Culinary & Wine Tours> France> Gastronomy in France

France: Gastronomy in France
(Options: Horseback Riding, Quad Riding)
Loire Valley, France - 4 nights


Enjoy a spectacular culinary week in Northern France. Your home for the week is a stunning 19th century Chateau which has been beautifully decorated and is surrounded by magnificent English gardens.

You will learn to prepare delicious French gastronomic cuisine by a chef with an international career in top restaurants and hotels and who has also received a string of medals and prestigious titles at international competition levels. Classes will also include information on wine pairing to complete the experience.

Luxurious accommodations, gastronomy at its finest and tranquil surroundings - it doesn't get better than this!

DAY 1 (Monday)
On arrival at the Chateau, you will be shown your magnificent room and afterwards be introduced to your host who will welcome you with light snacks and refreshments (coffee, tea, fruit juices...) along with a review of the week's events.

You will have a guided visit of the Chateau with an explanation on the history and architecture.

In the afternoon you will have the choice to either discover the grounds and the forest by walking, bicycling or by quad or horseback.

Champagne and canapés will be served.

At 7:00pm, you will dine at the Chateau for a four course gastronomic meal and a wine tasting prepared by your chef for the week, but feel free to jump in for a more hands-on class!



Sample Menu
Wild scallops with Parma ham, Passion fruit vinaigrette
Panfried foie gras with spicy bread and rhubarb
Granitie crémant de Loire
Magret duck breast, purée of celery and apple, caramelised red onion
Goat cheese and raisin galette
Duo of chocolate with a cappuccino sauce



DAY 2 (Tuesday)
Traditional French breakfast with local viennoiseries.

10:00am Off to the kitchen of the Chateau to prepare your lunch, with instruction by your talented chef.

In the afternoon, a visit to a local vineyard or wine cellar with a tasting.

Return to the Chateau at the end of the afternoon to relax before dining at the chef's quaint local restaurant.

DAY 3 (Wednesday)
Traditional French breakfast with local viennoiseries.

A day of sightseeing and culture in a nearby village, visiting either a liquor museum or famous Chateau.

Afterwards, lunch in your choice of one of the many lovely restaurants in the village.

In the afternoon, a leisurely day of shopping and discovery.

Back to the chateau at the end of the afternoon.

7:00pm Dinner at the Chateau.

DAY 4 (Thursday)
You will begin your day with breakfast at the Chateau followed by a visit to a local cider maker.

Back to the Chateau for a buffet lunch on the terrace.

At 3:00pm, you will have a cooking lesson, where you will be preparing your gourmet meal for the evening with a wine tasting.



DAY 5 (Friday)
Traditional French breakfast with local viennoiseries.

Depart for train station or airport.

BOOKING INFORMATION
2006 FEES PER PERSON	DEPOSIT
Double Occupancy .................... $2500 Single Supplement .....................$550 Additional Nights Stay Double Occupancy .................... $650 Single Occupancy ........................$485	After availability is confirmed, a non-refundable deposit of 30% per person and the completed and submitted registration form will secure your reservation. Final payment is due in full 60 days before your arrival date. (Sorry, no credit cards accepted).
2006 DATES	INCLUDED
First two weeks of every month beginning March through November, Monday through Friday. (Staying for additional nights is welcome - please refer to FEES PER PERSON section) Additional dates possible. Please inquire within.	Four nights accommodations and breakfast Two cooking classes Two lunches at the Château Two dinners at the Château Two dinners at the chef's local restaurant Rental car with insurance from the time of your arrival to your departure with supplements if you are coming from Paris Tickets for all visits Taxes and service All drinks are included during your meals at the chateau or local restaurant, any additional items will be charged. Bicycles Not Included One lunch English guide for excursions Quad and horseback at the Château Gratuities Corkage fees

For further inquiries or to register, click here.



CANCELLATION POLICY
In the event of cancellation, a one month's notice is required and a 100E cancellation fee will apply (less the $50 per person non-refundable booking fee). No refunds for cancellations less than one month from arrival date. Travel insurance is highly recommended.



CLIENT REMARKS
References furnished upon request