Chocolate School in France
Ecole Chocolat - Chocolate Making School

"I had a great time and I learned a lot.

I would strongly recommend that all graduates take the trip it is a valuable part of being a true chocolatier. "

- Simone, 2012 graduate

Chocolatier

"I highly recommend this program.

We all learned and gained new techniques as well as experiencing the production line and team work. I definitely can apply this knowledge to my business. I also gained new friends from the U.S. and around the world. Well worth the trip. "

- Noi, 2011 graduate

"It truly exceeded all expectations I had. The chefs were not only amazing but very friendly as well.

I was more than impressed with the amount of knowledged imparted. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the other participants and am certain that I will remain in touch with several of them."

- Bettina, 2010 graduate

more testimonials

Master Chocolatier Program in Tuscany

France – This is a unique opportunity to learn from French master chocolatiers. The one-week (6-nights) experience combines a special program of hands-on training at Valrhona's Ecole du Grand Chocolat with guided visits to Paris' important chocolatiers. You'll be inspired and come away with an in-depth understanding of how fine French bonbons are developed, produced and presented.

Learn French Chocolate Chocolate Making
Next Chocolate Course

April 21 - 27, 2014


award winning instructors

Program dates, April 21 - 27, 2014

We have to schedule this program the week after Easter in order not to coincide with the major France holiday of May 1 when nothing will be open and hotel rates soar for the summer season. The latest you could arrive in Paris is 11:00 AM on April 22, 2014

Cost for this program has not been confirmed but note that the registration fee in prior years has been approximately 3,200€ (Euros), single occupancy, for your budget planning.*

*Does not include travel to and from France

Registration will open in Fall 2013.

Registration fee includes:

Exclusive hands-on program at Valrhona's Ecole du Grand Chocolat with certificate and recipes
Workshop and tasting with chocolate connoisseur Chloe Doutre-Roussel
Guided walking tour of chocolatiers' boutiques
Six nights accommodation in Tain l'Hermitage and Paris
Welcome dinner
Five lunches
Breakfast daily
Ground transportation includes Paris to Tain l'Hermitage return

 

Would you like to be notified when registration opens for this program?

Add your email address below and click Join. Then choose this option: Advanced Notice List for Program in France.

Email:  

Ecole du Grand Chocolat is an excellent facility and their special program for our group includes professional techniques, sophisticated recipes, chocolate science and use of tempering enrober equipment.

 
IMPORTANT NOTES:

This program is delivered in English.

Program participants and travel companions must be 17 years of age or older. Also note that the program involves a lot of standing for long periods and walking (with bags at times) so good mobility and strength is important. Because we go into small towns, access for the handicapped is minimal.

Want to bring a traveling companion?

Traveling companions must be 17 years of age or older and their registration includes:

Six nights accommodation in Paris and Tain l'Hermitage
Workshop and tasting with Chloe Doutre-Roussel
A guided walking tour of chocolatiers' boutiques in Paris
Welcome dinner and lunch
Breakfast daily
Ground transportation Paris to Tain l'Hermitage return

Note re Shared rooms – Ecole Chocolat will pair students wishing to share a room in the order of receipt of their deposit. Please be prepared to pay the single room registration fee if we are unable to pair you with an appropriate roommate.

Our minimum requirement for this program to run is 8 students and the maximum is 12 students (traveling companions are not included in minimum or maximum number). You'll want to wait to book your flight to France until we confirm that the minimum number of students have registered.

Prerequisite: Ecole Chocolat Professional Chocolatier Certificate of Achievement or equivalent qualifications.

Master Chocolatier Program Certificate:

Students completing the program will receive an Ecole Chocolat Master Chocolatier Certificate of Achievement.

Cancellation Policy:

Our Ecole Chocolat Master Chocolatier Programs only accommodate a limited number of students and are usually full, with a waiting list. As the programs involve a travel component, we need to contact those on the waiting list in enough time so they can make travel arrangements. If you have to cancel, we'll do everything in our power to find a replacement but can't guarantee that we'll be successful. No refunds will be given after 45 days prior to the program start date. Make sure you're totally commited to the program before paying your registration fee. We also suggest that you take out travel insurance when booking your travel to and from the program country, in case of an emergency.

Chocolate Classes in France

Are you interested in qualifying for this hands-on program?

The Ecole Chocolat Professional Chocolatier Program is the only program of its kind that allows you to start learning professional gourmet chocolate making in your own home through our part-time, 100% online program.


our unique curriculum
Valrhona, located in the Rhône Valley since 1924, is considered by many to be the finest chocolate manufacturer in France. Their chocolate products supply both pastry chefs and chocolatiers around the world.

Tour Itinerary:

**Legend for meals included in your tour: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

* Itinerary subject to change: every effort will be made to keep the itinerary as it appears here. However, the final itinerary may vary due to schedules, availability and factors beyond our control.

Day One:

Independent arrivals at tour hotel in Paris.

Day Two:B,L,D

After a workshop and tasting with Chloe Doutre-Roussel , we leave Paris in the afternoon by TGV and arrive in Valence, then on to Tain l'Hermitage. Welcoming dinner in Tain l'Hermitage.

Days Three - Five: B,L

Full days of classes with lunch at Valrhona's Ecole du Grand Chocolat. Free nights for dinner in Tain l'Hermitage or Tournon.

"Probably the most valuable thing I learned was actually working with the enrobers, guitars, etc. Right now I am doing all by hand, and I was really intimidated by the larger equipment. This experience helped to demystify it for me." Michelle, 2011 graduate

Day Six: B,L

We leave from Valence by TGV in the morning and return to Paris for our farewell lunch and tour of the chocolatiers of Paris. Free evening.

Day Seven: B

Independent departures from tour hotel.

505 Montgomery, San Francisco CA 1-213-291-8309 US or 1-604-484-1872 Canada