Bread Baking Course
It's All about Bread
Traditional French Baguettes.
At Le Gargantua, we have created this exciting French Bread baking course, so that you can learn how to make baguettes, classic loaves, sourdough bread, regional speciality breads and brioche. Those attending our bread course will be able to take the skills they learn and recreate a range of wonderful baked goods at home.
The main reason why this is possible is that during this bread course, we only use domestic cooking equipment so that you learn how to bake delicious bread with the equipment that you already have in your home. It's just one of the things that makes our French bread course so popular.
Pricing
(Approx £1306)*
(Approx £380)*
*Exchange rate based on Google currency converter 21/12/2024
If you have any questions about one of our courses, or would like to get in touch with us, please do so via the contact form .
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What you'll learn
During our intensive bread course, you will practice each of the different kneading techniques used to make different types of French bread and become acquainted with the different rising agents such as fresh yeast, poolish and sourdough starter. You'll also discover the different proofing conditions (single or double proof, at room temperature or in the fridge) and get to use the various fillings needed to create a classic loaf, traditional baguette, sourdough, fougasse and brioche.
You Make, You Bake
Hands-on with Brioche Dough.
Just like with our seasonal cooking and patisserie courses, our bread course is fully hands-on and will have you measuring, mixing and hand-kneading from the outset. There's no demonstration-watching here, as you learn so much more when you get stuck-in and fully involved. You will be taught the hows and whys, as well as the role each ingredient plays so that you gain a comprehensive bread baking knowledge that will last you a lifetime.
If you read the labels of mass-produced bread from the supermarket, you'll see that they can contain as many as 20 different ingredients, additives and preservatives. The flours we use are sourced from a local mill and are mostly organic, so they are as pure as nature intended and you'll even get the chance to take some home with you! Eating home-made bread comes with an array of health benefits and there's a certain enjoyment and satisfaction that comes with making it yourself, so we hope we can tempt you into joining us for a fun and educational experience.
All this baking gives us the perfect excuse to introduce you to some of the finest local delicacies to accompany your various breads. You'll be presented with a selection of fine cheeses, foie gras, charcuterie, spreads and dips to enjoy with your baskets of baked goods, as well as mouthwatering aperitifs and local wines to turn your bread course baking experience into an authentic immersion into French food and lifestyle.
Course Itinerary
Day 1
Your first day will start from 4 pm and you'll have the time to settle in and make yourself at home. You'll then meet your fellow bread course classmates before dinner with a welcome drink, perfectly complemented by a selection of canapes before moving on to enjoy a delicious three-course dinner.
Day 2
After breakfast, we meet in the kitchen at around 9 am for a detailed presentation of the ingredients and the different steps involved in bread-making. Then we will go on to prepare a quick bread dough, a sourdough and a baguette dough, before breaking for lunch at around noon.
At 1 pm, we then head back to the kitchen to use the quick dough to create a traditional fougasse and olive (or other filling) bread. We finish in the kitchen at 4 pm, so you will have time to relax before we meet up again at 7 pm for an aperitif before dinner.
Day 3
We meet in the kitchen after breakfast to make brioche dough and we will also shape and bake traditional baguettes. After lunch, we get straight back in the kitchen to finish off our sourdough loaf and to shape and bake our brioche which you'll enjoy with your afternoon tea. You will then get some more time to relax until we leave to go out to dinner at the most charming local restaurant.
Day 4
Sadly, this is the end of our bread course and the day you will leave us. Your room is yours until 11 am if you have your own vehicle, but if you don't, drop off at Tonneins stations is at 7.45 am. Whichever way you depart, you will leave with your freshly made brioche in your possession to enjoy when you get home.
A variety of Sourdough Loaves.
Those who attend our French bread making course will get to cook, bake and eat their own delicious bread and be taught both the theory behind bread baking and the hows and whys of dough structure and how each ingredient used has a purpose. It's a French bread course designed to educate the mind, stimulate the senses and give you a life-long appreciation and love of baking bread.
We hope very much to see you soon.
What's Included
We provide complimentary transportation to and from our local train station for all residential courses, ensuring a hassle-free arrival and departure.
Enjoy a worry-free experience with no hidden costs. Our all-inclusive package covers your accommodation, every meal (including drinks), and all taxes
We don't charge any supplements for solo travelers.
Large kitchen with over 30m2 of kitchen space.
Personalized Attention: To ensure a high-quality learning environment, we limit our classes to a maximum of six participants.
This way, everyone receives individual attention and has enough workspace to unleash their culinary creativity.
Indulge in a delectable array of meals throughout your stay. Start your day with a continental-style breakfast featuring fresh breads, croissants, organic juices and yogurts, soft boiled eggs, coffee, tea, cereals, fresh milk (not UHT!) and more.
Enjoy a satisfying lunch each day, and savor a three-course dinner every night as well as a night dinning out in style at one of our renowned local restaurants.
Whatever your preferred drink, we have you covered. You'll be welcomed with drinks and canapes upon arrival.
Before dinner, enjoy different aperitifs and cocktails each day. During meals, complement your dishes with local wines.
Throughout the day, quench your thirst with water, tea, coffee, cold drinks, and beers. Additionally, your room is equipped with coffee and tea making facilities.
Immerse yourself in the local culture and culinary scene with our included excursions and restaurant visit.
Discover the region's highlights, participate in tastings, and explore fascinating attractions - all entrance and restaurant fees covered.
Benefit from our years of experience and expertise. Unlike passive demonstrations, all our classes are hands-on, allowing you to actively engage in the cooking process.
We provide all the necessary ingredients, equipment, aprons and your own recipe folder to take home.
Accommodation (details on our accommodation page), on all residential courses.
Linen, towels, organic shampoo & shower gel, for the duration of your stay.
Welcome pamper pack and departing goody bag included!
Stay connected with complimentary super-fast WiFi available throughout the premises, ensuring you can share your cooking & baking holiday adventure with friends and family.
Children are more than welcome (they only have to be tall enough to reach the workbench) under their parent's supervision.
The courses take place from February to November, just enquire about the dates that suit you. If you would rather join an existing party, view our full booking page.
All of your recipes in one place
Gain access to every recipe covered during your bread baking holiday through our exclusive online portal.
As of 2024, you'll not only take your recipes home with you, but also be able to access them online exclusively. In addition, as so many of our guests have requested, we'll include some of the delicious recipes we use here at the cooking school to cater for you, such as the lunches, the aperitifs, the amuse-bouche and the evening meals, so you can recreate those at home too. There will also be a recipe Q&A - where you'll have a direct line to us should you have any questions or even if you just need a little guidance, we're be there to help.
