Cooking In The Cuisine
5 nights/6 days
12 - 17 June 2026 |10 - 15 July 2026
Discover the Art of French Cuisine at Château de Gudanes
Join us at Château de Gudanes for a captivating culinary retreat where each day unfolds in the château’s kitchen. Under the expert guidance of our chefs de cuisine, with hands‑on cooking and live demonstrations—from rustic 18th‑century dishes once served at Gudanes to today's refined French classics.
Cooking classes & demos: Learn to prepare both savory and sweet French recipes, rooted in tradition and elevated by modern techniques.
Local market excursions: Explore vibrant markets brimming with seasonal produce, quality butter, fragrant herbs, and fine cheeses—the very essence of French flavor.
Come for the cuisine, stay for the history—and leave with new skills, unforgettable flavors, and a deeper connection to France’s culinary legacy. Enjoy all the Chateau has to offer from pickleball, swimming, hiking, wine tasting and visiting local antique stores.
Inclusions: all dining (daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks), accommodation, and all activities as per the itinerary.
Please kindly note that the cost of the experience excludes your flights to Toulouse, personal spending money and travel insurance.
Price: €5,500 per person
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival Day
We eagerly await your arrival at 11 a.m. in the rose-hued city of Toulouse for a smooth and scenic transfer to the exquisite Château de Gudanes.
Upon arrival, enjoy refreshing welcome drinks and an introduction to the Château’s gracious team. After settling into your surroundings, savor a delightful lunch followed by a captivating historical tour of the Château’s elegant interiors.
As the day unfolds, join us for château-style aperitifs on the front terrace, with breathtaking views of the French Pyrenees. The evening culminates in an enchanting garden-inspired welcome dinner hosted in the charming Salon de Printemps.
Day 2
Following a traditional, French breakfast a series of morning and afternoon sweet and savoury cooking classes shall begin, with luncheon in between. Local chefs will present, guide and teach techniques while adding a little bit of panache as they share the history of classic French Cuisine.
As evening falls, aperitifs will be served in the atmospheric Renaissance kitchen. Following this, dinner is set en plein air, under the open sky.
To close the night, relax under the stars with popcorn and an outdoor movie screening —a delightful way to end a charming day.
Day 3
Join our chef for a traditional French breakfast, followed by a gentle stroll to the local market, where you can explore stalls brimming with fresh produce and local crafts.
Then, participate in sweet and savory cooking classes at the château, inspired by the 18th-century Château Gudanes cookbook, to expand your culinary skills. Enjoy a picnic lunch afterward.
In the evening, enjoy aperitifs with a talk on French table-setting and dining history, followed by an informal dinner featuring dishes prepared earlier.
Day 4
After a delightful breakfast, we embark on a visit to the medieval town of Mirepoix, renowned for hosting the most vibrant market in the Ariège. Stroll through the bustling square, where you'll discover handcrafted local treasures, fresh produce, and a myriad of antique and brocante boutiques.
Our journey continues with a private tour of the Château de Sibra, followed by a leisurely luncheon. Savour exquisite dishes prepared with local ingredients, all within the château's historic walls.
Following lunch we shall journey back to Gudanes with a stop along the way for a visit to Château de Caudeval.
Upon our return to Gudanes, gather for aperitifs in the drawing room, followed by dinner in the Château kitchen.
Day 5
Begin your day by joining us in the château's kitchen to bake and prepare a selection of traditional French breakfast favorites. Experience the art of French patisserie firsthand, guided by our expert chefs. After this, choose between:
Joining the restoration team to assist with restoring the the Château’s 18th‑century frescoes.
Take a refreshing dip in the pool, engage in a friendly match of pickleball on the tennis court, or simply unwind at your own pace amidst the château's serene surroundings.
A casual late luncheon will be served in the Salon de Porcelaine, a space renowned for its elegant serviceware.
Indulge in an elegant 18th-century banquet in the Salon de Musique, where the ambiance recalls the grandeur of royal courts. Conclude the night with spirited disco dancing, blending timeless elegance with modern flair.
Day 6 - Departure Day
We bid you a fond farewell… We’ll be departing from Gudanes at 11:00 AM, bound for Toulouse.
Our journey should take about an hour and a half. Please plan your onward travel accordingly.
We can drop you off at Toulouse airport, the train station, or back at the same central location where we picked you up. Do let us know your preference.
