A Casetta is a family-run maison d'hôtes set on a working farmstead on the outskirts of Calenzana, a village in the Balagne interior of Haute-Corse in northwestern Corsica. Calenzana sits at the foot of Monte Grosso, roughly 12 kilometres from Calvi, and is known both as the starting point of the GR 20 long-distance trail and for its strong pastoral farming traditions. The cooking classes organised here reflect that agricultural heritage, drawing on produce grown or raised on the property and recipes passed through the family across generations.
Sessions take place in the farmhouse kitchen, a warm domestic space that gives participants the feel of cooking alongside a Corsican family rather than attending a formal class. The programme typically covers three or four dishes drawn from the traditional Balagne repertoire: a soup or antipasto using seasonal vegetables, a main dish featuring local charcuterie, herb-roasted lamb, or stuffed courgettes with Brocciu, and a dessert such as fiadone or chestnut-flour cake. The balance between savoury and sweet reflects the rhythm of a full Corsican family meal.
Group sizes are small, generally between four and eight participants, ensuring each person receives individual attention from the host. Classes are conducted in French; Italian is also spoken, and some English may be available depending on the day. A typical session runs for approximately three hours in the morning, concluding with lunch at the farmhouse table where all prepared dishes are shared. The inclusive price of €50–€75 per person covers the class, all ingredients, and the shared lunch; house wine and soft drinks are generally provided alongside the meal.
Transport to Calenzana is not included. The village is approximately 12 kilometres east of Calvi and is accessible by car; occasional bus services connect Calvi to Calenzana for those without their own transport. Advance booking is required and is made by telephone at +33 6 12 54 87 93. Dietary substitutions are possible for some dishes but should be discussed when reserving, as the curriculum relies on staple Corsican ingredients including dairy, pork, and lamb.
| Price | €50–€75/person (~$55–$82) including lunch |
|---|---|
| Address | A Casetta, 20214 Calenzana |
Good to know
- Operator
- A Casetta
Location
A Casetta, 20214 Calenzana
Highlights
- Cook traditional Corsican family recipes in a working Balagne farmhouse kitchen in Calenzana
- Small groups of four to eight participants ensure hands-on attention throughout the session
- Learn to prepare Brocciu-stuffed vegetables, charcuterie dishes, and classic Corsican desserts
- Conclude with a shared farmhouse lunch featuring all dishes cooked during the session
Tips for visiting
- Advance booking is essential — call +33 6 12 54 87 93 to reserve, as sessions do not run daily
- Arrive without having eaten a heavy breakfast; the session ends with a full shared lunch
- Calenzana is 12 km from Calvi; a hire car is the most practical way to reach the farmhouse
- Mention dietary restrictions when booking — the menu relies on pork, lamb, and dairy typical of Corsican cuisine
- The GR 20 trailhead is in Calenzana; combining the class with a walking day is a popular option for active visitors
Frequently asked questions
How are classes booked at A Casetta?
Advance booking is required and is made by telephone on +33 6 12 54 87 93. Availability should be confirmed well in advance, especially in summer, as sessions do not run on a fixed daily schedule.
What dishes are taught during the cooking class?
The curriculum focuses on traditional Balagne family recipes, typically including a starter, a main dish featuring lamb, charcuterie, or Brocciu-stuffed vegetables, and a Corsican dessert. The exact menu follows seasonal availability.
Is transport to Calenzana included?
Transport is not included. Calenzana is approximately 12 kilometres east of Calvi and is most easily reached by car. Occasional bus services connect Calvi to Calenzana for those without their own transport.
What languages are classes taught in?
Sessions are conducted primarily in French; the host also speaks Italian. English may be available depending on the day — visitors should check when booking by telephone.
What does the price include?
The €50–€75 per-person fee covers the full cooking class, all ingredients, and the shared lunch with house wine. There are no additional charges for the meal itself.
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Cours de Cuisine Corse at Maison d'Hôtes A Casetta
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