Creative culinary experience with a local in Annecy

Meet Alexia

Alexia grew up in a family that loved food! In fact, her grandfather was a pioneer of organic food in France. Alexia is just as passionate about finding the best local sourced food – she is always on the lookout for the freshest ingredients and buys directly from producers and farmers as much as she can. Alexia first learned to cook from her grandmother as a young child. She then got inspired by travels. She loves cooking because she likes eating and sharing food with others. Following her own recipes, passionate about experimenting with new flavors in a healthy way. Alexia is delighted to express her creativity through food with travelers.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (3-5 guests) Meet your host Alexia at her bohemian chic apartment in a leafy and peaceful residential neighborhood with a view of the mountains. Sip on a refreshing drink in her living room or her terrace (weather permitting) as you hear about life in Annecy from your local, foodie host. Join your host at her dining table to enjoy a modern French meal. Your 4 course tasting menu, using only fresh ingredients that are in season, may include dishes such as local ricotta cheese with herbs or a beet spread on organic sourdough, local trout served with vegetables and stuffed zucchini. Your meal will conclude with a dessert with a seasonal steamed fruit cake and vegan panacotta. Please note that if you pay for alcohol at an additional cost, one glass of wine or local brewed beer will be served.

Cooking experience: (1-4 guests) Join your host Alexia at her brightly-lit open kitchen to learn to cook a modern, globally influenced French meal from recipes that Alexia has created herself. Your cooking demonstration will last 2 to 3 hours. Please note that this is not a hands-on class, rather a cooking demonstration where you will watch your host prepare three dishes from scratch, as Alexia's kitchen is small. Your host can provide some recipes of the dishes she creates. She likes healthy and yummy dishes. Discover the techniques that Alexia employs while creating your meal and enjoy learning about modern French cuisine before you sit down at the table to share the meal with Alexia. Alexia is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions such as lactose, gluten, vegetarian and vegan in her French cooking class. Alexia is excited to share her culture through food and offer an authentic/traditional cooking class in Annecy.

Children above the age of 4 will be charged the price of an adult. The website defaults to charging 50% but since our host prices children and adults the same, please add children as adults while booking this experience.

Market visit: (1-4 guests) The Tuesday and Friday markets are in the old town and the Saturday market is on Boulevard Taine. Walk through this open farmer’s market with Alexia and meet her favored farmers. Discover regional organic produce, locally crafted cheese and purchase a few ingredients that you will use during your cooking class. You will learn how to choose the freshest produce and purchase a few ingredients for your cooking class. Your market tour will last about one hour and before walking back 15 minutes to Alexia’s apartment.

Please note that the market tour is only offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Notes: Alexia is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions such as lactose, gluten, vegetarian and vegan. Alexia’s apartment is on the last floor and it is accessible by stairs only (not elevator). This may not be suited for persons with limited mobility.

Children above the age of 4 will be charged the price of an adult. The website defaults to charging 50% but since our host prices children and adults the same, please add children as adults while booking this experience.

Languages spoken: English, French, Spanish (basics)

Sample menu

• Appetizer of herbed local ricotta cheese or a beet spread on organic sourdough
• Local trout, cabbage and French miso dressing
• Stuffed zucchini or Eggplant like a burger on a chickpea and zucchini bread, smoked sheep cheese
• A seasonal gluten and lactose fruit cake

Traveler reviews

Alexia is a kind, responsive, and all in all an amazing host!! As I'm a foodie and it was my first time to Annecy, she recommended/helped me book various local restaurants to try. It was such a kind gesture, and I got to know a few local chefs during my stay. The day spent with Alexia was one of the highlights of my trip, and totally exceeded all my expectations. We first went to the market together to pick up some food, Alexia knew all the locals/chefs and it was fun to watch her interact at the market as a regular. Alexia also explained everything in details and was very patient with all of my questions. Her home was super comfy and cozy, and I watched Alexia prepare the whole lunch with ease and professionalism while we talked about many things! It was exactly like going to a friend's place for lunch! I even got to try a tart that she was making for a Charity event for chefs. I learnt a lot from Alexia and really appreciate her openness and her passion for food/cooking. I am SO glad to have signed up for this tour. Thank you again Alexia, it was very nice to meet you!! See you soon!!

- vivianlC7734NE September 05, 2023

I spent a lovely morning with Alexia at the market and then cooking at her apartment. It was easy to meet her and the food market was beautiful, such great produce, and Alexia knows everyone there. Afterwards we walked back to her apartment which has a lovely view over the rooftops with the mountains in the background. Alexia cooked up a feast for us, lots of little dishes, so I was able to try many things. Alexia used a lot of vegetables which was perfect because many of the dishes I have had in France are mainly meat. An added bonus for me is that Alexia is fluent in French and English, so we could speak in both languages. Thank you Alexia, I absolutely loved our morning.

- NICOLE June 25, 2023

This experience was beyond my greatest expectation. Alexia was very clear and expressive. We learned a great deal and experienced a delightful slice of French life.

- Trek334 May 13, 2023

Our time with Alexia was a highlight of our trip to Annecy! I have done food experiences in many places on my travels, but this was unlike any other. Shopping in the market with Alexia was so fun and I learned a lot! We spent the day discussing food, experiencing Alexia’s creative and exceptionally healthy dishes, and just enjoying such an authentic experience. I HIGHLY recommend this…you will not regret it!

- Anonymous April 27, 2023

My wife and I had a terrific cooking experience with Alexia. She’s a delight to be with. Her English is excellent—exceeded only by her passion for and skill for cooking. It’s a lovely, authentic experience to have. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in cooking and/or meeting a local from Annecy.

- Amber R August 01, 2019

This private tour with Alexia was so wonderful and we would 100% recommend. We stayed in Annecy a few weeks ago and it was a great way to fully experience the market when visiting. She took great care in choosing fresh ingredients that are sold by local retailers and every course she served was just incredible and tasty. It was wonderful to head back to Alexia's apartment for long chats over lunch. At the market, you could see Alexia’s love for food as it inspired the dishes she cooked. It’s hard to choose favourites but I have to mention the incredibly fresh new potatoes that were served with cheese and salad and also the plum cake! Thank you Alexia for such a great experience.

- Tom_G