Food is Culture

Food is Culture
France and Germany

Academic Field(s)
Hospitality and Tourism
Destinations
Strasbourg, Black Forest, Freiburg, and Paris

Duration
11 days
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Paris and the European Study Center (ESC) Strasbourg

Europe is renowned for countless culinary specialties which tantalize the taste buds and warm one’s heart.

This program pursues a passion for regional culinary history and practices. It allows students to gain an insider’s view into the food production of local delicatessens by visiting food producers in two of the most “delectable” European regions: the Alsace in France and the Black Forest in Germany. Additionally, in Paris, students will experience the culinary excellence of the French capital, learn about its gastronomy, local markets, and absorb the French culture at first hand.

DAY 1
- Overnight flight to Frankfurt, Germany (group flight can be booked separately)
DAY 2-3: STRASBOURG
Stay 6 nights at the European Study Center Strasbourg (Château de Pourtalès)
- Arrival at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)
- Check-in at the Château and orientation session by your CEPA On-Site Coordinator
- Guided walking tour of Strasbourg, focusing on the gourmet delights of the city
- Welcome dinner at a traditional winstub
- Cooking workshop to learn about and cook with regional products
- Visit a typical French “Pâtisserie” to meet with the owner, who will introduce you to the fine art of pastry making in France (tasting included)

DAY 4-5: BLACK FORST - FREIBURG
- Visit a 4- or 5-star hotel in the Black Forest for a behind-the-scenes and kitchen tour as well as a group lunch
- Visit a German brewery in the Black Forest, including a beer tasting and a snack
- Enjoy a free morning in Freiburg to explore the local farmers’ market, a valued shopping area for locals
- Visit a traditional bakery and pâtisserie in Germany to learn how the famous Black Forest Cake is produced (tasting included)
DAY 6-7: STRASBOURG - ALSACE
- Guest lecture on “The French Health System”, e.g. by a dietician or a representative of the Slow Food Movement
- Experience Alsatian specialities such as gingerbread, cheese, traditional biscuits, wine, and more during a “Tasty Trip” through Strasbourg
- Guided bus tour along the famous “Route du Vin” (wine route) with stopovers in small Alsatian villages to learn more about the region’s history and wine production
- Visit an Alsatian winery and one of their vineyards to learn about the production of wine and to taste a selection of Alsatian wines
- Group dinner at a restaurant near Strasbourg to enjoy the traditional Alsatian “Tarte Flambée”, which has a razor-thin dough base and is based on a recipe going back to the mid-1800s

DAY 8-11: PARIS
Stay 3 nights at a 3-star hotel in Paris
- Train tickets from Strasbourg to Paris
- Check-in at the hotel and orientation session by your CEPA On-Site Coordinator
- Boat tour on the famous Bateaux Parisiens to get a first impression of Paris
- Admission to the Musée de l’homme to explore their permanent exhibition “je mange donc je suis”. You will discover the biological, cultural, and ecological aspects of our food.
- Guided tour of La Grande Epicerie with on-site tasting of emblematic products to discover one of Paris’ most famous gastronomy companies, located in a Paris renowned department market building: Le Bon Marché
- Gourmand guided tour of the Opéra, St-Honoré and Madeleine gastronomic Paris through emblematic well-known sites such as Ladurée, Angelina, and new ones such as L’éclair de génie
- Free afternoon in Paris
- Farewell dinner at a French restaurant
- Departure from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

What’s included in this sample itinerary:
Academic and professional excursions with special presentations • cultural excursions and field trips with local, bilingual guides • entrance fees and reservations • accommodation at the European Study Center Strasbourg (triple or twin rooms for students; single room for the faculty) and in a 3-star hotel (twin rooms for students; single room for the faculty) • daily breakfast • welcome and farewell dinner • 1 additional group lunch and 1 additional group dinner • cooking workshop • local transportation by private bus as needed • train tickets • public transportation passes in Paris (zone 1-3) and Strasbourg • on-site coordinator during excursions • orientation sessions • time to study, instruct, and explore

Program fee starting at € 1,590 per participant based on a group size of 20

Program fee starting at € 1,790 per participant based on a group size of 15
All program fees are calculated to include participation of one accompanying faculty or group leader.
Prices are based on a minimum number of 15 or 20 paying participants.
The actual quote for a tailored program will vary depending on different factors, for example: the actual program dates, the final participant number, the duration of the program, the visits and excursions included, as well as varying exchange rates