Cooking and Culture in France
Cooking and Culture in France
Location
  • France
    • Normandy
Length
1 - 2 weeks
Program Categories
Cultural Immersion Study Abroad
Need-based funding, 529 Plan eligibility, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Faculty Led
Timeframe
Summer
Housing
Apartment Dormitory Host Family Lodge
Age Min.
14
Age Max
19

Pricing

$5,300
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Some Meals Travel Insurance Visa
Aug 07, 2025
1 traveler is looking at this program

Frequently asked questions

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About Program

Friends, food, and France, three ingredients for the perfect summer!

Cooking & Culture blends hands-on cooking with food-focused adventures in beautiful Normandy, France. Live with your foodie peers on our 400-year-old farm in the Normandy countryside and boost your cooking skills while you bake, grill, sauté, and flambé your way through French classics and everyday favorites.

Beyond the kitchen, explore Normandy's rich history and heritage. Visit seaside villages, bake bread in a 16th-century windmill, taste oysters beside the sea, hike breathtaking coastline and enjoy dining experiences including a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Along the way, meet the people behind the food, from farmers and fishermen to bakers, cheesemakers and artisans, and discover how the food of Normandy is shaped by its land, traditions and people.

Join us for a summer of great food, new friends, and culinary adventures!

Program Highlights

  • French Cooking Skills: Master French classics, baking and pastry while learning to sauté, grill, roast and flambé with confidence.
  • Meaningful Connections: Build lifelong friendships and share stories around communal tables, embracing the French tradition of food as a way to connect and celebrate.
  • Foodie Adventures in France: Explore specialty food shops, bustling markets, local producers, cafés and restaurants across Normandy.
  • Life on a French Farm: Live with your group on a 400-year-old Normandy farm, cooking, eating and sharing everyday life together.
  • Bake Like the French: Make breads, pastries and classic French desserts, including a breadmaking day at a 16th-century windmill.

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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.

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 3 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.35
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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
What other participants should know
  • Limited Beach time
  • No advanced cooking techniques
  • Short program
93 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
What other participants should know
  • The occasional language barrier
  • Not enough time to explore the cities
96 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!

92 people found this review helpful.

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