Cooking class with awarded chef Xavier Mathieu in Gordes
Join a cooking class with awarded chef Xavier Mathieu in Gordes (Luberon). Learn French cuisine in Provence. 3-hour session, tastings and recipes included.
Take part in a cooking class with awarded chef Xavier Mathieu in Gordes (Luberon). This hands-on session offers a direct experience of French cuisine in Provence. The class is held in the chef’s kitchen, located in Joucas, a small village between Gordes and Roussillon. The chef holds one Michelin star and shares techniques used in his restaurant.
During the 3-hour cooking session, participants prepare a full three-course menu. The focus is on Provençal cooking, with seasonal ingredients from the local market. You will learn core skills such as how to handle produce, use chef techniques, and manage cooking times. At the end of the session, you enjoy the dishes prepared, with drinks included.
This is a practical way to cook in France and to work alongside a Michelin star chef. The class can be private or open to a small group. It’s designed for beginners or experienced amateurs who want to improve their skills and gain better control of their home cooking.
Where and When
Location
The experience takes place in Joucas, a quiet village in the Luberon area, part of the Provence region in southern France. It is close to Gordes, and about 10 km (6.2 miles) from Cavaillon. The cooking class is hosted inside the chef’s professional kitchen, part of his Michelin-star restaurant.
Dates and schedule
The cooking class with awarded chef Xavier Mathieu in Gordes (Luberon) is offered on selected Thursdays and Fridays, from May to October. The class runs from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and lasts 3 hours. Booking in advance is recommended due to limited availability.
The experience
Step-by-step session
The cooking class begins with a welcome and presentation of the chef and the day’s menu. You will be guided through each step, from preparation to final presentation. The chef builds the menu around seasonal produce, which means every session is slightly different.
A full three-course menu
Participants prepare a starter, main course and dessert. Typical dishes may include:
- Pistou soup with beans, garlic, and basil
- Mediterranean vegetable “bohémienne”
- Chocolate marshmallow crisp
(Menu subject to change depending on the season and market availability.)
Cooking techniques
During the class, you learn to:
- Baste, trim, and blanch
- Control cooking temperatures
- Balance textures and flavors
- Use French culinary terms and methods
These are the same methods used in professional kitchens.
Tasting and materials
After cooking, you will taste your own dishes, with drinks included. The chef offers practical advice throughout the class to help you recreate the recipes at home. A printed recipe booklet and a certificate of participation are provided to each guest.
Private session option
The cooking class with awarded chef Xavier Mathieu in Gordes (Luberon) can be booked as a private session on request. Contact us for availability and pricing.
The chef
Xavier Mathieu is a Michelin-star chef based in Joucas, near Gordes. His restaurant is known for its focus on local Provençal recipes, adapted to modern techniques. He has built a reputation for combining flavor, texture, and color in a balanced way.
Xavier’s cuisine is deeply rooted in the local terroir. He uses herbs, vegetables, and spices typical of Provence. His approach blends tradition and technique in a clear and accessible manner. Cooking with him offers the chance to learn directly from a Michelin star chef in a real kitchen setting.
Benefits of the experience
Joining a cooking class with awarded chef Xavier Mathieu in Gordes (Luberon) offers several practical benefits:
- Improve your culinary skills with professional guidance
- Learn real French cooking techniques used in restaurants
- Gain confidence in cooking seasonal, local produce
- Work in a small group (max 8 participants) for focused learning
- Cook a complete meal from starter to dessert
- Receive recipes and tips to replicate the menu at home
- Cook in France with a chef who shares regional knowledge
- Take part in a relaxed and structured cooking environment
This experience is suited for food lovers, hobby cooks, or anyone wanting to learn from a Michelin star chef.
Conditions and restrictions
- Group size: maximum 8 participants // The cooking class can be privatized.
- Minimum recommended age: 16 years
- Dates available: Thursdays and Fridays from May to October
- Location: Joucas, Provence (Vaucluse, France)
- Duration: 3 hours (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm)
- Languages: French (basic English support available)
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