The French House Party offers specialist holiday cooking or arts residential courses operated by the highest-calibre tutors at an eight-bedroom house with pool, tennis court and boules-pitch close to the Canal du Midi near spectacular Carcassonne - we're talking chauffeurs and chic, fizz and fine food, personal service and attention to detail. Individuals may join French House Party's regular summer arts courses including Creative Writing with the much-lauded Sarah Hymas and Dean Friedman's Songwriting course for aspiring songwriters and performers - an exclusive opportunity to learn from and jam with one of contemporary music's most original musical lyricists whose hit songs include "Lucky Stars" and "Lydia". The French House Party Gastro Academy is the only all-inclusive culinary vacation school of its kind and calibre in the region, with hands-on tuition from first-class French chefs during breaks of between 3 and 7 days. Other than flights costs, prices are absolutely all-inclusive. Tailor-made group celebrations, golf, wedding or corporate breaks are a speciality.
This was my forth trip to The French House Party and as before it didn’t disappoint, delivering beyond all expectations as usual, despite being in limbo during COVID, providing an imaginative and interesting itinerary of food related activities.
On arrival meeting with the other guests, a pair of couples from Southern Ireland the ‘famous five’ was created it was going to fun few days. Moira and her team had laid on a delightful lunch before out trip out to Limoux, to visit the ancient and historic Maison Guinot, maker of the Methode Traditionnelle Blanquette and Cremant sparkling wines, the origin of Champagne.
We followed this with a delightful evening meal and settled down for several days of visits, quality restaurants, cooking, eating and the occasional glass of wine (It always flows copiously!). Our two chef tutors with years of experience in high end establishments, one, Jean Marc Boyer the chef patron of the Michelin starred Le Puit Du Tresor in the tiny village of Lastours held since 2007, the other Gregory Legros, an extremely experienced international chef having worked in both Michelin star and high end restaurant and hotels for many years gave us some amazing lessons in a range of cookery skills and techniques which were both interesting and practical.
The cookery lessons were interspersed with visits to the local market, the Citadel of Carcassonne, Marion Les Chocolats, an artisan chocolatier who showed us how to temper and make numerous delights to take away.
As before The French House Party provided an excellent escape for a few days, lovely air conditioned rooms overlooking a swimming pool to cool you down in the summer months, beautiful breakfasts with hot croissants, cheese, ham, jams, juices, cereals, fresh fruit, tea and coffee you will NOT go hungry and lots to keep you busy during the day and convivial dinning in the evening also overlooking the swimming pool with stunning sunsets (weather permitting).
The French House Party comes highly recommended, this year in August, the very talented (genius) Mike Batt of Wombles fame amongst his well known songs is attending the school as guest tutor in a creative songwriting event so if music is your thing, check it out quickly as its sure to be an amazing event.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: It’s all good
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from French House Party Carcassonne, Owner at The French House Party, Carcassonne
Responded 17 May 2022
Thanks for that, Jules. Welcome, as always!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was a writing workshop held in the relaxing inspirational company of other writers. The hostess Moira and Isabel went out of their way to cater for everyone. The food, activities and their love for giving everyone the best possible experience was unrivalled. Thoroughly recommended!
Read more
Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:Â Plenty of parking, take your swimmers
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moira and Isabella are fantastic hostesses. The rooms are quite comfortable, the grounds are beautiful in this hidden treasure tucked away in the French countryside. Moira arranged lovely excursions and both chefs we worked with or delightful. We learned so much and needless to say, the food is exquisite. For any anyone who enjoys cooking and eating incredible food, the French House Party should be high on your list of places to visit.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I went in May for the writers retreat, and it was amazing. I booked because unlike others I'd seen, Moira who runs it took all the hassle out of everything. You get the beauty of being in the countryside without the hassle of getting there as she organised airport pickup. And all at a better rate than i had seen elsewhere. On arrival, the place is a French dream with everything you could need. Lovely local area with things to visit on your own like the Canal Di Midi a short distance away and Moira organised so many things from wine tasting to a trip to Carcassone and other fun activities on site. The food was stunning and plentiful, as was the wine, Moira is certainly the hostess with the mostess. And Anne our writing tutor was brilliant too, lots of fun activities to help with writing every morning and free time in the afternoon to work on your pieces. I learnt so much about writing and about myself in just a few short days. Like someone in my group who was there for the fifth time, I'll certainly be back! And I can't wait!!
Read more
Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just back from a cusine in brief three day cookery course at this amazing venue. Thankyou Moira for being the finest hostess there could be. Fab accommodation in a most beautiful setting. We cooked with fantastic chefs, we went on a chocolate making course, we went to the markets. The group didnt know each other but they were all a total joy to spend time with and a bundle of fun. The food, the wine, the sunshine, the fun and laughter makes it a trip that I will always remember. I cant recommend it highly enough and would love to go back...and will go back..one day. Back in London looking at the photos with fond memories.
