Cooking class in France with awarded chef Jean-François Maire
Join a cooking class in France near Besançon with awarded chef Jean-François Maire. Learn a full menu and enjoy your meal on-site in a relaxed setting.
Take part in a cooking class in France guided by awarded chef Jean-François Maire, near Besançon, in eastern France. This culinary experience offers a hands-on approach to traditional French cuisine in a friendly and informal atmosphere.
You’ll prepare a full three-course menu using fresh seasonal ingredients. The workshop is held in Miserey-Salines, just 6 km (3.7 miles) from Besançon. The chef provides simple and clear explanations for each step, making this activity accessible to all levels, including beginners.
During this cooking class in France, you’ll also learn useful techniques and shopping tips to help you reproduce the menu at home. After the cooking session, participants enjoy the meal they’ve prepared together on-site.
Whether you want to improve your cooking skills or simply spend a pleasant time with others in a professional kitchen, this class offers a rewarding and practical experience.
If you wish, you can invite a guest to join the meal for an additional small fee.
Where and When
Location
The cooking class takes place in Miserey-Salines, a small village located 6 km (3.7 miles) north of Besançon, in the Doubs region of eastern France. The area is easily accessible by car or public transport from the city centre.
Dates and schedule
Sessions are available on weekdays in the evening and on Saturdays during the day. Classes are held regularly throughout the year. It is recommended to book early due to small group sizes.
The experience
A 3-hour hands-on workshop
This cooking class in France lasts 3 hours and is led entirely by Jean-François Maire, an awarded chef. Each session begins with an introduction to the menu. You will learn about each ingredient, how to select it, and the best way to use it in your own kitchen.
A full French menu
You’ll prepare a starter, a main course, and a dessert, with step-by-step guidance. Techniques are explained clearly, and the chef adapts the pace to suit the group.
Example dishes include:
- Escargots de Bourgogne with prawns in cream
- Cod fillet with morel mushrooms and vegetable matignon
- Artichoke velouté with warm foie gras
- Stuffed chicken roll with mushroom and oyster mushroom sauce
Each participant prepares an individual menu. The class is limited to a small group to ensure personalised attention.
The cooking class can be privatized for yourself.
Tasting on site
At the end of the session, everyone sits down to taste the dishes together in a relaxed setting. If you wish, you can invite a guest to the tasting for an additional fee. This option must be booked in advance.
The chef
Jean-François Maire is an awarded chef with a Michelin background. Originally from the Franche-Comté region, he has worked in several high-level establishments in France. He has been recognised for his precise cooking and use of regional ingredients.
Over the years, he has also focused on teaching, aiming to make gastronomy more accessible. His classes are structured to combine technique, tradition, and everyday practicality. His expertise and calm approach make this cooking class in France an experience suited to both amateurs and experienced cooks.
He is well known in the Besançon culinary scene for his attention to detail and his focus on simple, well-prepared food.
Benefits of the experience
- Learn directly from an awarded chef, using techniques you can apply at home.
- Prepare a full menu with guidance on cooking times, seasoning, and plating.
- Improve your skills in ingredient selection and menu planning.
- Gain confidence in the kitchen, whether you cook occasionally or regularly.
- Small group format allows personalised advice and support.
- The location near Besançon is easy to reach and offers a professional but relaxed atmosphere.
- Enjoy your creations with other participants in a shared tasting session.
- Option to invite a guest adds flexibility to the experience.
This cooking class in France is ideal for those who want to learn, practice and enjoy in one practical session.
Conditions and restrictions
- Duration: 3 hours
- Location: Miserey-Salines (6 km / 3.7 miles from Besançon)
- Class held in small groups or privatized for yourself
- Suitable for all skill levels
- Reservation required in advance
- Available dates: weekday evenings and Saturdays
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Languages spoken: French, basic English support available
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