Pastry Workshop in France

Unlock your passion for pastry on the Le Calabash Pastry Workshop in France.

Two passionate award-winning chefs with a wealth of knowledge establishes this pastry program as one of the best.
Drawing on their skills and experience the seven-day program is based on specific areas, innovative pastry, creative choux, modern tarts, ice cream, gelato, frozen desserts, mousses, laminated dough, meringues, chocolate and more, all orchestrated to give you the skills and knowledge to prepare sweet and savoury pastry, dessert, and bread sensations.

Our aim is to inspire you to create and prepare your own creations using the basic techniques, skills, knowledge, and recipes.

Price per person sharing:

3,150.00 

Price includes:

  • Accommodation for 7 nights in our inviting setting
  • Transfers from Châtellerault, with collection available after 2pm on the day of arrival and drop off by 11am on the day of departure
  • Daily breakfast and meals as outlined in the itinerary, complemented by two glasses of selected wine during each meal
  • Transport for all activities included in the itinerary, ensuring seamless travel throughout your experience
  • A comprehensive recipe folder to accompany your culinary journey, allowing you to recreate the delicious dishes at home
  • A notebook and pen for capturing culinary insights and memories
  • Complimentary access to Wi-Fi throughout your stay
  • As part of your experience, enjoy a beautifully crafted Le Calabash apron made by talented women in Africa

Price excludes:

  • Transport to and from the airport or station; however, arrangements can be made upon request. We can arrange transfers from Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris, Saint Pierre des Corps/Tours, and Poitiers
  • Optional excursions or meals not explicitly listed in the itinerary
  • Any additional expenses incurred personally during your stay
  • Personal orders of drinks or excess wine beyond the provided allocation during meals
  • Laundry services
  • Phone calls
  • Spa treatments
  • Travel Insurance which is highly recommended
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08:30 - Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.

9:00 - Today embark on a sweet culinary adventure entirely dedicated to Chocolate. We uncover the secrets of tempering chocolate, the art of filling and moulding chocolate bonbons, and how to enhance their presentation with coloured cocoa butter. Guided by our chefs, learn the techniques and recipes for creating bonbon fillings, ganache’s, marshmallows, caramel candies, snack bars and more.

13:00 - Enjoy a light French Lunch, providing a moment of relaxation and reflection amidst the day's activities.

14:00 - After lunch, we'll continue our chocolate adventure, diving deeper into the world of chocolate creations including.

  • Chocolate mousse
  • Chocolate fondant
  • Caramel foam
  • Chocolate decoration
  • Caramel filling

19:00 - Conclude your culinary journey with dinner, where you'll savour the culmination of your chocolate creations for dessert.

8:30 - Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.

9:00 - Prepare for a Pastry Day inspired by the delicious elegance of the Vacherin, the airy delight of pavlova, and the sweet world of ice cream. From timeless favourites to modern interpretations, we'll guide you through a variety of techniques and recipes to create fresh, seasonal, and contemporary desserts.

  • Meringue, classic and modern variations
  • Genoise variations
  • Basil, Fruit Crème, mousse, and jelly
  • Compressed and compote fruits
  • Vanilla and Lemon Cream

13:00 - Take a moment to enjoy a French Light Lunch, providing a delightful interlude amidst your pastry-filled day.

14:00 - After lunch, we'll dive into the world of ice cream, exploring new techniques and flavours to compliment your desserts.

  • Frozen parfait
  • Caramel ice cream
  • Spicy chocolate ice cream lolly
  • Coconut lemongrass ice cream

19:00 - For dinner tonight, we’ll experience the rich and diverse flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. Embark on a culinary journey where vibrant spices and aromatic herbs transport you to distant lands.

08:00 - Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.

08:30 - Depart for Tours

9:00 - This morning, embark on a culinary exploration of Tours, beginning with a visit to both the indoor ‘Les Halles Food Market’ and the bustling outdoor market. Wander through the charming old town clustered around Place Plumereau, where restored historic houses transport you back in time. Stroll along the narrow streets like rue Briconnet to experience the medieval city's historic charm. Discover the Romanesque Basilica, the Cloitre de St-Martin, and the new Basilique de St-Martin, once part of the great pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

In the cathedral quarter, marvel at the Cathédrale St-Gatien, a stunning example of flamboyant Gothic architecture adorned with 12th-century decorated stonework. Inside, admire the exquisite stained-glass windows and other architectural wonders.

12:00 - Enjoy a truly French lunch in Tours before we head back to Le Calabash.

15:00 - Upon your return a free afternoon to explore the picturesque Loire Valley, stroll through the quaint La Roche Posay, or embark on a cycling adventure through the enchanting French countryside with bicycles provided by Les Sorels.

19:00 - At dinner we enjoy a relaxed evening indulging in French Cheeses and Charcuterie, savouring the flavours of the region in the comfort of our culinary haven with a few of Chef Sidney’s favourite wines.

8:30 - Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.

9:00 - Embark on a journey of Modern Viennoiserie using classical techniques, recipes, and “Tourages” to create and bake modern and contemporary pastries that are crisp, buttery, and simply delicious.

  • Brioche
  • Brioche Caramel Vanille
  • Lemon Meringue Cruffin
  • Brioche Feuilletée au Chocolat
  • Camembert brioche

13:00 - Enjoy a French Light Lunch, providing a moment of relaxation and reflection amidst the morning's pastry creations.

14:00 - After lunch, our lamination adventures continue.

19:00 - Enjoy a delightful dinner, cherishing the company of your newfound Le Calabash family.

8:30 - Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.

9:00 - Tarts take centre stage this morning, as we explore the art of crafting some of Chef Alison's favourite Tarts.

  • Salted caramel and Jiavara ®chocolate tart
  • Raspberry and mascarpone tart

13:00 - Take a well-deserved break and indulge in a French Light Lunch, offering a moment of tranquillity amidst the morning's pastry creations.

14:00 - we begin our journey to the captivating world of the “Macaron,” a quintessential symbol of French pâtisserie popularized by Ladurée in the early 20th century.
Explore:

  • Techniques for creating perfect macaron shells
  • The significance of using Italian meringue
  • Tips for achieving flawless egg whites.
  • The importance of resting before baking
  • Various filling options
  • Creative macaron decoration ideas
  • Strategies for maturing, storing, and freezing macarons

19:00 - End your day with dinner at Le Calabash.

8:30 - Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.

9:00 - We start the day with the introduction of Choux Pastry, a versatile dough that forms the basis of many beloved French pastries.

  • Classic Éclair
  • Contemporary Paris Brest
  • Profiterole au Chocolat
  • Craqueline
  • Hazelnut Crème

13:00 - Enjoy a French Light Lunch, providing a delightful interlude amidst your pastry-filled day.

14:00 - This afternoon, we learn the art of making soufflés, a culinary skill that combines elegance with a touch of excitement. Learn the secrets to creating perfectly risen soufflés.

  • Chocolate soufflé
  • Passion fruit soufflé

19:30 - Conclude your culinary journey with a certificate presentation ceremony, enhanced by gin and tonic sundowners. Then, relish a flavourful dinner experience with a 'Fire and Spice’ dinner featuring some of the creations made during the afternoon.

08:30 - Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.

11:00 - Departure is by 11:00, allowing you to bid farewell to the tranquil surroundings of Le Calabash with cherished memories and newfound culinary skills.