A Culinary Rendezvous between Loire and Normandy

7 days | 6 nights

A Fabulous Culinary Retreat in the Rolling Hills of the French Countryside

Normandy, the land of Camembert, calvados, cider, romantic villages and picture-perfect rolling hills, is among the richest and most beautiful regions in all of France. With miles of coastline bordering the English Channel, Norman cuisine abounds with treasures from this rich and diverse area. Come savor its splendors at this gorgeous 15th century chateau set on the Normandy-Loire border…where history has been given a stylish and stately twist, warmed by a family’s welcome.

For seven days and six nights you will be enchanted by your hosts as you visit the French countryside and tiny villages. Enjoy classic cooking classes in the Chateau’s newly appointed “private” kitchen where you will learn to prepare such delicacies as Tourte de carottes, Souris d’agneau confite and Tarte Tatin with Calvados. Your gastronomic exploration will be enhanced by visits to the landing beaches of Normandy, the local medieval village of Alençon, and a wine tasting excursion in the charming town of Saumur in the Loire Valley.

Your package includes round-trip transfers from the Le Mans Train Station, six nights lodging at the chateau, breakfast

each day, two multi-course dinners including wine, two lunches, two hands-on cooking classes and local transfers associated with your day tours. All other meals are a la carte and priced separately.

Château de Saint PaterneChâteau de Saint Paterne – Classic Room – For One (Dbl Occ)

This beautifully restored Renaissance chateau was once home to a mistress of the French King Henry IV. The Valbrays have spent the past two decades restoring their family castle with many authentic period furnishings and fixtures of eclectic charm. Today Château de Saint Paterne is a luxurious, fairytale estate offering a chic retreat with enormous history. Each of the 10 bedrooms has been elegantly and distinctly designed, many with four-poster beds, free-standing tubs, family portraits, and period furnishings with both Asian and Moroccan influences. Selected more…

Rendezvous, Transfers and Welcome Dinner

You will be welcomed to France by eager and friendly staff in the early afternoon of your arrival. Your short 20 minute transfer to Château de Saint Paterne will take you through winding hills and beautiful landscape as you cross the very chic and trendy area of Perche. Arriving at the chateau in the early evening, you will be greeted by Charles-Henry and Ségolène de Valbray (your hosts for the week) with aperitifs and a candlelight dinner. Carefully selected wines will accompany your gastronomic adventure…and the fairytale more…

Relaxing Buffet Breakfast at the Château

While you will enjoy numerous meals at the Château during your stay, breakfast is included each day, and served in stunning abundance. Guests will find that meals are always prepared with quality, fresh ingredients sourced locally, and beautifully presented with warm smiles. You will find a variety of breads, croissants, yogurts, hazelnut cake and little Financiers, cheese, cereals and dried fruits. An early morning taste of Normandy is always a great way to start your day of exploration!

Tour of D-Day Landing Beaches and Colleville-sur-MerTour of D-Day

After a quiet and early breakfast, you will depart for the Normandy coast and enjoy a day to relive the Landing! Plunge into the history of a war that moved the 20th century. Visit the museum and discover the story of the Second World War from its origins to the Battle of Normandy. Then follow your guide on the D-Day Landing Beaches – discover the Beach of Arromanches where you will see wide

concrete boxes at the surface of the sea. They are relics of the more…

Hands-On Cooking Class with Gourmet Lunch

Hands-On Cooking Class with Gourmet Lunch Your first cooking lesson is led by cookbook author and Château owner Charles-Henry, and will be held in the hotel’s new private kitchen. With two cookbooks in circulation, Charles-Henry has earned his stripes, and

will guide you through an introduction of French traditional family cooking. Only fresh, local, and seasonal produce, some of it from the Château’s own kitchen garden, are used in preparing this day’s menu…which you will all enjoy at the conclusion of your instructions. After lunch, relax at the chateau or visit nearby Alençon.

Loire Valley Wine Tasting Adventure with Lunch

Loire Valley Wine Tasting Adventure with Lunch After an hour drive through the picturesque countryside you will arrive at the beautiful town of Saumur. The day will begin near century-old vineyards widely known for their exquisite wines, and some of the finest sparkling wines outside of Champagne. You will learn how the wine is made from the first fermentation to the labeling of bottles. The culmination of years of experience combined with modern production techniques have garnered this winemaker over 130 awards. The cellars you will visit are famed producers of the Saumur Brut more…

The Christiania’s high quality won it five stars in ’12. It is ski-in and out, rare in European resorts, and very central. The recently redone, well-appointed 69 balconied rooms have rustic-alpine furnishings. There’s a fireplace in the sunny lounge; a pool with sauna, hammam, and hydro-therapy spa; and fine-quality cuisine. Then there’s Philippe Bertoli along with his son and guest-friendly staff, no wonder the hotel is top-rated. A hard-to-beat combination, here or anywhere!

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