This is the average amount of time the French spend at the table each day—earning France first place worldwide in this category. It is undoubtedly this “sacred” nature of the French gastronomic meal that led to its inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010.
But do we truly understand the world of table arts? What was used on the table before the plate existed? Where should the wine glass be placed? What are the rules for creating a seating plan? These are just some of the many fascinating questions to which the Institut des Arts de la Table seeks to provide answers.
The pleasure of the table belongs to every age, every condition, every country, and every day; it may be combined with all other pleasures and remains, for us, the last to console us for their loss.
As an ambassador of the French art of living, the Institut des Arts de la Table has set itself the mission of re-enchanting the art of entertaining and invites you to take part in its conferences and workshops. There, you will discover both the great and the lesser-known history of porcelain, decoration, table arts, and French gastronomy.
Institute’s experiences and training programmes are open to all: private individuals, businesses, hotels, and restaurants.
Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin The Physiology of Taste (1826)
FOR INDIVIDUALS
To explore the conferences and workshops offered by the Institut des Arts de la Table, we invite you to visit Bernardaud website. There, you will find the current year’s programme along with registration links for both in-person and online experiences.
You may also book private experiences to create a truly special moment with family or friends. Our speakers will be delighted to welcome you in Bernardaud boutiques or to host a session in the comfort of your own home.
Booking required at least 15 days in advance.
FOR INDIVIDUALS
Institut des Arts de la Table offers:
CONFERENCES (2 H)
CONFERENCES WITH TASTING (2 H)
WORKSHOPS (2 H)
MANUFACTURE TOUR (1 H 15)
Structured around three themes, “Stories of…”, “Gastronomy in All Its Forms”, and “The French Art of Living”, our speakers share, in an accessible way, a wealth of unusual anecdotes and fascinating stories.
Institut des Arts de la Table also invites you to delve into the techniques of porcelain production through a visit to the Bernardaud manufactory in Limoges. You will enjoy a guided tour of the former factory and may choose to attend a lecture and/or take part in a workshop, “Introduction to Porcelain Decoration Application.”
SECRETS OF PORCELAIN
Discover the fascinating history of porcelain, from its invention in China to the Europeans’ relentless quest to uncover the secrets of its manufacture. Explore the unique properties and often unsuspected uses of this exceptional material.
Conferences
Stories of…
FROM ONE PLACE SETTING TO ANOTHER
Discover, from Antiquity to the present day, the story behind every tableware object. The context of their emergence, their historical and modern uses, nothing will remain a secret to you!
PORCELAIN BISCUIT
Discover the unique characteristics of porcelain biscuit and its uses, from its emergence in the 18th century to the present day.
FLOWERS ON THE TABLE
Discover the role of flowers in the art of the table, from fresh blooms to floral motifs adorning tableware, and even the presentation of dishes.
WHEN TROMPE-L’ŒIL COMES TO THE TABLE
Explore the playful and captivating world of trompel’œil at the table: from Antiquity to the present day, artists, craftsmen, and chefs blur the line between reality and illusion.
Gastronomy in All Its Forms The French Art of Living Conferences
IT’S A PIECE OF CAKE
Dive into the fascinating history of French pastries, from the chocolate éclair to the rum baba, passing through the financier and île flottante.
THE HISTORY OF FRENCH CUISINE
Discover the story of French gastronomy from the 14th century to today through a selection of cookbooks that marked their eras.
THE HISTORY OF TEA, COFFEE & CHOCOLATE
THE ART OF SETTING THE TABLE
THE ART OF ENTERTAINING
Uncover the captivating journey of these three exotic beverages—their arrival in Europe, the trends they inspired, and the ways they were enjoyed throughout the centuries.
Learn all the traditional rules of the French art of the table, along with countless tips to style your tables with ease and elegance.
Master the rules of French savoir-vivre to become the most brilliant host and the most charming guest.
Conferences with tasting
Gastronomy in All Its Forms The French Art of Living
LONG LIVE THE KING!
ALL ABOUT CHEESE
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Immerse yourself in the world of cheese, exploring historical anecdotes, a geographical overview, and practical tips for serving, tasting, and pairing with wine.
Discover the history of Christmas, its evolution over the centuries, and the symbols and dishes that have come to define the holiday.
Uncover the origins of Epiphany, the tradition of the galette, and the hidden fève! Collectors and enthusiasts alike will be delighted.
AFTERNOON TEA
Delve into the history of the French afternoon tea, from the evolution of sweet treats to the refined choice of porcelain. Discover how this indulgent moment became a true symbol of the French art of living.
The French Art of Living
DECORATING WITH FLOWERS
Explore the history and evolution of floral arrangements through the centuries. Then, participate in a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to combine shapes, colors, and styles to create stunning bouquets.
CREATING FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
SETTING A FRENCH TABLE
Craft a Christmas wreath, the quintessential symbol of the holiday season! Alongside us, you will explore the history of this tradition and gain valuable tips to create your most beautiful design.
Learn how to set the table à la française, mastering the rules through historical anecdotes that allow you to adapt them to your taste and contemporary trends. Discover practical tips to elegantly decorate your table.
Manufacture Visit
Discover the history of porcelain and its various stages of production, as well as the annual contemporary art exhibition at the Bernardaud Foundation in Limoges.
1 H 15 WORKSHOP TOUR TEMPORARY EXHIBITION
Step inside the workshops of the factory, founded in 1863, and experience the journey of porcelain from raw material to finished product. Witness a true demonstration of our craftsmanship, from modeling to decoration, glazing, and many often-overlooked steps. Uncover the international reputation of Limoges and the mysteries of porcelain, before concluding your tour with an immersion into the world of contemporary ceramics through the Bernardaud Foundation’s annual exhibition. An interactive and educational visit for everyone, from ages 7 to 77!
FOR INDIVIDUALS
CONFERENCES
€ 19 per person | On-site & online sessions
€ 49 per person | On-site
CONFERENCES WITH TASTING
€ 69 per person
WORKSHOPS
€ 79 per person
MANUFACTURE VISIT
€ 12 per person - Guided visit (1 H) + Temporary exhibition at the Bernardaud Foundation
Free for under 18s (excluding groups) and art school students with valid ID.
€ 30 per person (max. 8 participants)
Guided visit (1 H) + lecture (30 min)
€ 80 per person (max. 10 participants)
Introduction to porcelain decoration
To discover a wealth of anecdotes about the history of porcelain, table arts, and gastronomy, follow the Institut’s Instagram account. You’ll also find plenty of practical tips for setting your tables and the schedules of our conferences and events.
