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What is Culinary Tourism?
Culinary tourism, also known as food tourism, is one of the most authentic ways to experience a destination. It goes beyond simply eating well on holiday; it is about immersing yourself in cultural heritage through flavours, traditions, and ingredients. Every sip of wine, every farm-to-table meal, every pastry shaped by hand tells the story of a place, its people, and its history.
By embracing this kind of travel, you are not only indulging in unforgettable culinary experiences but also supporting local artisans, farmers, and sustainable production practices that keep gastronomic traditions alive.
Culinary tourism is the perfect meeting point between luxury travel and cultural heritage. It is authentic, heritage-driven, and often off the grid—experiences that nourish the soul as much as they delight the palate. Join us as we explore the best foodie destinations in the world and Europe’s most refined culinary tourism activities from France’s legendary vineyards to Italy’s rustic fattorias, from truffle hunts in Tuscany to croissant-making in Paris.
Wine Experiences: Uncorking the Finest Vineyards
When it comes to wine, France is the undisputed epicenter. From the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux to the sparkling hillsides of Champagne, wine here is more than just a drink. It is a way of life, rooted in centuries-old traditions and culture. Our concierge has spent years curating the most exclusive and authentic wine experiences across the country for you to discover the very best of French wine.
Provence’s Hidden Vintages
In the sun-soaked Luberon, you can trace the history of wine through the region’s oldest vineyard. Spend the day with an expert oenologist, pairing exquisite local cheeses with vintages that capture the Provençal terroir. If you prefer Aix-en-Provence, you can uncover the renowned reputation of Chateau La Coste and enjoy a day experiencing the art of winemaking alongside their collection of stunning contemporary art.
A Day in Champagne
Meet one of the region's esteemed winegrower and privately tour one of the most distinguished Champagne houses of the area. Two unique tastings of champagne with the producers await where you will discover the stages of its production while admiring the vast expanses of the vineyards.
A Chianti Feast in Tuscany
It's impossible to end this section without at least a small mention of the Land of the Dolce Vita. Italy, too, offers some of the finest wine experiences in Europe.
In the heart of Chianti, discover an authentic estate through food, wine and oils. Upon arrival the staff will guide you on a private tour of the vineyards and winery. Afterwards enjoy a light lunch in the cellar, where traditional dishes crafted with garden-fresh ingredients accompanied by their Tuscan wines and oils.
Where to Stay for the Best Wine Experiences
From Farm-to-table: Discover the Roots of Flavour
Few things are more satisfying than seeing where your food comes from. Farm-to-table experiences invite you to slow down, savour, and reconnect with the land. And nowhere does this better than Italy, where meals are rooted in tradition and the freshest local harvests. Discover four amazing Italian food experiences or explore luxury agritourism in Italy to taste it for yourself.
Tuscany’s Rustic Fattorias
Board your private tour bus and spend the day exploring traditional Tuscan fattorias, where olive groves, vegetable gardens, and vineyards yield the fresh ingredients for timeless regional dishes. Indulge in tastings of wine, cheese, saffron, and extra-virgin olive oil, and take home artisanal dried pasta—all while learning about the eco-conscious, biodynamic practices that shape their production.
Oyster Farming in Cap Ferret
In the coastal beauty of Cap Ferret, discover the delicate art of oyster farming from our expert Christian. Walk into shallow waters alongside him and taste oysters as fresh as the tide itself—briny, succulent, unforgettable.
Beekeeping in the Alpilles
Become a beekeeper for a day in the Alpilles, discovering the fascinating world of honey production from a local family who has been in the business for generations. From hive to jar, you’ll witness the care and craft behind one of nature’s sweetest treasures.
Truffle Hunting in Tuscany (with a four-legged friend)
Step into a fairytale forest alongside a trained truffle dog and its handler. Learn to identify Tuscany’s prized truffles, understand their growth cycle and seasons, and uncover the difference between the genuine treasures and their imitations. A truly sensory adventure.
Comporta’s Private Vineyard
Immerse yourself in the flavours of Comporta with a bespoke farm-to-table experience at a private vineyard. Begin with a guided tour of the estate, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process from expert vintners. Savour a curated tasting of the estate’s finest wines before enjoying a gourmet meal crafted from locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. Set in a picturesque setting surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, this intimate experience brings to life the essence of Comporta’s culinary heritage.
Where to Stay for Farm-to-Table Adventures
Cooking classes and ateliers: The art of creation
For those who find joy not only in eating but in creating, cooking classes and food based ateliers offer hands-on opportunities to learn from masters of the craft.
Amalfi Coast Traditions
In Ravello, step into the kitchen of the legendary Mamma Agata, whose recipes have delighted icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy. Her pasta-making lessons carry the warmth and wisdom of generations, served with a dash of Hollywood allure. If drinks are more your style, join Ana in her sun-drenched garden to learn the art of limoncello-making, bottling the region’s golden sunshine with her guidance.
