Visit the Southwest of France where you may enjoy many outdoor activities including biking in the Black Mountains, hiking in a beautiful Gorge du Heric, kayaking, horseback riding or simply taking a gentle stroll along the Canal du Midi.

During the week you will be visiting the wonderful food markets and local food producers to select the foods for your cooking classes which are held in a beautiful 17th century Chateau. Also your home for the week, this historic Chateau was built in the 1840's and is a wonderful example of the Napoleon 3rd style, located in the wine growing region of the Minervois.

Sasha, your hostess is an accomplished chef as well as a very talented artist who will provide you with drawing and painting techniques if you would like to take art courses. How about photography lessons? This is the spot for gorgeous scenery whether it be strolling through the vineyards or going to the breathtaking coastline. This is Tim's expertise and he will show you techniques that you will take away and use each time you take a photograph.

There is so much to do in this part of France. I was amazed at how rich this area is with its castles and history of the Cathars, vineyards that go on forever, perfect weather, warm people and did I mention the food? Divine! You will visit many chateaux and enjoy some of the finest wines in the world all the while learning about the various grapes in the Corbieres, Minervois and St.Chinion wine regions.

Want some time to relax? Enjoy the spectacular heated swimming pool located on the Domaine. After an active day this is a perfect time to unwind before enjoying a gourmet dinner with fabulous wines, fantastic food and wonderful people!

HOW TO ARRIVE

Closest Airports/Train Stations
Airports:  Carcassonne 45 minutes, Toulouse 90 minutes, Perpignan 60 minutes, Montpellier 80 minutes, Barcelona 2.5 hours.
Stations:  Narbonne 20 minutes (4 hours train ride from Paris), Lezignan 15 minutes.

BOOKING INFORMATION
2008 FEES PER PERSON	DEPOSIT
Room Descriptions (Please inquire about pricing) "Cartegene" - twin or double bedroom with separate shower room opposite "Triumphe" - double bedroom with en-suite bathroom "Turco" - twin or "Queen" double bedded room with en-suite shower room "Artilleur" - family room with "King" and single bed and en-suite shower room "Fantassin" - family room with "King" and single bed and en-suite shower room "The Chateau Suite" - 2 bedrooms: a double en-suite bedroom and galley, bedroom and shower-room with kitchen and self-contained living quarters Please inquire about pricing. *2 partners sharing the same bedroom and participating in the same course	After availability is confirmed, a non-refundable deposit of $750 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.
2008 DATES	INCLUDED
Dates are flexible. Inquire within. *This tour can be totally customized to include shorter or longer stays, as many classes/tours as you would like - please inquire.	*Seven (7) nights accommodations *Seven (7) full continental breakfasts (except if staying in the Chateau Apartment) *Four (4) courses of client's choice *Bicycles also provided for a minimal fee Airfare, transfers, lunches, dinners, wine and personal expenses are not included.

For further inquiries or to register, click here.



CANCELLATION POLICY
In the event of a client canceling a holiday a refund of the balance can only be made if the booking is re-sold (less the $50 per person non-refundable booking fee). There can be no guarantee that a re-sale will be possible. In the unlikely event of your holiday being cancelled by the operators owing to circumstances beyond their control, their liability is limited to the amount of money that you have already paid. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

CLIENT REMARKS

"Jo-Ann it was wonderful....Tim, Sasha and their family are lovely. We also enjoyed their company, it was like staying with family members that you truly enjoy being around. The area is an undiscovered gem! The wine is amazing and Sasha's food is to die for. It was a very relaxing yet active vacation -- just what we wanted and needed. Thank you for all your help. There is no doubt we will return. - Best wishes, Melissa and Marc H., Portland, Maine

"I loved my stay with Sasha, Tim and their family. I was made to feel very comfortable in the classy but casual setting. Throughout my stay I was able to modify my program according to what I felt like doing on any given day. I liked that flexibility and the feeling that the program was being customized for me. The region was amazing: grapevines galore, rivers, canals, lakes, mountains, ocean all within 45 minutes drive, historic little towns and back roads I never would have found on my own. The accommodations were also wonderful: comfortable spacious room, great mattress, nice pool and grounds. Sasha and Tim were kind, attentive interesting hosts. I particularly enjoyed my photo journeys with Tim". - Julie K., Valley Cottage, NY

"The Languedoc -- A fantastic area to explore. Rich with history and culture, gracious and welcoming people, delicious food and wine, unspoiled mountain and coastal landscapes -- once is certainly not enough." - L. Buckley, Los Angeles, CA

"I’ll never forget the evenings we spent around the beautiful candlelit table. The heavenly four course French cuisine, the incredible array of regional wines, the musical forays and most of all, the laughter and stories we enjoyed with new friends. I don’t think I will ever forget that feeling of warmth and generosity of heart that I felt from our hosts. On our last day, I felt like I was leaving home to go home." - C.Pichel, Hopkinton, MA

"Not knowing a lot about the Languedoc region, I wasn't sure what to expect. After having stayed a few days, I have now found a home away from home. I was pleasantly surprised to find the region so picturesque, the people so open and warm, and the wines truly fabulous... Every evening, dinner at the house was a genuine treat. The food and the company could not have been better. Touring the nearby town of Narbonne on market day was a wonderful experience. I made several purchases that will remind me of my trip to France for many years to come. I'm already planning a trip back! I guess that says it all." - S. Rozum, Prospect, CT

"The trip was very exciting. I met exceptional people at the domain. The food and locale were fabulous. We ate dinner every night outside under the stars. It was truly magical." - Melanie K., Toronto, Canada

"Dear Jo-Ann -Thank you so much for an unforgettable vacation in France. The hosts at the Domaine couldn't have been more hospitable and friendly. One of the highlights for me were the evening meals, where family and friends gathered around and enjoyed gourmet food, great wines and wonderful conversation. The food was not only beautiful in its presentation, but every meal was delicious. It was the perfect way to end our day by enjoying a meal all gathered together in the chateau. I felt right at home!" - E. Arata, Orange, CT