La vieille ferme is a tranquil, beautifully renovated 18th century Normandy farmhouse bed and breakfast, centrally located to explore all historic D Day sites.
Holidays (1)
4 Day Taste of Normandy Cookery Holiday in Manche, Normandy
Available all year round
from US$ 1,392
Instructors (1)
David Asquith
David recently retired from the British Army, after 24 years as a military chef, he has catered for VVIP, Dignitaries, and Royalty on many occasions during his service. He is a former member and mentor to the British Army Culinary Arts Team, taking part in numerous culinary competitions. He has a passion for fresh local produce, home grown produce, and French classics.
Reviews (15)
Anonymous
from United States, October 2024
David was a wonderful cooking instructor! His knowledge of the Normandy history created an extra special experience. The food amazing and the farmhouse incredible!. We will be back again!
Sharron Caseley
from New Zealand, October 2023
"More than a cooking school "
My Husband and I loved our experience. David and Allyson are so open and included us in their lives….. When David took us out visiting Markets and special attractions in the area we learned so much about D Day and the surrounding area as well. We did not expect this and really appreciated it …..
The flavours of the food we cooked were excellent. We both learned so much from David . I’m now going home to buy decent pans to cook with .
Jessica Huber
from United States, September 2023
"Incredible Cooking Lessons"
This package of the cooking class and stay was such an incredible experience. I will be coming back for more cooking lessons. Dave is so knowledgeable about the history of the area and tailors the experience to the guest.
Joanna Lau
from United Kingdom, September 2023
"A great stay and course!"
David and his wife were excellent, welcoming hosts. The room was large and comfortable, and they have plenty of communal space e.g. outdoor seating areas to relax.
David is a very knowledgeable and highly experienced chef. The food was excellent and I learned a lot from him and I really enjoyed cooking with him in the beautiful kitchen.
I would love to visit again, and recommend the cooking course most highly!
Anonymous
from Canada, July 2023
"Best kept scenery in Normandy"
Our hosts made our experience very special David and Allison are gracious and knowledgeable. The cooking classes were better than expected lots of fun and good learning!!! David and Allison care about each of their guests with a professionalism of a 7 star experience!
Chunchun Chen
from United States, July 2023
"cooking course"
I very much enjoyed his B&B and cooking class, I was the lucky only with only one student during my stay, so it was easy to learn, he was also very patience with me as I was unfamiliar with his methods.
During my stay, Chef Dave and his wife were very nice and the trip to market and wine tasting also highlighted local area character.
Their accommodation is very comfortable, I also enjoyed their outdoor garden and chicken coop, it is a peaceful French country life.
Connie Groh
from United States, June 2023
"Would do this again!"
I loved the accommodations, the service, the quality and abundance of the food, and their knowledge of the local area; seriously, this was a fabulous experience!
Sally Davis
from United Kingdom, April 2023
"Perfect break away"
I booked this trip to have an adventure away with my mum.
David was patient with the both of us while teaching us the French classics, showed us around some wonderful secret gems in Normandy and took everything at our pace. The food was delicious and plentiful and it was really relaxing few days. David and Alison were very kind and welcoming. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone who is looking for a break away to have some relaxing quality time with a loved one.
Rebecca Tabram
from United Kingdom, September 2022
"A 20 Star experience!"
5s for David and Alyson? How about 20 -
5 Stars for accommodation
5 Stars (or more!) for food
5 Stars for hospitality
5 Stars for David’s depth of knowledge
5 Stars for Alyson’s breadth of generosity
Impeccable from beginning to end. David and Alyson extend a warm welcome like you’ve been there many times before. The rooms are exquisitely decorated - the attention to detail is wonderful, thoughtful and completely in keeping with the beautifully renovated farmhouse setting.
The food is astonishing – never, never had food like it. David is an enormously accomplished chef and a generous, knowledgeable, patient and encouraging teacher. He also has an extensive knowledge of the area’s history, particularly in relation to D-Day and the events surrounding it (of which The Old Farm plays its part).
The main event though is the food and the cooking lessons. David gives you the confidence to attempt, and accomplish, techniques and dishes you didn’t think you could go near. Lots of the ingredients come directly from The Old Farmhouse’s garden, and others fresh from nearby farmer’s markets.
The kitchen itself is an amazing country kitchen packed with authentic furnishings and top-of-the-range equipment. Be prepared to work though – prepping starts around 3pm for service (for yourself and other paying guests!) around 8pm, and you’re on the go most of that time. But not a second is wasted and you’re learning all the way.
I want to say so much more, but there's no more room.
John Vermeer
from Belgium, September 2022
"Cooking festival. "
Almost everything, varying from accomodation to food and instruction was perfect. The gite is also a place to stay for a longer period.
Anonymous
from United Kingdom, September 2022
"We had a really good time "
This was our first experience of a cooking course and a really useful and enjoyable one. Course leader David has years of culinary experience (and an impressive trophy to prove it) and manages to convey it with clarity, tact good humour and some nice anecdotes. Since leaving a week ago we've cooked a few of the any dishes we learned. David and Alison were great and thoughtful hosts who went out of their way to make our stay a memorable one, including through a trip to a cider brewery and filling us in on local events, history and where to buy cheese. The room was comfortable and the outdoor seating area appreciated. Thank you Old Farm of Amfreville.
Holly Amarante
from United States, September 2022
"Amazing cooking classes! "
The food was incredible!
Sharon Dorgan
from United Kingdom, May 2022
"Exceptional stay from start to finish"
We received a really warm and friendly welcome from our hosts David and Alyson. The accommodation was outstanding and they had clearly thought of so many little extra touches to make our stay feel special. The food was exceptional. The cooking course was amazing, we learnt so much and David was a fantastic teacher - the sessions were fun and engaging. We were able to explore some of the local region which was stunning. Our expectations were exceeded on so many levels and we would absolutely recommend the Old Farm to anyone thinking of taking a short cooking vacation. Our sincere thanks to David and Alyson for making this such a memorable short break for us.