Cooking and Culture in France

Cooking and Culture in France

Location
  • France
    • Normandy
Length
2 - 4 weeks
Program Categories
Study Abroad
Need-based funding, 529 Plan eligibility, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Timeframe
Summer
Housing
Lodge
Age Min.
14
Age Max
19

Pricing

Starting Price
5600
What's Included
Accommodation Meals Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Some Meals Travel Insurance Visa
Mar 09, 2026
Apr 11, 2026
1 traveler is looking at this program

About Program

Friends, food, and France—three ingredients for the perfect summer! The Cooking and Culture Program at Berridge blends hands-on cooking classes with cultural exploration, offering an authentic taste of French life. Shop for fresh, seasonal ingredients at local markets, bake bread in a 16th-century windmill, and master a range of dishes, from authentic French classics to versatile everyday meals.

Beyond the kitchen, you’ll explore Normandy’s rich history and heritage. Visit quaint seaside villages, climb Europe's tallest lighthouse, hike breathtaking coastal cliffs, and enjoy a range of dining experiences, including a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Weave creativity into your journey with workshops in photography and writing, culminating in a Carnet Culinaire—a beautifully curated anthology of recipes, reflections, and imagery that captures your experience.

Join us for a summer of connection, culture, creativity, and culinary adventure in France!

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Berridge Programs is dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where participants feel seen, respected, and celebrated. We celebrate diversity and encourage self-expression, ensuring that all students can thrive within our creative, respectful community. Our mentors and staff are dedicated to cultivating a space where individuality is embraced, and everyone is empowered to explore their passions authentically. Our programs are designed to promote personal growth, cultural understanding, and positive impact while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and respect for all individuals involved.

Program Highlights

  • Memorable Culinary Adventures: Shop vibrant local markets, visit cider farms and seafood artisans, and enjoy unforgettable meals, including at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • Creative Expression: Channel your journey into a personalized Carnet Culinaire, blending photography, writing, and art to document the flavors, moments, and stories you’ll treasure.
  • Meaningful Connections: Build lifelong friendships and share stories around communal tables, embracing the French tradition of food as a way to connect and celebrate.

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Program Reviews

4.75 Rating
based on 4 reviews
  • 5 rating 75%
  • 4 rating 25%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.25
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.75
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Andie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Solid Experience

I really enjoyed having the opportunity to study abroad. I really liked the field trips we took, especially the ones to Mt. Saint Michel and Carteret Beach. Art trips every Tuesday were also quite nice. Adam was an amazing teacher. He has an awesome vibe and he really helped me maximize my creative potential. The energy in the art studio was almost always immaculate and we had a good time.

This is completely unrelated but here’s a movie quote: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

25 people found this review helpful.
Camden
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Berridge cooking and culture program

This program was an amazing experience into the food and life of the Normandy region in France. Our small group was able to learn from a variety of teachers each skilled in their own craft. Leaning about both the culture and food was able to bring more knowledge than just cooking. There is immense value in the program for what you can learn as well as the cost. Very few things come out of pocket, allowing you to spend money on gifts and other French products you would like to bring home. The staff that I met here were great to talk to and always helpful with any questions.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would bring a larger suitcase to fit more food and things from the markets that we went to bring home. This also allows for easier packing when leaving and less stress. I would also bring more Euros as everything in these beautiful markets usually has to be purchased with cash.
Pros
  • Mouthwatering cuisine
  • Amazing and fun Staff
  • Environment/outdoors
Cons
  • Limited Beach time
  • No advanced cooking techniques
  • Short program
63 people found this review helpful.
Elizabeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A truly incredible experience for young students!

It was a privilege to attend this program and get to know its coordinators. Such kind people run this program, and you can see how much care they have for each student—past, present, and future. These teachers are dedicated to their craft and very knowledgeable as well. The trips we took were exciting and fully immersed in French culture. Every day was a new adventure, but they also made time for us to hang out and get to know one another. I’d recommend this program to all food lovers, and culture lovers as well!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
To embrace every moment. There will be times when you’re scared to try something new, but just go for it. All of the fun experiences add up and make for an exciting, educational trip!
Pros
  • Very well planned out itinerary
  • Great way to connect with like-minded teens
  • Overall an impactful experience
Cons
  • The occasional language barrier
  • Not enough time to explore the cities
58 people found this review helpful.
Jacqueline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cooking and Culture 2025 sessions 1

My experience was wonderful. I got to meet new people and make new friends. I learned so much about the Normandy culture. We were always out and about. I never felt bored. I’ve got to try and do new stuff. I probably would’ve never done back home. It was a very safe environment, and I never felt unsafe. I got along with everyone. I liked that we didn’t have to wake up super Duper early. We never started earlier than 9:00 on those days. I would’ve loved it if we got to try more local restaurants. Thank you!

59 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers