Hands-on cookery classes in the South of France

Treat yourself to a four-day cooking course in Mailhac, France, for an unforgettable experience filled with delicious flavours, laughter, and cooking skills.

A weekend where learning and leisure come together

Join Jack, a seasoned British chef, and learn to create exciting dishes while enjoying moments of laughter and relaxation in a beautiful setting. Whether you're new to cooking or already experienced, our classes will inspire you, transform your approach to cooking, and enhance your culinary skills.

Our courses focus on rustic home-style cooking, using fresh ingredients to create simple yet delicious meals. Designed to give you hands-on experience, our classes will equip you with new skills to impress your friends and family at home.

As we are a small operation, you can contact us for bespoke trips tailored to your culinary favourites and a schedule that suits you.  

Your 4 day itinerary

Your four-day culinary retreat will be set against the picturesque backdrop of the Minervois wine region.

Not only will you learn from an experienced chef in a relaxed atmosphere, but you’ll also discover the charm of this beautiful region of France.

A typical four-day visit may include the following:

Greetings & wine introductions

Day 1

Your adventure begins with a personal airport pick-up by Chef Jack, ensuring a smooth and relaxed start to your culinary getaway. The evening is marked by a welcome dinner, drinks and orientation, introducing you to the local flavours that will accompany our journey.

Market magic & masterclasses

Day 2

After savouring a communal breakfast, we'll head to the market to gather fresh, seasonal ingredients. The day continues with a hands-on class, turning market finds into delicious dishes.

Vineyard visit & more cooking

Day 3

A morning visit to a local vineyard, complete with tastings, offers insight into the wine-making process. Back at Remparts House, more cooking classes await, focusing on refining your techniques and expanding your palate.

Final touches & farewell feast

Day 4

Your culinary retreat culminates in preparing a special menu for our farewell feast. It's a celebration of the skills you've honed and the friendships forged over shared meals, stories and laughter.

What you’ll learn

Our classes, themed around essentials like pasta, bread, and local French cuisine, serve as your gateway to mastering the art of simple cookery.

Guided by Jack, you'll learn techniques and traditions that make meals memorable. It’s about more than recipes; it's about embracing the ethos of cooking with simplicity and elegance.

The dishes we feature here are a window into the variety you can expect, each crafted to enrich your culinary skill set and ignite your passion for food.

Everything's included:
just arrive, relax, & savour

Enjoy a stress-free culinary retreat at Remparts House in Mailhac. Everything is taken care of so you can focus on cooking and relaxing. Here’s what your stay includes:

Gourmet Meals

Enjoy an all-inclusive breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all meticulously prepared and enjoyed together.

Selected Local Wines

Each meal is thoughtfully paired with wines from the Minervois region, enhancing your dining experience.

Comfortable Accommodation

Stay in our en-suite bedrooms, blending the old-world charm of Remparts House with the comforts of modern living.

Hands-On Cooking Classes

Take part in 4 or 5 cookery classes covering pasta, bread-making, and the essence of local French cuisine, tailored for all skill levels.

Excursions & Tastings

There’s plenty to experience outside of the kitchen including local markets, vineyard tours or even wild swimming in the local river.

Airport Transfers

Enjoy complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off, making your travel to and from Remparts House easy and relaxing.

Stay in comfort at your home in Mailhac

Nestled within the beauty of Mailhac, Remparts House offers cosy, en-suite rooms that blend rustic charm with modern comforts. After a day of cooking and exploring, unwind in a space that feels like your own.

Each room is a quiet retreat designed to rejuvenate and inspire.

"I learn’t so much"

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"I loved my time at Remparts House"

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"Jack is a great at teaching the art of cooking"

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"I learn’t so much" ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ "I loved my time at Remparts House" ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ "Jack is a great at teaching the art of cooking" ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

Cookery Classes FAQ’s

Our FAQs are here to help clarify any questions you may have about the cookery classes at Remparts House, ensuring you’re fully prepared for a delightful and enriching experience.

  • Absolutely not! Our culinary weekends are designed to inspire and teach guests of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned cooks. Chef Jack tailors the experience to ensure everyone leaves with new skills and confidence.

  • Yes! Part of the joy of cooking is enjoying your creations. All dishes prepared during the classes are served up for communal meals, allowing you to enjoy your hard work alongside fellow food enthusiasts.

  • Each retreat features 4 to 5 hands-on cooking classes, covering various themes such as pasta, bread, and local French cuisine. The number may vary slightly depending on seasonal factors and the group’s dynamics.

  • Yes, we strive to accommodate all dietary restrictions and allergies. Please inform us when booking so that Chef Jack can ensure your culinary experience is both safe and enjoyable.

  • While the classes are group sessions, Chef Jack ensures personalized guidance for each guest. There are plenty of opportunities for one-on-one interaction to refine your techniques and answer specific questions.

  • While our classes are inspired by seasonal ingredients and the rich culinary traditions of the region, we welcome your input and preferences. Chef Jack is keen to tailor the experience where possible, taking into account the availability of ingredients and the group's interests. Please share your culinary desires with us in advance, and we'll explore every avenue to incorporate them into your journey.

  • To ensure a personalised and intimate experience, class sizes are kept small, with a maximum of 10 guests. This allows for individual attention and a cosy, communal atmosphere.

  • Yes, all ingredients and culinary equipment needed for the classes are provided. Just bring your enthusiasm and a readiness to learn!

Have More Questions?

If you have questions about your stay, please check the FAQs section on the accommodation page. For any additional queries or clarifications, feel free to reach out to us directly.

Meet Jack: Your Culinary Guide

Get to know Jack, a seasoned chef with over two decades of experience.

From London's bustling kitchens to the serene landscapes of Mailhac, Jack's journey is as rich and varied as the dishes he teaches.

Book your four-day cookery class in the South of France

By the end of your stay, you'll feel rejuvenated, inspired, and equipped with new culinary skills that will last you a lifetime.

Starting from just €1,950 - your weekend includes:

  • All-Inclusive Dining: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with lunch and dinner accompanied by local wines.

  • Hands-On Cooking Classes: Participate in 4 to 5 engaging cooking sessions where you’ll learn to create diverse dishes with guidance from an expert chef.

  • Local Excursions: Explore the local culture with visits to vibrant markets, a vineyard tour, wild swimming in clear rivers, and the relaxed charm of the local area.

  • Comfortable Accommodations: Relax in your private, en-suite room at the historic Remparts House, ensuring peace and comfort after a day of culinary adventures.

  • Stress-Free Travel: Benefit from complimentary airport transfers, making your travel to and from the house as relaxing as your stay.