exactly what you’d like, we can design a custom class tailored to your group. Here are some popular options:
Sauces: Explore the five French mother sauces and learn the basics of classic sauce preparation. We’ll also prepare fresh market ingredients to pair with the sauces you create.
Tart & Pie Dough: Build confidence in making your own doughs at home while exploring the differences between classic French tart dough (pâte brisée) and traditional American flaky pie dough. Taste and compare both as you learn hands-on techniques.
Croissant Fabrication: Discover laminated doughs and the techniques behind buttery, flaky layers. In addition to croissants, you’ll also make two other classic breakfast pastries using the same dough, learning how versatile laminated dough can be.
Small French Tea Cakes: Learn to make the delicate madeleines & financiers. The class includes guidance on plating and serving ideas to showcase these treats beautifully.
Progressive Tastings with Wine Pairings: Discover how flavors evolve through a guided tasting journey featuring a wider variety of wines than typical classes. Enjoy carefully paired wines alongside small plates highlighting local ingredients and regional flavors.
Apéro Dinatoire: Prepare and enjoy a variety of small plates — the French version of tapas — highlighting seasonal ingredients and regional flavors. Participants help create a generous spread of savory bites for sharing over wine, just as the French do.
Fruit Tarts: Learn to craft elegant seasonal tarts using pâte brisée dough, pastry cream, and almond cream fillings. Highlight fresh, vibrant flavors in the tarts that you create.
Quick Flatbreads: Prepare simple and delicious socca and focaccia, perfect for casual entertaining. Enjoy them with a variety of aperitif dips for a guided tasting experience.
Local Seafood: Explore Arcachon oysters with inventive sauces and market-fresh fish preparations. The class can also include Basque-style tapas to highlight regional flavors.
Crêpes & Galettes: Get hands-on with both sweet and savory French classics. Learn about traditional fillings, explore crepe restaurant styles, and enjoy sampling with local cider.