When you think of an escape across the channel to France, you’d be forgiven for immediately conjuring up images of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, the glowing red of the Moulin Rouge and the sight of slate grey sloping roofs stretching into the distance.

But as enchanting and addictive as Paris is, it’s not all France has to offer. Whilst we agree that the French capital is an essential destination for any serious traveller, it can be far more rewarding to get off the beaten track and out into the countryside for truly authentic, local experiences.

But it can be a little daunting narrowing down exactly where to go, and what to do, in one of the biggest countries in Europe. That’s why here at Not In The Guidebooks, we’ve tried to save you a little time by picking out some of the best rural experiences in France, from Gascony to Brittany, so that you can get off the beaten track in France.

French Cookery and Gastronomy Holiday in Gascony

What better way to experience France than through one of its most world-renowned aspects – its food. On this cookery and gastronomy holiday in Gascony, you’ll immerse yourself in everything food that this beautiful, remote region has to offer, and learn the skills that will make you a true master of French cuisine.

Staying in a gorgeous 19^th century farmhouse, you’ll get to enjoy the settings of 50 acres of lush parkland and a heated outdoor swimming pool for your downtime.

But you’re here for some real rural French experiences, which you’ll get in bucket loads on visits to small, traditional market villages where you’ll be able to sample the incredible local produce, chateaux’s where you’ll taste local wines made by legendary local families, and a family-run Armagnac distillery, where one of the most quintessential Gascony specialties is produced.

All this is supplemented by incredible three-course meals made in the true French fashion, cooking classes in French cuisine, and, of course, some of the best wine in the world.

French Cookery Course in Brittany

Where the last holiday was one for the foodies, the people who want to enjoy all the finer things in life (especially if they’re French), this holiday is for all those hard-core chefs that want to dig deep into mastering French cuisine.

You’ll spend 6 nights and 7 days cooking up an absolute storm of French classics, local specialities, and a few dishes with unique twists in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, under the guidance of Poul, who trained and has graduated from one of the best French restaurants in Europe.

Prepare seafood specialities and develop technical skills like filleting fish, create stocks and soups from scratch and master the art of French patisserie, homemade breads and ice creams. The food you’ll produce will be of genuine restaurant standard, and you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the French way of life with good company, amazing food, and free flowing wine, all in a beautiful rural corner of Brittany.