Cooking Class with Michelin-Starred Chef near Gordes

Description

Cooking Class with Michelin-Starred Chef near Gordes

Location
Joucas, Vaucluse, Provence
Situated between Roussillon and Gordes, in the Luberon region of southern France
Easily accessible by car from Avignon (1h drive) or Aix-en-Provence (1h20)
Free parking available on site

The Experience Includes:

• Cooking class with Michelin-starred chef Xavier Mathieu
• Preparation of a three-course menu (starter, main, dessert)
• Use of professional kitchen and cooking equipment
• Full tasting of dishes prepared (including drinks)
• Summary booklet of recipes
• Participation diploma

What to Expect

This cooking class takes place in Joucas, a small hilltop village in the Luberon, known for its views and quiet atmosphere. You will be welcomed by chef Xavier Mathieu in the kitchen of his Michelin-starred restaurant. The class starts at 15:00 and lasts about 3 hours.

After a short presentation, the chef will introduce the day’s menu, selected according to market produce and the season. You will then move into the kitchen to start preparing the dishes.

The cooking class focuses on techniques used in French gastronomy and Provençal cuisine. Under the guidance of chef Mathieu, you will learn how to prepare a complete three-course meal from scratch. This may include recipes such as soupe au pistou (a local bean and basil soup), Mediterranean vegetable dishes, or chocolate-based desserts. Menus vary depending on available ingredients.

Throughout the class, you will receive step-by-step instructions and tips to improve your skills. You will work on food preparation techniques such as deglazing, peeling, wrapping, and mastering cooking times. Chef Mathieu shares his approach to product selection, kitchen organisation, and presentation.

At the end of the session, you will sit down to enjoy the dishes you have prepared, accompanied by drinks. A printed recipe booklet and a diploma are provided to help you reproduce the menu at home.

This cooking class near Cavaillon is a way to better understand French culinary practices and gain practical knowledge from a recognised chef. It is suitable for beginners and experienced home cooks alike.

About Michelin-starred chef Xavier Mathieu

Chef Xavier Mathieu, born in Marseille in 1968, is a Michelin‑starred chef who leads La Table de Xavier Mathieu at Le Phébus & Spa in Joucas, Luberon. Raised in Provence, he trained under legends like Roger Vergé and Joël Robuchon, earning his CAP at Avignon’s culinary school in 1986.

In 1996, Mathieu took over his family’s country inn in Joucas and transformed it into a Relais & Châteaux property. By 2001, he had earned a Michelin star—an honour he has maintained for over two decades. He is a member of Maîtres Cuisiniers de France since 2009 and actively supports culinary education—serving as president of the École Hôtelière d’Avignon since 2021.

His cuisine focuses on Provençal ingredients—herbs, vegetables, lamb, fish—using precise techniques to craft balanced, refined dishes that reflect local terroir. His emphasis on clarity and genuine flavour defines his work.

Other Important Information

• Duration: 3 hours (15:00–18:00)
• Language: French (English spoken)
• Group size: max. 8 participants
• Minimum recommended age: 16 years
• Available on selected Thursdays and Fridays from May to October
• Please contact us to check your preferred dates before booking
• This cooking class can be privatized.

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.