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Cooking in the newly renovated 18th century kitchen, you will learn the basics of French cuisine and master dishes from weekday family meals to dinner party meals that you will feel comfortable preparing in your own kitchen back home. During this holiday, you will explore the diverse local culinary culture and the Loire Valley‘s rich history, visit medieval villages, and enjoy private tours of the Anjou cultural sites.
During this cooking holiday, you will be accommodated in a single or shared room at Château de la Barbée. Château de La Barbée was built in 1790, during the French revolution. The architectural style is very representative of this period, which is why it is classified as a historical monument (Monument Historique, Inventaire Supplementaire des Monuments Historiques).
The rooms are simple but elegantly furnished, with shared or private bathroom or shower, overlooking the fountain or the fields and river beyond. You can relax in the library, salon, or outdoors on the terrace or by the fountain.
During this program, you will learn to make some of the basics and standards of French cooking: Seared Duck Breast, Cheese Soufflé, Gratin Dauphinoise, French Onion Soup, Tarte-Tatin, sauces, mayonnaise, vinaigrette, and some other special and elegant dishes like Sea Bass in a Salt Crust, Moroccan Chicken, Baked Cognac Peaches, Crepes Suzette, and Raspberry Bavarois. You will always look to the market for seasonal inspiration.
At La Vie du Château, mornings begin with a breakfast of fresh croissants, assorted pastries, fresh eggs from their own chickens, homemade jam and honey, cereals, homemade yogurt, coffee, tea, fruits, and juices. Classes begin at 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise specified. Lunch at the chateau is usually at 1:00 p.m. and dinner at 8:00 p.m.
Your arrival will be on time for lunch. After getting settled in and acquainted, you will enjoy a relaxing lunch on the terrace looking at the fountain and fields beyond. Afterwards, you will get the aprons on to prepare a delicious dinner and have a cheese party at the orangerie with an abundant choice of cheeses and discussions about all the different varieties. The dinner will be accompanied by a variety of local wines.
After a morning of cooking class, you will head out to have lunch in a typical bistro before visiting the impressive Chateau du Lude, with its medieval kitchen and beautiful gardens. Back home, you will have a break and then put on your apron to continue preparations for dinner.
The local market is one of the largest in the region with the freshest of local produce, cheeses, meats, and seafood. With baskets full and lots of inspiration, you will spend the rest of the day preparing meals and enjoying them.
With all the best ingredients from yesterday’s market, you will spend the morning in the kitchen preparing a light but delicious lunch and a four-course dinner. After lunch, you’ll head out to have a guided tour of the unique Cointreau distillery. Then, you will return back home to finish preparations for the dinner in the formal dining room.
After preparing a delicious picnic, you will head out to a troglodyte wine cellar for a guided visit, some wine tasting and a picnic lunch in the middle of the picturesque vineyard. You will depart after lunch.
Program specifics may vary due to weather, current and evolving inspirations, and to take advantage of seasonal products.
During this cooking retreat, breakfast, lunch, dinner, aperitifs, and wine with meals are included in the price of the package. Meals will be taken in various locations in the chateau. The formal dinner will take place in the formal dining room. More casual meals may be served in the dining room, sunny foyer, on the terrace or under the trees.
Lunches and dinners are served with baguettes and wine. Dinners are followed by after-dinner drinks, infusions, and chocolates in the grand salon, which guests are invited to enjoy.
Menus depend on market availability, freshness, and inspiration.
Charles de Gaulle Airport
250 km
Transfer not provided
Please book your flight to arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Several high-speed trains operate directly from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Le Mans. Car rentals are available at multiple locations at the airport.
High-speed trains run frequently from Gare Montparnasse to Le Mans, and less frequently to Sable. From Le Mans train station, taxis are available for about 50 EUR. You can contact to make La Vie Du Château for arrangements.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Le Mans train station to La Flèche for about 8 EUR. La Vie Du Château will pick you up in La Flèche for transfer to La Barbée. You can also take a train from Le Mans to Sable, then take a taxi to La Barbée.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookCulinaryVacations.com. All major credit cards supported.
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