"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, 10 graduate

"I absolutely recommend the Valrhona Program to anyone who wants to
start a chocolate business!

After learning the basics of the chocolate business through the Ecole Chocolat online course, this actual experience in a professional atmosphere was the perfect follow up. I learned so much from Chef
Givre, just by watching how he used the equipment and how efficient he was regarding production."

- Yumi, 08 Graduate

"The Tour was fabulous!

The Valrhona classes exceeded my expectations. I will be able to immediately incorporate my knowledge gained in my chocolatier practices. I'm very happy to have attended the program."

- Gail, 04 Graduate

more testimonials

France - This is a unique opportunity to learn from the 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 will be inspired and come away with an in-depth understanding of how fine French bonbons are developed, produced and presented.

April 2011

Program Dates April 2011

Cost for this program has not been confirmed but note that the registration fee in prior years has been approximately 3200 Euros single occupancy for your budget planning.*

*does not include travel to and from France

Registration will be open in Fall 2010.

Registration Fee includes:

Exclusive hands-on Program at Valrhona's Ecole du Grand Chocolat with certificate and recipes
Guided walking tour of chocolatier's 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:

Chef Givre of Valrhona's Ecole du Grand Chocolat is an excellent teacher and his special program for our group includes professional techniques, sophisticated recipes, chocolate science and use of equipment.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Program participants and travel companions must be adults at 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, handicap access is at a minimum.

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 will want to wait to book and confirm your flight schedule to France until we confirm that the minimum number of students have registered.

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

Master Chocolatier Program Certificate:

Students completing the program will receive an Ecole Chocolate 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 these programs involve a travel component - we need to contact those on the waiting list in enough time to for them to make travel arrangements. If you have to cancel, we will do everything in our power to find a replacement but can't guarantee that we will be successful. No refunds will be given after 45 days prior to the program start date. Make sure you are 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.

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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 the professional gourmet chocolate making in your own home through our part-time 100% online program.

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.

Night One:

Independent arrivals at tour hotel in Paris.

Night Two:B,L,D

After an introduction and tasting of French chocolatiers, we leave Paris early in the afternoon by TGV and arrive in Valence then on to Tain l'Hermitage. Welcoming dinner in Tain l'Hermitage.

Night Three - Five:B,L

Full day of classes with lunch at Valrhona's Ecole du Grand Chocolat with Chef Philippe Givre. Free night for Dinner in Tain l'Hermitage orTournon.

Night 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.