Thankyou all for making it such fun
Read more
Date of stay: May 2018Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MoiraMartingale, Owner at The French House Party, Carcassonne
Responded 27 May 2018
That review was so much appreciated. I’m so pleased we got things right for you and you enjoyed being there as much as we enjoyed having you! Hope you might make it back one day.. Moira
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
With 8 stylish bedrooms, art deco style shared spaces, fabulous food and a well paced programme, FHP is perfect. Nothing seems too much trouble to Moira, assisted by ever smiling Regine, and where else would you get a welcome meal cooked by such an amazing chef as Robert, who tutors the cookery course? Set among sunflower fields, walking distance from the Canal du Midi, the location is quiet, the atmosphere friendly country house rather than rave. The creative writing course, tutored by the inspirational Sarah Hymas, is well structured with real nuggets of content, and lots of laughter. It is not cheap yet great value with just everything included (apart from a modest £10 for Internet access) - restaurant meals, transfers to airports, good wines, vineyard visit, optional outing to Carcassonne or Toulouse, bikes, table tennis, use of tennis court and pool. All the rooms are good, the main differences being upstairs or down, single or double, bath as well as a shower. Just faultless and great fun.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2014
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lovely room in this beautiful villa, fabulous food, every attention to detail, very comfortable. Moira is a lovely lady, so kind and thoughtful, with great help from Regine and Bill. I learnt a great deal from Sarah's course, she covers a lot of ground in such a short time and really helps you to think. She also made it fun, very enjoyable. There are lots of nice touches - visit to vineyard, visit to Carcassone, two restaurant visits, wine and soft drinks, euro adaptor and kettle in room. A particular highlight was the evening at Carcassonne, the food at the restaurant was delicious and La Cite at night is well worth a visit as it is floodlit and has a lovely atmosphere. Walk the ramparts during the day for views.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2013Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oh my word! If you enjoy food and like to cook this experience is fantastic! I have just returned having did the explorer food class with my adult daughter who also loves to cook as well and my wife who actually hung out and worked but enjoyed the evenings and the food! Wow is all I can say, our gracious hostess Moira is amazingly accommodating as well as those who assist her, Isabel,Neal, Vicki, Corrine. Thanks to each and everyone for making this such a delight and a wonderful memory for my daughter and I! - The Chefs!! A Wahla! Lauren, Remi, and Jean Marc! Tres Bonn!! Thank you so much! The instruction, the camaraderie, the food! all so incredible! If you have any doubts, caste them aside and do this!! you will not regret! Cool moment as well when Macron's personal chef called Jean Marc and asked if he could come and cook for Macron while we were standing there! Pretty cool!! The chef's were excellent, inviting, fun, instructional, engaged - Thank you once again!!!
Read more
Date of stay: April 2019
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Choose a room with a terrace! lovely!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MoiraMartingale, Owner at The French House Party, Carcassonne
Responded 28 Oct 2019
Thanks for this lovely review, Ron! I'd forgotten about the Macron dinner and Jean-Marc Boyer - I think that happened this summer sometime. I guess it was more exciting for us than for him, because he must have done a lot of that sort of thing when he trained and worked in Paris. I'm pleased you all enjoyed the course as much as we enjoyed having you there. Best wishes to everyone. Moira
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had done a lot of research to find a cooking holiday to enjoy with another couple for a short weekend -- this was perfect. This seemed to have the most time in the kitchen but was coupled with a winery visit and a wondeful market (best I've been to) on Saturday morning. Moira has created a relaxed and hospitable setting with plenty of space to relax indoors and out with the other guests. Laurent was our chef in the kitchen and he was very talented, patient and fun and very French. No cooking experience is needed -- I cook a bit but learned a lot! Our creations were delicious. Toulouse airport (or Carcassone) is quite accessible for travel. The rooms are very comfortable and have everything you need including a kettle. Wifi works great. I wish I could have stayed longer to take the six day course!
Read more
Date of stay: September 2016
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MoiraMartingale, Owner at The French House Party, Carcassonne
Responded 5 Oct 2016
Thanks very much for this lovely review, Laura. I'm glad we lived up to your expectations! Hope you and Tony have an enjoyable autumn/winter. Moira
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Recently returned home following a memorable road trip around France with my wife which included a 50th birthday present from my wife, this being three days spent in the company of singer songwriter Dean Friedman and a group of nine hopeful songwriters wishing to learn from a 'master'. The delightful location, for the 3 days was a large farmhouse in the village of Pexiora near Carcassonne owned by the host and event organiser Moira. Moira was the the perfect host and along with a fabulous team of helpers (Emma, Denise and Polly) they provided us with excellent breakfasts, lunches and evening meals for the length of the stay as well as a healthy amount of coffee and wine throughout. As for the songwriting experience the group were treated to the benefit of Dean's wealth of experience and knowledge in the craft of songwriting including a number of often humorous stories from his career. Throughout, he was a very genuine and down to earth person who never tried to suggest his approach to songwriting was the right or only way to write songs but instead offered many tips and hints in order to guide us in our approach. From my own point of view I benefited massively from his methods and by taking on board his wisdom I achieved the writing of my very first song and had the privilege of performing this in front of Dean and the rest of the group on the final night. This opportunity was afforded to all participants. In addition on the second night Dean performed a set of his own songs to the group of participants and approx 40 'locals'. For me the overall experience of the 3 days was very positive and I would recommend this workshop to anyone looking at an introduction to the art of songwriting or looking to develop their art further with an experienced songwriter. A big thank you to Moira and her team and of course to Dean (and his wife Alison) for a memorable experience.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2015Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Laura! People come on their own or in couples or sometimes groups of four or so. If they are part of a larger group - eight is a perfect number - they can arrange a private course during an alternative available week of the year to suit themselves.
Solo occupancy of one of our double-occupancy rooms incurs a supplement. This is £65 for the 3-day courses and £200 for the 6-day courses. (2019 prices). Our prices are all-inclusive residential and we collect clients from Toulouse or Carcassonne airport or railway station on the morning of the first day and also provide free transfers back on the last day.
As regards the age of our participants this does vary a great deal. I suppose the largest number of people, both men and women, are between 40 and 60, then the next-highest group would be in their 30s ... but we have had people in their eighties staying with us (fit people though, because there is quite a bit of standing during the cookery classes) and quite a number of young people who come with parents, doing a mother and daughter/son cooking holiday for example.
Hope that has been helpful. Email me via website if you would like more information.
Best wishes
Moira Martingale
Owner
There are more places to choose from in the Pexiora area.
LOCATION
FranceOccitanieAudePexiora
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
