A great way to experience a new culture when studying abroad is to taste the local cuisine. Earlier this month, IES Abroad students studying abroad in Nantes, embarked on a weekend of culinary experiences as part of their French Cooking and Gastronomy: Food, Wine and Etiquette course.
From meeting goats who produce fromage de chèvre to exploring a ten-story wine museum in Bordeaux, our students enjoyed engaging all their senses in beautiful southwestern France.
The first day of the trip centered around food, starting with a visit to a goat cheese producer.
On the way to Bordeaux, the group stopped to explore the port city of La Rochelle. Located on the Bay of Biscay, La Rochelle is known for its picturesque Vieux Port (Old Harbor) and rich architectural history.
They wrapped up their day by learning how to make a Bordelais specialty, cannelés, which are delicious little cakes made with crepe batter. The cylindrical dessert has a thick caramelized exterior with a soft custard center.
For the second day of their trip, the students learned about beverages originating in the Bordeaux region. During their visit to the Cité du Vin, an enormous ten-story museum devoted to all things wine, they participated in an informative tasting. Located on the banks of the Garonne, the recently opened Cité du Vin museum helps visitors understand the role wine has played throughout civilization.
The students finished the second day with a visit to a chai, an above ground storage place for storing casks, common in Bordeaux, to learn how Cognac is made.
Along with enjoying the smells and tastes of French cuisine, the students took in the sites of the historic city of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The IES Abroad – Nantes Center will be offering this new course-related trip each semester to students in their IES Abroad Nantes – French Language Immersion & Area Studies program.
Discover your new favorite foods when you study abroad in France. Interested in other cuisines? Check out the 5 Best Places to Study Abroad for Foodies.
