Cooking Class with Michelin-Starred Chef in Besançon

Description

Cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef near Besançon

Location
City: Miserey-Salines, 6 km (3.7 mi) from Besançon
Region: Doubs, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
Access: 15 minutes by car from Besançon city centre

The experience includes

• 3-hour cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef
• Instruction by chef Jean-François Maire
• Complete menu preparation: starter, main course, dessert
• Focus on ingredients and cooking techniques
• Meal enjoyed on site at the end of the class
• Recipes designed to be reproduced easily at home

What to expect

Your cooking class in Besançon takes place in Miserey-Salines, a small village just outside the city. The class is hosted by Jean-François Maire, a Michelin-starred chef with experience in both traditional and modern French cuisine.

Upon arrival, you are welcomed into a professional yet relaxed kitchen space. The chef begins by introducing the selected menu for the session and discussing the ingredients. He provides clear guidance on how to identify quality produce and explains the steps to follow during cooking.

The class lasts about three hours. You prepare a full menu including a starter, a main course, and a dessert. All skill levels are welcome. The chef explains each stage clearly and answers questions along the way.

Example dishes may include:

Burgundy snails with prawns and cream
Cod fillet with morels and vegetable matignon
Artichoke velouté with pan-seared foie gras
Stuffed chicken with mushrooms and oyster mushroom sauce

Once the cooking is complete, you sit down with the group to taste your work. The meal is served on site. Participants also leave with the knowledge and skills to repeat the recipes at home.

This cooking class in France offers a chance to experience French culinary methods with guidance from a recognised chef. It is suitable for locals and visitors looking to cook in Burgundy in a focused and approachable environment.

About Jean-François Maire
Jean‑François Maire is a highly respected chef based near Besançon. He began his career more than four decades ago and earned a Michelin star at his restaurant, Le Valentin, in 1987. He maintained this distinction until the restaurant closed in 2006. After Le Valentin, he opened the Bistrot de Valentin in École‑Valentin in 2015, returning to local, approachable cuisine. He earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for this new venture, confirming both quality and value. Since 2006, he has led culinary workshops and professional training in sous‑vide, low‑temperature cooking, and classic French techniques. Today, he shares his skills through cooking classes and catering services. His lessons include clear guidance on ingredient selection and preparation methods. In Besançon, he is known for making high-level cuisine accessible and engaging for enthusiasts of all levels.

Other important information

• Participants: Small group setting
• Languages: French and English (basic english)
• Dates: Available regularly on weekday evenings and Saturdays
• Minimum age: 18 years

Validity

On XperienceFrance, you purchase a voucher valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. It can be used for yourself or given as a gift.
If you would like to check availability for specific dates, please contact us before making your purchase.