A Taste of France

May 2-10
Professor Jean-Claude Carron

When Francis I began his 32-year reign over France in 1515, the Loire Valley became the setting for the golden age of the French monarchy. Discover the infamous castle of Blois and the fairytale Chambord, surrounded by lush forests. UCLA professor Jean-Claude Carron shares his expertise in the region’s culture and history, colored by his experiences translating Le cuisinier français, the 1651 cookbook by Pierre de La Varenne. Award-winning author and Le Cordon Bleu chef Linda Hymes serves as host and teacher as she shares secrets of the local wines and techniques for creating French cuisine. The culinary adventure includes a private demonstration by award-winning chocolatier Max Vauché, haute cuisine at a medieval castle and Renaissance cuisine in the home of Leonardo da Vinci.

$3,895 • Lindergaff, LLC Educational Tour Programs

More About Professor Jean-Claude Carron

Jean-Claude Carron received his degrees in French literature from the University of Geneva. He taught in Milan and Oxford before moving to UCLA in 1979. His research focuses on issues of culture and literature in Renaissance and early modern period in France and Italy. He has published on poetry, theater and philosophical thought in 16th century France. He currently is at work on an Italian edition of Le cuisinier français, the 1651 cookbook by Pierre de La Varenne, which is widely recognized as the birth of modern French gastronomy. He also regularly teaches the UCLA French Summer Program in Paris.