With its emphasis on fresh local ingredients and presentation, France is the ideal place to improve your culinary skills.

But where in France should you take a course? Should it be in the French language? And how much of your holiday do you want to spend in the kitchen?

As a first point of call, look at Inntravel's guide to French regional cuisine to see if you prefer a certain style or any particular dishes.

If you want to stay in Paris or do not want to spend too long in the kitchen, Gourmet on Tour has a one-day course on French haute gastronomie at the Alain Ducasse school. This course, which takes place in central Paris, is limited to eight people and requires a basic level of French.

At Walnut Grove in the Loire Valley, classes are small - each chef supervises four people. Five-day cookery courses are available for a range of skill levels.

At Cook in France in the Dordogne, an English chef teaches dishes from France and around the world.

The French Language and Cooking Institute near Burgundy offers six-day cookery courses in English, which include two visits to markets in medieval villages and four afternoon cooking classes.

Some organisations combine cookery classes with other activities. For example, Tasting Places combines classes with a gourmet food holiday at a chateau in Marciac, Gascony. Exodus combines a walking holiday in Provence - visiting historic cities and wild landscapes - with good food and wine.

Want to forget the cookery element altogether? Try wine tasting with France In Your Glass or an Arblaster & Clarke wine tour.