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 Dordogne, France - 7 nights
Available April to October - Monday to Monday
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.
 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 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.
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”… GROUP SIZE A minimum of 3 participants is required to run this tour and the tour is limited to a maximum of 6 participants. 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 By Train
Agen Train Station (TGV from Paris) - 35 minutes to accommodation 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 BOOKING INFORMATION
Double Room/US$2775
Non Participant/US$1650
(Non-participating guests are welcome on all the excursions and join in at all the meals) *Pricing may vary depending on market fluctuation After availability is confirmed, a 30% deposit and the completed and submitted registration form will secure your reservation. Final payment is due in full 60 days before your arrival date. April19-26
May 3-10
May 17-24
May 31-June 7
June 14-21
September 6-13
September 20-27
October 4-11 *All tuition
*All excursions
*Seven (7) nights' accommodation
*All food, wine and drinks
*Two (2) restaurant meals
*Complimentary apron
*Transfers from/to Bererac Airport only
Airfare and personal expenses are not included.
For further inquiries or to register, click here.
Click here to return to top of page. CANCELLATION POLICY
Please contact us for cancellation policy information. Travel insurance is highly recommended. CLIENT REMARKS "Wonderful food, great accommodations, fantastic teacher. We felt like royalty."
"Last summer my husband and I attended this cooking school. The highlights at were a small very compatible group of six persons, interesting menus including many vegetable dishes that were new to us along with excellent fish and chicken, the atmosphere was consistently relaxed, the accommodations were lovely--we had a beautiful room with private shower, a pool on the premises, living room and dining area were nicely appointed. We have used many of the recipes since we have been home; this is not always the case. Above all, we were so satisfied last summer , we intend to return in '08. Sylvie's has everything we could want in a cooking school vacation."
"For the past few years I have enjoyed one week each summer as a guest in Sylvie's home and a student in her kitchen. I'll be back again this year because I can't imagine a summer without this experience: seeing the French countryside, visiting the local markets, and cooking the wonderful foods that are that country's bounty."
Click here to return to top of page. MAP* This exciting region is depicted below. You can also access Google MapsTM by clicking HERE. 
*In some cases mapping may give clients a general sense of location due to changes in venue. Please inquire about specific location. Click here to return to top of page. |
Cooking in the Dordogne
