Culinary & Wine Tours> France> Cooking in the Dordogne

France: Cooking in the Dordogne
Dordogne, France - 7 nights

Join us in Southwest France for a week of total immersion in the French lifestyle. Pick-up a straw basket and each morning we will visit a different traditional market and learn how to select the best produce. In France gastronomy and life rhyme with markets which are a a vital event held on the main square of the town. It’s a place where one can find the good home-grown food products and is essential to catch up with the local gossip!

We will get our inspiration for our menu as we are shopping together, according to the seasonal vegetables and fruits and what the fishmonger is offering that day. The area is known as France’s orchard and notable specialities include the prunes from Agen and the tomato from Marmande. You will learn how to cook in a simple manner without too many complications and conflicts of flavours. We will also give special attention to food presentation, as the eye should first be pleased when the plate comes to the table.

Your hostess Sylvie was born in the Cognac region in southwest France and studied English and American literature at Bordeaux University. Her love for travelling and sailing took her to the CARIBBEAN ISLANDS where she worked as a chef on luxury yachts. A few years later she settled in Ireland where she opened her first restaurant, soon to receive listings in several food guides, including the Michelin. In 1987 she moved to the Baleares islands in Ibiza to open her second restaurant where she developed her interest in Mediterranean cuisine. For the last four years, she has been teaching the Italian Mediterranean cooking course in Tuscany for an Italian cooking school. Finally settled in the south west of France she is now running her own school where she hopes to welcome you to share with you her knowledge and passion for good food.

Your week program: Food, Wine, Culture

Each weekly program is designed to take advantage of the season’s produce and the special events happening in the area. As well as our shopping trips to the markets and local shops, the program includes visits to vineyards, organic farms, medieval villages and castles, antique markets, local artists and artisans. Each week will be tailored to suit the guest’s desires and special interest.

The home you will stay in is named after the two hundred year old mulberry tree which shades the side of the house. An original 18th century “master’s residence” it has been completely restored three years ago and has all modern comforts of today while retaining charm and authenticity. The walls are built in white stones mixed with ocre bricks and the rooms have exposed wooden beams, terracotta and oak floors. The house is set in an idyllic rural countryside, surrounded by its own garden, plum orchards, sunflower fields, and a mere two miles away runs the beautiful river Lot.

We will take our meals al fresco on the terrace by the mulberry tree or weather not permitting in the veranda.

You can relax by the swimming pool, tucked away behind the walls of the old barn, or if you feel active you can borrow a bicycle to explore the surrounding area.

There are five double bedrooms with queen size beds and they are all individually decorated and homely. They have adjoining stylish bathrooms, four of them are equipped with large walk-in showers, and one with a retro bathtub with shower. In each bathroom you will find complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day One (Monday)

Afternoon/evening arrival

Settle at the house and over aperitif we will discuss the coming week schedule before the welcoming dinner which will introduce you to our south-west’s specialities and fine wines.

Day Two (Tuesday) to Day Seven (Sunday)

Each day after breakfast, we will go to the market and prepare lunch together back at the house. A little siesta maybe by the pool or under the mulberry tree and we will go for an afternoon visit to a nearby place of interest, before returning to the house to prepare our dinner. One day will include lunch at a local restaurant, and free afternoon for shopping if you wish. One evening we will dine out at one of my favourite restaurant usually when we have we have been out for a longer excursion.

Day Eight (Monday)

Departure after breakfast.

By the end of the week you will have been learned a new way of eating and living, sitting around the table with friends, good conversation, wonderful food and wine, just enjoying “the beautiful life”…

HOW TO ARRIVE

By Air
Bergerac (50mns drive) Via London-Stanstead Ryanair

Bordeaux (1h45mns drive) Via London, Paris , and most European cities

Toulouse Via London, Paris , and most European cities

If you travel to Bergerac free pick-up from the airport will be arranged. From Bordeaux or Toulouse ( 1h 45mns drive ) we recommend you rent a car, or transfer can be arranged at a separate cost

For further inquiries or to register, click here.



CANCELLATION POLICY

If you cancel 60 days or more before the course date you will get your deposit back.
When you cancel between 60 and 45 days, you will forfeit your deposit.
If you cancel less than 40 days before the course date you will forfeit the full amount already paid. Travel Insurance is highly recommended.



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