Cooking at Julia Child’s La Pitchoune with MaKenna Held

Discovering the TV show “La Pitchoune: Cooking in France” on Discovery+ was one of those rare, serendipitous moments that feel like fate. As someone who has adored Julia Child for decades, watching her legacy come alive at her former home in the sun-drenched hills of Provence instantly captured my heart.

This wasn’t just another cooking show—it was a journey through culinary history, personal passion, and a deep reverence for the art of French cooking. And it brought me back to everything I love about being in the kitchen: freedom, flavor, and the joy of creating without rules.

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A Lifelong Love for Julia Child

My passion for cooking started with Julia Child. I own a signed copy of one of her cookbooks from the 1980s, and vintage editions of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” Volumes 1 and 2. Watching “The French Chef” and recreating Julia’s iconic recipes like French Onion Soup and Beef Bourguignon shaped the way I cook.

After watching the film “Julie & Julia,” my fascination deepened. I devoured every book and documentary, including “My Life in France” by Alex Prud’homme, which paints a beautiful picture of Julia and Paul Child’s life in France. Paul’s photography and Julia’s deep love for food captivated me.

Visiting La Pitchoune (La Peetch)

La Pitchoune, or “The Little One,” is the name of Julia Child’s former home in the south of France. Built in 1966 on land owned by her friend and collaborator Simone Beck, the modest cottage was a peaceful escape. Nicknamed “La Peetch” by Julia and Paul, it was where Julia and Simca worked on Volume 2 of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.”

The kitchen, built to Julia’s height with tall countertops and signature pegboard walls, remains largely intact. This is the same layout featured in the Smithsonian exhibit of her Cambridge, MA kitchen.

The Courageous Cooking School

Today, La Pitchoune is home to the Courageous Cooking School, a recipe-free culinary retreat founded by MaKenna Held. A Smith College alumna and graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris—just like Julia—MaKenna turned her dream into reality when she discovered the property was for sale.

MaKenna and her husband Chris Nylund now own La Peetch, offering immersive week-long cooking retreats. These classes embrace cooking from scratch, focusing on intuition, flavor, and seasonal ingredients from local markets. It’s one of the most unique culinary travel experiences in Provence.

Head Chef Kendall Lane, a fellow Le Cordon Bleu alum, leads the kitchen. The team also includes Kendall’s husband, a wine connoisseur, and Chris, who shares Julia’s history with guests. Even their daughter Magnolia brings charm and authenticity to the experience.

Meeting MaKenna Held in Chicago

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to meet MaKenna Held at a book signing for her new cookbook, “Mostly French,” held at Vincent—a charming restaurant in Chicago. I attended the event with my youngest daughter, Emma, who lives in the Lakeview East neighborhood.

MaKenna’s warmth, wit, and dedication to Julia Child’s legacy were inspiring. Her cookbook now has a special place on my shelf beside my Julia Child volumes.

Cooking Without Recipes

The philosophy behind the Courageous Cooking School mirrors my own approach. I don’t use recipes or measuring cups—I cook from the heart, with fresh herbs and produce from my garden. The show introduced me to Burlap & Barrel, a source for single-origin spices that I now love.

Julia’s Kitchen: A Culinary Bucket List

Cooking at La Pitchoune is a bucket list dream. Though Season 1 of the show is the only one for now, the school continues to thrive. The Recipe-Free Masterclass, which is the experience seen on TV starts at $11,000. They now also offer a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Trip which starts at $4.600.

You can also rent the home for special events. Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, being in Julia Child’s kitchen is nothing short of magical.

My journey with Julia Child and MaKenna Held has brought my love for cooking full circle. If you love French food and culinary adventures, La Peetch is calling.

Peace and Love,

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