What to Bring Home from France: Chef Eric’s Tips for Smart Souvenir Shopping

Traveling to France is a dream come true for food lovers. From the rolling countryside of Normandy and Brittany to the bustling streets of Paris, every corner offers a taste of authentic French culture. At Walnut Grove Cookery School, nestled in the French countryside, Chef Eric welcomes students into his charming haven where farm-to-table cuisine comes alive. Guests can experience fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, eggs from his chickens, and even goat cheese from the farm. But while the experience is unforgettable, shopping in France can be expensive. Here’s Chef Eric’s guide on what to bring home in your suitcase to maximize your culinary finds without breaking the bank.

1. French Pantry Staples

France is known for its incredible culinary ingredients. Many staples are more affordable locally than abroad, and packing them in your suitcase ensures you can recreate your favorite French dishes at home. Chef Eric recommends:

• Herbs and spices: Lavender, herbes de Provence, fleur de sel, and freshly dried thyme or rosemary. These are light, easy to pack, and far superior to supermarket versions elsewhere.

• Specialty oils and vinegars: A good bottle of extra virgin olive oil, walnut oil, or artisanal vinegars from local markets. Pro tip: wrap in bubble wrap and place in a sealed plastic bag.

• Mustards and condiments: Dijon mustard, cornichons, tapenade, or classic French condiments are excellent gifts for your kitchen.

2. French Cheese and Dairy

While cheese is a highlight of any French trip, most varieties can’t survive international travel without refrigeration. Chef Eric advises:

• Hard cheeses: Comté, Beaufort, or aged goat cheeses can last longer in your luggage than soft cheeses. Vacuum-sealed packs make it possible to bring them home safely.

• Butter: French butter, like cultured or salted varieties, can be frozen once you return. It elevates baking and cooking immensely.

3. Sweets and Pastries

France is the land of patisserie, and even though macarons or croissants may not survive the flight, you can bring home:

• Biscuits and cookies: Traditional butter biscuits from Normandy or regional specialties like galettes Bretonnes.

• Chocolate and caramels: French chocolates and salted caramel candies are lighter to pack and make perfect gifts.

• Tea and coffee blends: French tea and coffee are widely available in charming packaging that is perfect for travel.

4. Cooking Tools and Kitchen Items

Chef Eric often notices that students love bringing home authentic French kitchen tools:

• Copper utensils or small pans: A lightweight, quality tool like a wooden spoon, pastry brush, or whisk can be packed easily.

• Molds and ramekins: Perfect for recreating French desserts like soufflés, crème brûlée, or tarts.

• Aprons and kitchen textiles: These make beautiful souvenirs and are lightweight for travel.

5. Tips for Packing Smart

• Use your carry-on wisely: Fragile items should be padded with clothing or bubble wrap.

• Check airline restrictions: Liquids like oils, vinegars, or creams may need to be in checked luggage.

• Think local, not generic: Chef Eric recommends choosing small artisanal producers over big brands. The flavors and quality will be far superior, and you’ll support local artisans.

Why Walnut Grove Cookery School Makes This Even Better

When you take classes with Chef Eric at Walnut Grove Cookery School, you don’t just learn recipes, you learn where ingredients come from. Picking fresh herbs, collecting eggs, or tasting homemade goat cheese lets you understand why these French staples are so special. And when you bring a few of these items home, it’s not just food, it’s a memory, a piece of France you can recreate in your own kitchen.

Whether it’s herbs from the garden, artisan biscuits, or a bottle of local vinegar, Chef Eric’s tips make sure your suitcase is filled with treasures you’ll use and savor for months to come.

Pro Tip: If you want to master French cooking with ingredients you bring home, check out Chef Eric’s online courses, where you’ll get step-by-step videos, recipes, and insider techniques to make the most of every product from France.