Norman Saffron Secrets
In Normandy, meet the craftsmen who launched saffron culture and uncover the secrets of its production, from harvest to infusion. Afterwards enjoy a menu curated to highlight how this rare spice elevates traditional recipes.
Verbier’s Cheese Craft
In the alpine village of Verbier, summer is cheese season. Join local dairy experts in crafting your own Bagnes tomme, with tastings to reward your effort. This delightful off-season activity will immerse you in alpine traditions. As an extra bonus the charming presence of grazing cows in the surrounding pastures is guaranteed.
The French Classics
In Paris, go behind the scenes of a bakery to learn the secrets of their craft through the creation of your own baguettes and croissants. Mix, knead, bake, and leave with your own delicious treats.
Where to Stay for Exclusive Cooking Classes
Extraordinary Meals: Dining Beyond Expectations
Sometimes, dining becomes the destination. These extraordinary meals promise equally unforgettable flavours as they do settings.
Alpine Enchantment in Courchevel
Tucked away in a hidden corner of Courchevel, The Fairy Mountain Experience invites you to step into a world of alpine magic. As twilight falls, your evening begins with a serene snowshoe trek guided only by torchlight. Your private adventure continues in a beautifully curated alpine setting. The highlight of the evening awaits. Your personal chef is ready to welcome you with an exquisite gourmet meal, thoughtfully prepared and elegantly served.
Dual Moroccan Dinning
In Marrakech, start the day with breakfast hundreds of meters high in a private hot air balloon. Once you've enjoyed your meticulously crafted meal you'll have plenty of time to bask in the stunning 360 views of the Moroccan landscape. After your descent, spend the day exploring before your dinner experience. At sunset, gather with your guide to ride camels through the Agafay Desert to a secret location. Upon arrival dine under the stars at a luxury camp where every detail is designed for comfort and privacy.
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Parisian Dining Etiquette
In Paris, our expert host will welcome you to her chic Parisian home in the 16th arrondissement to uncover the art of French table etiquette. An aristocrat from Champagne with years spent in New York and Japan, she will share her knowledge of traditional table manners over a delicious meal. From the proper way to cut cheese to who pours the wine, you’ll discover the secrets of French dining in an intimate and elegant setting unlike any other.
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Saint-Tropez Picnic by Paddle
In Saint-Tropez, paddle across crystal waters to a secret cove. The charm of this adventure lies not only in the journey but in the intimate picnic awaiting you, prepared with local flavours to be savoured by candlelight.
Where to Stay for Enjoy Extraordinary Meals
Foodie Fun For Families
Culinary adventures are even more rewarding when shared as a family, creating memories that little ones and parents alike will treasure. These experiences ensure that children aren’t just tagging along on a gourmet holiday—they are fully part of the adventure.
A Curated Corsican Picnic
Experience an extraordinary outdoor feast in some of Corsica’s most breathtaking landscapes. Renowned chef Jean-Antoine Ottavi prepares a gourmet picnic for families to enjoy together, whether on a sun-drenched beach or amid a serene forest. Using seasonal Corsican produce, he creates dishes that are both artful and approachable, blending local flavours with international inspirations, making this a magical and memorable moment for all ages.
Sweet Discoveries in Grasse
Step inside the historic Maison Florian and uncover the secrets of infusing flowers into the confectionary making process. From candied fruits to handmade chocolates, children can marvel at the process while indulging their sweet tooth.
Meet the Animals in Megève
At Les Montagnards farm, children can get up close with goats, cows, and sheep and discover the art of traditional alpine cheese-making. While your little ones are visiting the animals you can browse local produce to take home.
Val d'Isère Igloo Dinner
After a day on the slopes, step into a real igloo where a gourmet dinner awaits, surrounded by glistening ice walls and the glow of lantern light. This surreal setting is as thrilling for children as it is enchanting for adults. Not only will you enjoy your meal in a truly unique setting, you’ll also have the opportunity to try your hand at skeet shooting, snowshoeing, and riding in a snow groomer before the meal!
Where to Stay for Foodie Fun as a Family
Our Luxury Concierge - masters in culinary tourism
At Le Collectionist, we curate these experiences with the same care and precision as a Michelin-starred chef perfecting a dish. From olive oil tastings in Puglia with a local farmer to farm-to-table meals in the vineyards of Saint-Tropez, our luxury concierge team ensures that each culinary moment is authentic, unforgettable, and celebrates local culture and tradition.
Culinary tourism is not just about food—it is about connection. It is the luxury of authenticity, of heritage, of savouring a place through its flavours. Whether you are hunting truffles in Tuscany, baking croissants in Paris, or sharing fondue in Zermatt, these are the moments that will linger long after the last bite.
FAQ: CULINARY TOURISM & Foodie travel destinations
