The muckymucks at my company have bestowed 6 weeks fully paid sabbatical/vacation upon yours truly, so from 9/1 thru 10/15 I will be wallowing in my dream - LIVING IN PARIS. Aside from 10 days bargeing in Somedamnplace with the Loons, I will be in Paris for five weeks. <BR>Now to the crux of the matter: I want to take cooking courses while in Paris. I know about the Cordon Bleu, the Escoffier-Ritz, Patricia Welles (no vacancies and expensive), and a Paule Maillot. Does anyone know of other classes offered? Personal reviews of any of the courses? I'm looking for 1-day to two-week courses, on virtually anything (except maybe meatloaf or menudo), even something seemingly off-the-wall. Self-taught gourmet cook (thank you PBS and Jacques, Pierre and Julia), I'm looking for something to add to my knowledge (and bragging rights "oh THAT dessert? oh I learned that at the Hedoniste Ecole Culinaire while I was living in Paris..."). <BR>Aidez-moi!

I'm not sure I've ever been as envious as I am right now I hope you will have internet access in Paris and regale us often with tales of your exploits???

Be sure to post your address so we can all come visit you...

A 6 week sabbatical - who do you work for and how do I get a job there? I am truly envious of you - make sure you post reports to keep us updated on your adventures.

WOW !!!! boy oh boy, am I envious. What a great opportunity, you'll be living out my dream. <BR> <BR>At home I have a book that lists cooking schools around the world. It is a few years old, but it still may have some great info. I'll take a look at it and get back to you. <BR> <BR>Also, I'm with Lori, is your company hiring? <BR> <BR>Tammy <BR>

Dear "E", <BR>http://www.epicurious.com/ <BR>It's the Conde Nast (Gourmet Magazine) site. Many schools adverts appear there (in the back) - or just go to the library for an issue. <BR> <BR>If all else fails, I can have my sister-in-law (chef/owner of a restaurant/inn in Megeve, FR check into schools for you. <BR>HTH...you lucky stiff!

Sounds like a tough 6 weeks, Elvira. Want to change places???? There are tons of cooking schools that offer everything from 1 day courses to much longer ones. <BR>Check out Shawguides.com They describe cooking schools all over the world. Let us know what you're creating.

I've checked all the websites, and the back of the cooking magazines, and I find a lot 'culinary vacations' and month-long courses. I did find in Shawguides.com two more 'neighborhood' courses (one by Marie-Blanche de Broglie who teaches 'the art of living' - I have an article about her from "W" in the 1970's...). <BR>That's the sort of thing I'm looking for; if you asked me about cooking courses here in the Valley of the Sun, I could recommend two good culinary schools...but also local chefs who offer a one-day course in Thai cooking or Cooking in Your Car (this is a real book; our cars get so hot during the summer that this guy came up with recipes wherein you wrap the food in tin foil then leave it on your backseat to 'slow cook'. I can't find the book anywhere, so if anybody knows where I can find a copy...). <BR>So I'll start sorting through the various choices, sign up for some classes, then maybe just check the local newspaper (good gollymissmolly, that's Le Figaro! My *local* paper will be LE FIGARO!) to see if there's a course in "Cuisine en voiture". <BR> <BR>

In addition to the "car cooking" guy, there's some other guy I've seen doing the talk show circuit who has apparently written a book consisting entirely of recipes that can be made in a drip coffeemaker (the kind hotel rooms often have). Yes, I realize that's probably not that helpful to you at the moment, Elvira... <BR> <BR>I know I've seen articles on cooking classes in Paris -- I'll see if I can dig some of them out. Add me to the list of green-with-envy-eyed Fodorites.

Elvira <BR> <BR>I can find 3 French courses advertised but not in Paris. One in the Dordgone, one in Provence and one in Armagnac. <BR> <BR>Let me know if you want details. <BR> <BR>

Hey fellow Valley of the Suner - I read in the Tribune that Barbara Fenzl is doing a class somewhere in France later this year. Sorry I can't be more specific but I believe she is listed in the yellow pages or perhaps through KAET or Scottsdale Culinary Institute. I will look through my recycle pile in an effort to find the article.

Elvira, <BR>This is sort of a wild hare, but I read Noel Riley Fitch's biography of Julia Child last year, and Julia's collaborators on The Book were cooking-school compatriots of hers in Paris. Have you considered contacting her agent or the PBS station in Boston that produces her show to ask for suggestions?

Elvira, <BR>Appears Ms. Fenzl's class runs August 23-30, ending just before your arrival. But the info is available by calling 602-240-6767. It is being held at LaCombe, outside Les Eyzies France. I have no idea where this is. The tribune says it is a "weeklong culinary and cultural vacation" whatever that means. Ciao.

Les Eyzies is a town on the Vezere River in the Dordogne Valley, home of the Cro-Magnon Museum and several really good restaurants. It's the closest city to the caves with the prehistoric drawings.