Avignon isn’t just about stunning architecture and medieval charm; it’s also a fantastic place to learn authentic Provençal cooking. Whether you want to shop for fresh ingredients at the lively Les Halles market or roll up your sleeves in a farmhouse kitchen, the cooking classes here offer a taste of local life. We’re especially fond of Gina’s Cooking lessons because they combine market shopping, joyful cooking, and a rooftop lunch overlooking the Palais des Papes — a perfect way to learn about Provençal culture.
If you’re after a hands-on experience inside the bustling market, then the Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon offers a memorable lesson where you choose ingredients from Les Halles and cook in a lively, professional kitchen. For those who prefer a rustic, small-group setting, the Cooking Classes in Provence at La Belugue delivers authentic dishes in an 18th-century farmhouse. Finally, if you want to combine cooking with an upscale culinary experience, the Avignon: Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef offers a guided market visit and a professional chef’s touch, finishing with a leisurely lunch.
1. Cooking lessons
Rating: 5.0/5 (40 reviews)
Price: $286.60 per person
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Location: Avignon, France
Gina’s Cooking lessons stand out because she brings her experience from running a Parisian bistro dedicated to Southern France cuisine. Located in her home in Avignon, she offers small-group classes (up to four people), which means plenty of personalized attention. The class starts with selecting the best ingredients at the local Halles market, where Gina shares tips on Provençal produce and wine pairings. Then it’s into the kitchen to cook dishes that are both traditional and reinterpreted for modern tastes.
What makes Gina’s experience particularly appealing is her focus on well-being and environmental preservation, so you’ll learn how to cook with sustainable ingredients. The class culminates on her rooftop terrace overlooking the Palais des Papes, where you’ll enjoy your freshly made Provençal lunch. Reviewers repeatedly mention the fun, relaxed atmosphere, and the delicious meal shared in great company. One noted, “We laughed, cooked, ate, and shared stories — five stars.” At $286, it’s an investment, but for those seeking a deeply personal, authentic cooking experience, it’s well worth it.
Bottom Line: Gina’s class offers an intimate, hands-on experience with a focus on local ingredients, making it perfect for those wanting to dive into Provençal culinary traditions in a friendly setting.
2. Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon
Rating: 4.5/5 (78 reviews)
Price: $220.60 per person
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Location: Avignon, France
Set inside the famous Les Halles Market, this Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef offers a truly immersive experience. Under the guidance of a master chef — who shares his expertise in Provençal produce and classic French dishes — you’ll select ingredients directly from market vendors. The class takes place in the vibrant Cuisine Centr’Halles, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how local markets operate.
Participants rave about the chef’s personable approach and the practical tips they gain, like knife skills and flavor combinations. The menu is flexible, but the focus is on preparing dishes that showcase regional specialties. Whether you cook or opt for a tasting-only version (which includes a market visit and cooking demonstration), the experience delivers a lively, authentic taste of Avignon’s culinary scene. Lunch is included, with wine and coffee to complement your creations. The class’s value is reinforced by the quality of instruction and the chance to learn in a bustling, professional environment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers who want an interactive, market-based cooking experience with a top local chef, with the added allure of being inside a lively market setting.
3. Cooking Classes in Provence at La Belugue
Rating: 5.0/5 (4 reviews)
Price: $225.73 per person
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Location: Avignon, France
At La Belugue, you get a true Provencal farmhouse experience. Located in the village of Beaumont-de-Pertuis, this small-group class offers hands-on cooking with local chefs in an 18th-century setting. The focus is on preparing authentic Provencal dishes such as daube, aioli, and gratin, which are staples of the regional cuisine.
Participants appreciate the relaxed, intimate atmosphere of the farmhouse, and the opportunity to learn traditional techniques while enjoying the rustic surroundings. After your cooking session, you sit down to eat your creations, savoring the flavors of Provence. This experience is perfect for those who want to spend a half day in a charming rural setting, away from city hustle, and enjoy the conviviality of cooking in a historic farmhouse.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking an authentic Provençal rural cooking experience with expert guidance, La Belugue offers a memorable hands-on class followed by a hearty lunch.
4. Avignon: Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef
Rating: 4.8/5 (4 reviews)
Price: $441 per person
Duration: 5 hours
Location: South of France, France
This Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef offers a high-end, comprehensive culinary experience. The class begins with a guided visit to an indoor market, where your chef helps you pick out the freshest ingredients for your meal. The hands-on cooking session focuses on creating classic Provençal dishes, with easy-to-follow instructions tailored to all skill levels.
The experience culminates in a relaxed lunch, where you enjoy your homemade dishes paired with local wine, water, or coffee. The chef’s expertise and personal approach make this a perfect choice for those wanting to combine market shopping, cooking, and a gourmet meal in one sitting. With a slightly higher price point, it’s suited for travelers who value a premium, all-inclusive culinary experience.
Bottom Line: A refined option for those looking to learn professional-level cooking techniques and enjoy a leisurely, upscale Provençal lunch.
How to Choose Your Perfect Cooking Class in Avignon
When selecting a cooking class, think about your budget, time availability, and culinary interests. For a deeply personal experience, Gina’s Cooking lessons are hard to beat for their intimacy and focus on sustainability. If you want a lively, market-based class led by a top chef, the exceptional chef workshop is ideal. Those interested in a rural Provençal setting should consider La Belugue, which combines rustic charm with traditional techniques. For a full-service, gourmet experience, the Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef offers a premium option with a guaranteed delicious meal.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak tourist season in spring and summer. Consider your culinary ambition — do you want to learn basics, master Provençal classics, or indulge in a luxury experience? Each of these options delivers a different taste of Avignon’s vibrant food scene.
Final Thoughts
Avignon’s cooking classes range from intimate market-based lessons to rustic farmhouse feasts and upscale culinary experiences. For most travelers, Gina’s Cooking lessons offer an excellent entry point into Provençal cuisine, combining personal attention with stunning views. The exceptional chef workshop is perfect for those wanting a lively, hands-on market experience with expert guidance.
If you enjoy a rural setting, La Belugue provides an authentic Provençal farm experience that combines tradition with relaxation. For a more indulgent, gourmet meal, the chef-led class with lunch offers a sophisticated taste of Provence. Wherever your interests lie, booking ahead will ensure you secure a place in these memorable classes.