Skip to main content
EF Go Ahead Tours logo

Follow Laura on tour: Learning a new recipe

Laura tries her hand at French cuisine during a cooking class in Tours, France.

As far as cooking goes, I am by no means a gourmet chef—I’ve always been more of a baker than a cook. That said, some of my specialties include cereal, salad from a bag, spaghetti and sometimes, if I’m feeling ambitious, chicken. So when it comes to meal prep, I need all the help I can get, which is why I was both anticipating and slightly apprehensive about last night’s cooking class on my tour of France.

Making goat cheese and endive appetizers at a cooking class in Tours, France

We arrived at Tours a Table, a culinary school and restaurant in the city of Tours, ready to slice, dice and most importantly, eat! After donning our aprons, we split into two groups, one to make the appetizer and the other dessert. In the spirit of trying new things, I decided to branch out and put myself on appetizer duty.

Cooking class in Tours, France

We were making endive and goat cheese tarts, so the first step—making and rolling out the crust—wasn’t foreign to me as I’ve made my fair share of pies. I also got recruited to cut up the goat cheese, which wasn’t too difficult either. I was starting to feel pretty confident, so when it was time to caramelize the endives, I eagerly volunteered. Everything was going great until the pan started smoking from some of the left over caramelization from the batch cooked just before.

Cooking endive in Tours, France

Don’t worry, I didn’t burn down the place, but the room did get pretty smoky! After that, everything went smoothly.

Chopping vegetables at cooking class in Tours, France

For the main course, everyone stayed in their groups but prepared the same thing, so it was as if we were cooking together. We peeled and diced a colorful selection of vegetables and fresh tarragon, sliced up some chicken and cooked it all in a large cast iron pot with broth, white wine and cream. The smell in that room as everything simmered was wonderful.

Cooking class in Tours, France

After a little over an hour, it was time to eat. From the endive tarts to the dessert (a delicious chocolate lava cake), everything was quite tasty. While I still don’t think I’m head chef material, I can at least say I learned a few new recipes and techniques from one!

Inspired by Laura's story? Experience this on our Food & Wine tour of France!

About the author

Laura Barber

It all began on a school trip to London in 7th grade. Since that first jaunt across the pond, Laura has been hooked on all things travel (and British for that matter). When she's not at work using her words to help people find their own adventures, she can be found running 5ks, refining her cribbage game, or rewatching The Office for the 100th time.

Related tours

Skip to end of carousel
Skip to start of carousel

More travel inspiration

Skip to end of carousel
The glowing facade of Moulin Rouge decorated with Christmas trees and lights
Destinations

Paris in winter: what to do, eat, and see during your free time on tour

Travel buzz

Coolcations: how to beat the heat without skipping summer

Travel buzz

Travel’s best-kept secret: What is off-peak travel, and why is it trending?

Travel buzz

2025’s top travel trends

Destinations

The Ultimate Europe Travel Guide: everything to know before planning your trip

World Travel

EF’s Responsible Supplier Guidelines

Destinations

Things to do in Lima, Peru, to experience its rich history and culture

Destinations

Your guide to the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings: ancient civilizations hidden in Colorado’s canyons

Travel tips

Exploring Himeji Castle: Japan’s graceful White Heron

Destinations

10 fun facts about Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and how to visit on tour

Travel tips

Things to do in Buenos Aires: The museums, galleries & street art you need to see on your next trip

Travel tips

The 12 best things to do in Buenos Aires for first-time travelers and returning visitors

Destinations

When is the best time to visit Japan? Here’s your season-by-season guide

Destinations

Exploring Arenal Volcano: Costa Rica’s sleeping giant

Travel tips

A food lover’s guide to Lima: What and where to eat on your next trip to Peru

Travel buzz

Is Colombia safe to visit? How a nation overcame conflict to welcome the world

Destinations

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica? Here’s your season-by-season guide

Travel tips

24 Hawaiian phrases and words to know before you go

Destinations

9 must-see attractions in Cartagena, Colombia

Travel tips

Lake Balaton, Tokaj, and Eger: These 3 Hungary wine regions are the hidden gems of Eastern Europe

Skip to start of carousel