Best of France Culinary Tour to the Loire and Paris

Order of activities subject to change. 

Day 1 – Saturday, September 20

• Upon your arrival, private group transfer from Paris CDG to the Loire.
• Settle in to your rooms at the Lodges du Parc in La Roche Posay, and soak up the essence of the Loire Valley before we start your culinary journey
• This evening, join us for a delightful welcome champagne cocktail, where you’ll have the opportunity to get acquainted with the chefs. 
•  Following this, enjoy dinner a ‘Taste of the Loire Valley’, set in the charming ambiance of the “Old Stable” at the cooking school. 

Day 2- Sunday, September 21

• Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.
• Transfer to the cooking school, and explore the art of French cuisine as we delve into iconic French dishes like Chicken Fricassee and Crepe Suzette, infusing them with contemporary and classical twists. We are committed to using seasonal, local, and fresh ingredients—a philosophy we passionately believe in and love to share with our Culinary Family.
• Indulge in the delicious creations from our morning cooking session for lunch.
• After lunch, we continue our journey to the magnificent Chateau Chenonceau.
• Property of the Crown and once a royal residence, Chenonceau Castle stands as a testament to history and architectural brilliance. Discover its original design, exquisite collections, and the remarkable stories of the extraordinary women who left their mark on its legacy.
• After Chenonceau we will visit Amboise where you will have the opportunity to stroll through the quaint little town, home to 15th Century Chateau Amboise. The resting place of Leonardo Da Vinci. Leonardo da Vinci wrote a will in which he expressed his wish to be buried at Chateau d’Amboise.
• This evening, enjoy dinner in a lovely French Bistro under the walls of the Chateau.

Day 3 – Monday, September 22

• Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.
• After breakfast, head to the local Boulangerie to learn about French bread. The Boulangerie is located just steps from your accommodation in La Roche Posay.
• Later this morning – Explore the art of Choux Pastry and Crème Brûlée with Alison, your classically trained pastry chef. Uncover the history of the Paris-Brest, a pastry inspired by the iconic cycling race from Paris to Brest in 1891, which shaped its distinctive round form. Master the classic Éclair and embark on an innovative journey by putting a twist on the beloved Crème Brûlée, infusing it with exotic flavours and ingredients.
• Savor a delicious lunch featuring the classic Croque Madame followed by a contemporary take on Pain Perdu, both showcasing the Brioche.
• After lunch – embark on an excursion to visit a local goat cheese producer. Learn about one of the region’s premier products, and taste it for yourself.
• This evening, return to the cooking school for a relaxed evening indulging in the finest French Cheeses and local Charcuterie, savouring the flavours of the region in the comfort of our culinary haven with a few of Chef Sidney’s favourite wines from his personal wine cellar.
• A well-known Loire Valley Sommelier will join us to do a lesson and tasting on Loire Valley Wines.

Day 4 – Tuesday, September 23

• Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.
• Depart for Tours relatively early, around 8:00 am.
• Today, immerse yourself in the essence of Culinary France and the Cultural Loire Valley as we embark on a journey outside the kitchen.
• Tours, a city steeped in rich history and vibrant culture, awaits us. Its soaring cathedral of Saint-Gatien, narrow cobbled streets, and half-timbered houses exude a captivating medieval charm. Wander through the bustling streets lined with charming boutiques, once dubbed the “little Paris” for its retailing dynamism.
• Our morning unfolds with a visit to both the indoor ‘Les Halles Food Market’ and the lively outdoor market, where we witness the beauty of France’s fresh, local and seasonal ingredients deeply rooted in its culinary heritage.
• Delight in a leisurely lunch where we Indulge in the famed French Galette, savoring the flavors of our morning exploration.
• On the way back, stop at Terre Exotic for a fabulous Pepper Tasting.
• This Afternoon at the cooking school, it’s all about Soufflés. Join us for a hands-on adventure as we master both savoury and sweet varieties. While Soufflés may seem daunting, they are simple to master with careful preparation. Discover the art of crafting the perfect Soufflé with our expert guidance, exploring both savoury and sweet variations.
• Conclude your cooking journey with a certificate presentation ceremony, enhanced by gin and tonic sundowners. Then, relish a flavourful dinner experience with a farewell dinner featuring some of the creations made during the afternoon, as well as other dishes prepared by your instructors.

Day 5  – Wednesday, September 24

• Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.
• Private departure transfer with the chefs to Paris. Upon arrival, drop your bags at the hotel, and head to lunch and have a culinary shopping adventure.
• Lunch at a traditional Parisian brasserie, favorite of your hosts.
• Then, the chefs will share their knowledge with you as you stroll through a few of Paris’s unknown and secret little shopping streets with small boutique style shops where the locals love to browse and shop for their kitchen and pantry.
• Check in to your rooms, bid the Chefs farewell.
• Dinner on your own this evening.

Day 6 – Thursday, September 25

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Private transfer to a local atelier for a special croissant class. Learn to make this quintessential French pastry, both classic and pain au chocolate, and taste your efforts when you are done! (Depending on the number of participants, you may be split into 2 groups.)
• After the class, time to explore Paris on your own, and make your own way back to the hotel. Today we recommend the Eiffel Tower. We can secure tickets or a tour for you. (Ticket costs start at €23 per person.) Or, if you prefer, head to the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay to see some of the world’s finest art. (Louvre tickets start at €22 per person, Musée d’Orsay tickets start at €16 per person.)
• Dinner on your own this evening, then meet your driver at the hotel for you transfer to Paris’s oldest cabaret, the Paradis Latin, for your 9 pm cabaret show. (Drinks paid on the spot.). After the show, around 11:15 pm, transfer back to the hotel.

Day 7  – Friday, September 26

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Meet your transfer and depart this morning for a mushroom farm, the Champignonnière de La Marianne, for a guided visit.
• Return transfer to the hotel, rest of day on your own. Again, we are happy to make suggestions or arrangements for you on request. Today we recommend a walk around the Ile de la Citè to see the newly restored cathedral of Notre Dame, the Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution, or the Sainte Chapelle with its fabulous stained glass. We can organize a guide if you are interested, or help with entrance tickets. (Entry to Notre Dame is free, although there is a cost to access the crypt or tower. A combo Saint Chapelle/Conciergerie tickets start at €20 per person.)
• We’ll make recommendations for dinner on your own – perhaps a bistro near the hotel.

Day 8 Saturday, September 27

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Private transfer this morning to the Latin Quarter for a 3-hour gourmet walking tour. Indulge your tastebuds and explore Paris’ thriving gastronomic scene. Visit markets, cheese shops, bakeries, and patisseries. Enjoy delicious tastings carefully tailored to the season, and gain insight into France’s culinary culture and heritage.
• The guide will leave you after the tour, and you will have free time on your own to explore Paris, shop, and make your way back to the hotel to freshen up.
• This evening, time to dress up! Transfer to the Seine River bank where you will board your  8:30 pm dinner cruise. Enjoy a three course gourmet meal as you enjoy the sites of Paris. The cruise will end at 11:00 pm.
• Transfer back to the hotel after the cruise.

Day 9 – Sunday, September 28

• Breakfast at the hotel. 
• Private transfer to the CDG airport for your flight. (Additional nights can be arranged on request.)