Breadmaking workshops in the Loire Valley
Baguette better believe it
Because good bread, like good stories is meant to be shared.
Our signature class since day one
At La Grange, breadmaking isn’t just one of our offerings it’s the workshop that started it all. Since day one, these flour-dusted sessions have been the beating heart of our kitchen. Our guests love them. We’ve fine-tuned them. And over the years, we’ve become true experts in helping beginners become confident bakers, and bread-lovers become bread-makers.
Ready to dream something up?
Just drop us a message with what you’re imagining, and we’ll bring it to life with care, creativity, and maybe a bit of butter.
Contact us by completing the form below or
by telephone: +332 54 43 57 21 , by email : hello@cookingbytheloire.com
Your budget
Your level
Your palate profile
Restrictions/Allergies
The French art of bread, hands in, always
We don’t just bake bread we teach you the soul of it. You’ll mix, knead, fold, and shape with your own hands, learning what makes French bread so iconic and delicious. This isn’t a passive demo. It’s hands-on, wrist-deep, apron-floury joy just as breadmaking should be.
In France, bread isn’t just food. It’s rhythm. It’s ritual. It’s part of daily life. And in this workshop, you’ll step into that rhythm and make it your own.
What you'll learn
Our introductory breadmaking class is perfect for curious travellers, food-loving families, or anyone who wants to get seriously hands-on in a relaxed and joyful setting.
And because we’re in the Loire Valley, of course we’ll take a short walk through our organic kitchen garden, gathering herbs or edible flowers to personalize your loaves with a local twist.
You’ll learn how to:
- Create and care for a natural sourdough starter
- Mix and knead dough using traditional French techniques
- Work with different flours, hydrations, and fermentation styles
- Shape, score, and bake like a real boulanger
- Use your senses: touch, smell, sound, to read the life of the dough
The Joy of Making.
What you’ll bake (and eat!)
- Classic French baguettes
- Rustic country-style loaves
- Seasonal surprises, think garden-herb focaccia or flower-topped sourdough
- Enough to share… or keep for the train ride
What you’ll leave with
- Your own fresh loaves to take home (or devour immediately)
- A detailed recipe booklet to keep baking with confidence
- A deeper understanding of slow food and natural fermentation
- And the quietly powerful satisfaction of creating something from scratch with your own two hands
A workshop that rises above
The atmosphere is relaxed, warm, and filled with the scent of fresh bread and shared laughter. Breadmaking is about more than the oven it’s about time, patience, and the joy of working with simple, living ingredients. Conversations rise just as easily as the sourdough does.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an enthusiastic home baker, our breadmaking workshops in the Loire Valley will feed more than your belly they’ll feed your soul.
Because when you learn how to make bread, you never leave empty-handed.
What tickles your taste buds? Explore our cooking classes options
French baguette & brioche Bonanza
Master the art of the French baguette, yes, the one with the crunchy crust and fluffy middle. While the dough rises (French bread takes its sweet time), you’ll learn to make buttery brioches and fluffy focaccias that are perfect for tearing and sharing. Everyone leaves with a fresh baguette, a brioche, and a new sense of dough confidence. And of course, we gather to enjoy the delicious results together.
Half-day
AM or PM
For 6+ people
Starts at €750
Sourdough & pizza party
For those who like their bread a little wild. This full-day class is all about the tang and chew of proper sourdough. While the starter does its thing, you’ll also craft soft brioches and wood-fired-style pizzas with toppings fresh from the garden. Bring an appetite and maybe stretchy pants. After baking, we feast on what we’ve made, as a group.
Full day
For 6–10 people
Starts at €850
The full French pastry experience
Croissants, pains au chocolat, palmiers, and apple turnovers—learn them all from scratch. You’ll master both classic and “levée” puff pastries and fill your day with buttery, golden creations. To balance the sweetness, we throw in a savoury interlude with focaccia or pizza. Expect flour everywhere and joy on every face, followed by a well-earned pastry tasting together.
Full day
For 6–12 people
Starts at €850
Half-day pastry fix
Busy schedule but big pastry dreams? We’ve got you. Our team preps the dough so you can focus on the fun: shaping, filling, baking, and (of course) tasting. Croissants, pain au chocolat, turnovers you’ll make them all and leave with a box of sweet souvenirs. The final touch? Sharing them around the table with your group.
Half-day
AM or PM
For 6–12 people
Starts at €750
Ready to simmer
Ready to explore more?
Loved learning the art of French bread? Don’t stop there, your next step could be a full-course experience in one of our hands-on cooking classes.
Tailored experiences
Feeling like crafting something totally unique? Our tailored experiences are for you. Whether you’re traveling with kids, celebrating something special, or just love to cook with your own rhythm, we’ll shape a workshop around you. Take a look and start imagining.
Cooking classes
Explore classic dishes, seasonal menus, and secrets passed on by real chefs and artisans. Just hop over to the cooking class page.
