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 (Options: Customized Itineraries)
Languedoc, France - 3 or 6 nights
Available April to June, September to October - Sunday to Saturday
Join a native Languedocienne on a culinary journey to this little known corner of southern France, nestled between the Camargue region to the east and the French Catalonian Pyrenees to the southwest. You will discover this singular historic region rich in traditions, art, architecture and culture and meet some remarkable personalities and spirited characters, from local chefs and winemakers to artists and artisans, all of whom are passionate about their craft and their land.
 You will experience hands-on cooking classes, exclusive winery tours and tastings, shopping at local food markets and, of course, remarkable meals. You will stay at the comfortable Chateau de Lignan just outside of Beziers on the bank of the Orb River.
The cooking classes will take place at your hosts' 14th century family home located in the middle of a wine estate a few miles away. The classes will focus on traditional and innovative regional cuisine with an emphasis on local produce. Several programs are available:  The 5-day program combines the best of this region has to offer. It is designed as an insider’s guide to the vibrant markets, oyster and spectacular seafood, and olive oil producers. The program includes four hands-on cooking classes, as well as tastings of the traditional charcuterie and cheeses, and, of course, visits to wineries. You will also enjoy dining out in local bistros and fine establishments, and meet winemakers, in between sightseeing and shopping.
The 3-day program offers a taste of the region and is the perfect culinary weekend getaways. Day classes are also available upon request. SIX NIGHT ITINERARY Day One - Sunday  Arrival at Montpellier airport or Beziers train station.
Transfer to the hotel in Lignan and settle in. Welcome aperitif and dinner. Day Two - Monday  As an introduction to the region, we’ll spend the day with a winemaker. Walking through his land and visiting his picturesque village you’ll get a sense of the place and of the passion that makes this region so special.
Lunch at his home will be an intimate moment discussing and sampling wines. You will have time to relax in the afternoon. Hands-on cooking class while we prepare the evening meal. Day Three - Tuesday  We begin with a leisurely stroll through Narbonne and shop at the bustling halles, the indoor market in centre ville.
We will enjoy lunch at a restaurant featuring local seasonal produce. On the way back we will stop at one of La Clape wineries, a little-known appellation at the edge of the Mediterranean. Free time before starting the informal evening cooking class and dinner. Day Four - Wednesday  We’ll start the day in Beziers shopping and sightseeing,
Late morning cooking class followed by lunch. We’ll take a late-afternoon cruise on the Canal du Midi, and return to Beziers for tapas at a lively wine bar. Day Five - Thursday  We’ll take a break from cooking exploring the fishing villages along the coast to sample oysters and other Mediterranean delicacies, as well as the little-known Picpoul de Pinet, a crisp white wine indigenous to the region.
We’ll travel to the more rugged part of the region for dinner with a leading winemaker. Day Six - Friday  On our last day, we’ll visit Pézenas, a fascinating town where we’ll spend the morning sightseeing and shopping.
Following lunch, we’ll meet a wine writer and enthusiast, Redmond O’Hanlon, who will open his address book and take us on a tour of some of the best wineries. After some time to relax, we’ll conclude with the evening cooking class and festive dinner. Day Seven - Saturday Transfer to the airport or train station. GROUP SIZE A minimum of 3 participants is required to run this tour and the tour is limited to a maximum of 6 participants. (The number of participants refers to how many persons are required to run the tour, not to how many persons you must have in your party. Please inquire.) HOW TO ARRIVE Closest Airport: Montpellier, 1 hour from the hotel. Beziers where several low-cost airlines fly-in from different European cities on a regular schedule, 30 minutes from the hotel.
Closest Train Station: Beziers, 15 minutes from the hotel BOOKING INFORMATION
Double Room/US$3300
Single Supplement/US$400
Day Cooking Class/US$375 *Pricing may vary depending on market fluctuation After availability is confirmed, a non-refundable deposit of US$1500 and the completed and submitted registration form will secure your reservation. Final payment is due no later than 60 days before your arrival date. If the balance remains unpaid at that time, we reserve the right to treat the reservation as cancelled and retain the balance paid. THREE NIGHT PROGRAM April 29-May 2 May 6-9 June 10-13 July 1-4 September 9-12 September 30-October 3 October 21- 24 SIX NIGHT PROGRAM April 18-24 May 16-22 May 30-June 5 June 20-26 September 19-25 October 10-16 *Please inquire about alternate dates. THREE NIGHT PROGRAM Transfer to and from the airport or train station
*Three (3) nights' accommodation
*Transportation
*All tastings
*Two (2) hands-on cooking classes
*All meals with wine SIX NIGHT PROGRAM *Transfer to and from the airport or train station
*Six (6) nights' accommodation
*Transportation
*All tastings
*Four (4) hands-on cooking classes
*All meals with wine 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 "Just last night as we were preparing baby artichokes, we discussed what a difference you have made in the ways we work in the kitchen together. Among many reasons, we're more adventurous and happy working side by side." "Integrating all of these ambitious recipes into elaborate dinners, in the beautiful courtyard garden was the pinnacle of graciousness of the French countryside. I cannot praise Anne’s skill sufficiently in providing a comprehensive exposure to this area and all of its attributes, her sensitivity as hostess of a small group and providing a new and wider appreciation of the French lifestyle in the country." "During my visit to the Languedoc last summer I was lucky to have Anne as hostess and guide. Not only did she share her deep understanding of local wine and food, she showed me that I too, could recreate the flavors of the area on my own. We visited local markets and ate at various locales and then we cooked meals using our purchases. Anne has a special touch that makes you feel welcome. I can't wait to go back!" 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. |
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Immersion into the Languedoc
