In the heart of Provence, the beautiful village of Seillans is almost hiding a gem ... a new gastronomy institute that opened its doors last year. I know Seillans since I'm a little girl since my grand parents were living in the nearby village called Bargemon, and my parents still own a country house there. My grandparents were operating a wine and spirit business that was servicing all the restaurants in the area, so Seillans is no stranger to me.
It was with great pleasure and anticipation that I learned about the opening of L'institut Gastronomie Riviera whose purpose is to provide culinary training for professional chefs, as well as the general public with a special focus on the history and culture of this region. Nicolas Denis, a pastry chef whose curriculum includes some of the most prestigious restaurants in France, and Elise Allongue, an interior designer specialized in luxury hotels, are the driving behind this institute.
The entrance
A communal table where fellow students can enjoy the food they have just prepared
Many classes are available every month for the general public
The decor gracefully blends contemporary design with centuries old architecture
The location is more than exquisite. Denis and Elise have chosen to create their institute in a Magnanerie, an ancient silk factory. The building has been lovingly renovated and decorated in a skillful way that joins the contemporary world with the authenticity of ancient times. The building still features some old bones and antiques. A real treat if you like history.
As you enter The Institute, you will find in its rooms stylishly treated concrete floors and ceilings showing off wooden beams, a careful blend of contemporary and original elements giving the school a unique charm.
Charming guest rooms and apartments are available for trainees above the Institute, enabling them to completely immerse themselves in the Provençal way of life and Art of Living.
Thanks to its large renovated space, the Institute is also able to accommodate and cater for private and corporate events.
The cooking classes are given by many well known chefs that are already stars in the Michelin universe. For professionals, it is a wonderful opportunity to improve their techniques, meet other fellow chefs in a relaxing environment. For the general public like myself, it is a nice incursion in the gastronomy world, where tricks from chefs are finally revealed... The institutes proposes 4 classes every month to the public: a gastronomical evening held the first friday of the month where you will not only cook with 2 chefs, but also enjoy a dinner with local wines (119 €), a culinary matinee held the last saturday of the month where you will cook with local products from the market and enjoy a lunch with local wines (87 €), a pastry class for kids 5 to 12 years old held on Wednesday(39 €), and a pastry class for adults also held on Wednesday (69 €). Reservations are strongly recommended.
Seillans, designated one of the most beautiful villages in France, is just one hour away from Nice and 35 minutes from Cannes
The tart we baked was made with white peaches which usually feature a subtle floral note
Nicolas Denis, our pastry chef and teatcher for the workshop
I tried the pastry class that was taught by Nicolas Denis himself. Au menu was the most delicious Tarte aux pêches (Peach tart), I have ever tasted. Needless to say that my family was quite happy I brought back that dessert home. They can be quite a harsh critique because they are used to delicacies from Ernest and L'oasis ... but they were totally sublimed by my tarte!!. I will feature the recipe of this tarte aux peches in the next article.
The class was taught in french, however there is a possibility to have it also taught in english. Please enquire when you make your reservation. Provence is a very popular destination for anglophone tourists, so locals are becoming more and more fluent in english, especially the younger generation.
The Institute state-of-the-art kitchen
Demonstration by a professional makes all the difference!
Every step was broken down into manageable segment so that we could execute them properly
A tart ready to go ... And that will be the star of our family dinner!
For more information
Institut Gastronomie Riviera
12 anciens chemin de Fayence
83440 Seillans
Tel: +33 0(4) 94 85 19 87
Website and email
Interactive map
Check out our interactive map of Provence to see where l'Institut Gastronomie Riviera is located.
It was with great pleasure and anticipation that I learned about the opening of L'institut Gastronomie Riviera whose purpose is to provide culinary training for professional chefs, as well as the general public with a special focus on the history and culture of this region. Nicolas Denis, a pastry chef whose curriculum includes some of the most prestigious restaurants in France, and Elise Allongue, an interior designer specialized in luxury hotels, are the driving behind this institute.
The entrance
A communal table where fellow students can enjoy the food they have just prepared
Many classes are available every month for the general public
The decor gracefully blends contemporary design with centuries old architecture
The location is more than exquisite. Denis and Elise have chosen to create their institute in a Magnanerie, an ancient silk factory. The building has been lovingly renovated and decorated in a skillful way that joins the contemporary world with the authenticity of ancient times. The building still features some old bones and antiques. A real treat if you like history.
As you enter The Institute, you will find in its rooms stylishly treated concrete floors and ceilings showing off wooden beams, a careful blend of contemporary and original elements giving the school a unique charm.
Charming guest rooms and apartments are available for trainees above the Institute, enabling them to completely immerse themselves in the Provençal way of life and Art of Living.
Thanks to its large renovated space, the Institute is also able to accommodate and cater for private and corporate events.
The cooking classes are given by many well known chefs that are already stars in the Michelin universe. For professionals, it is a wonderful opportunity to improve their techniques, meet other fellow chefs in a relaxing environment. For the general public like myself, it is a nice incursion in the gastronomy world, where tricks from chefs are finally revealed... The institutes proposes 4 classes every month to the public: a gastronomical evening held the first friday of the month where you will not only cook with 2 chefs, but also enjoy a dinner with local wines (119 €), a culinary matinee held the last saturday of the month where you will cook with local products from the market and enjoy a lunch with local wines (87 €), a pastry class for kids 5 to 12 years old held on Wednesday(39 €), and a pastry class for adults also held on Wednesday (69 €). Reservations are strongly recommended.
Seillans, designated one of the most beautiful villages in France, is just one hour away from Nice and 35 minutes from Cannes
The tart we baked was made with white peaches which usually feature a subtle floral note
Nicolas Denis, our pastry chef and teatcher for the workshop
I tried the pastry class that was taught by Nicolas Denis himself. Au menu was the most delicious Tarte aux pêches (Peach tart), I have ever tasted. Needless to say that my family was quite happy I brought back that dessert home. They can be quite a harsh critique because they are used to delicacies from Ernest and L'oasis ... but they were totally sublimed by my tarte!!. I will feature the recipe of this tarte aux peches in the next article.
The class was taught in french, however there is a possibility to have it also taught in english. Please enquire when you make your reservation. Provence is a very popular destination for anglophone tourists, so locals are becoming more and more fluent in english, especially the younger generation.
The Institute state-of-the-art kitchen
Demonstration by a professional makes all the difference!
Every step was broken down into manageable segment so that we could execute them properly
A tart ready to go ... And that will be the star of our family dinner!
For more information
Institut Gastronomie Riviera
12 anciens chemin de Fayence
83440 Seillans
Tel: +33 0(4) 94 85 19 87
Website and email
Check out our interactive map of Provence to see where l'Institut Gastronomie Riviera is located.
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