We have developed a new program at a very special place in the Loire Valley. You will stay in a beautiful private home designed and build by Monique and Francois Binet whose desire to show off their Loire Valley, prompted them to build this very special house with 9 guest rooms each with private bath. Outside the massive home opens out onto garden , grove and swimming pool much as Chambord opens out onto its immense park.

Whether you are sampling a crisp Loire Valley white wine by the fireside in winter, or sipping a Kir at the pool in summer, you are sure to put your stay with the Binet’s as one of your most delightful memories in France. Add to that the fact that Monique is a Gourmet chef who will teach you the secrets of the every day French Cuisine fit for the king, the king of France.

 

Madame Binet’s  Loire Valley

French Cooking Classes

 

We have had several requests for cooking classes in France. The major cooking schools are very expensive and formal. At last we have found the ideal alternative. Our new program will teach you some of the basics of French Cooking, and offer side programs that will round out a perfect week in France. Most important you will be taught by Monique Binet whose cuisine has increased the waistline of many of he guests. We know as we spend a few days with her in the kitchen.

The Binet’s operate a Gite (a "Bed & Breakfast & and Dinner) in the Loire Valley. Since we began working with them this past summer we have heard nothing but compliments about Monique’s cooking. A little investigation proved that, indeed, Monique could be a chef nearly anywhere in France. But, she prefers to lavish her talents on her 14-18 guests each night at her home in the Loire Valley. We talked her into becoming our professor de cuisine and she has agreed. The program will be:

Day One: Depart for Paris Day One: Depart for Paris

Day Two: Arrive Paris and transfer to Paris Hotel to rest up and adjust to the jet lag. Day Two: Arrive Paris and transfer to Paris Hotel to rest up and adjust to the jet lag.

Day Three: After breakfast (included) depart by mid day train (ticket included) for Tours (optional car rental) just two hours away. Here you will be met by the Binets in a mini van and transported to their wonderful, picturesque home nearby. There will be time to rest before beginning your first cooking class that will result in the evening meal. Class begins at 3 p.m. through 5 p.m. when a break is provided for walking, jogging or bicycling. At 8 p.m. the group will meet for an Aperitif and dinner. Day Three: After breakfast (included) depart by mid day train (ticket included) for Tours (optional car rental) just two hours away. Here you will be met by the Binets in a mini van and transported to their wonderful, picturesque home nearby. There will be time to rest before beginning your first cooking class that will result in the evening meal. Class begins at 3 p.m. through 5 p.m. when a break is provided for walking, jogging or bicycling. At 8 p.m. the group will meet for an Aperitif and dinner.

Day Four: 9 a.m. continental breakfast. 10 a.m. cooking class to prepare the lunch. 12:30 Lunch. 2 p.m. Visit a nearby chateau. 5 p.m. cooking class for the dinner followed by drinks and dinner. Day Four: 9 a.m. continental breakfast. 10 a.m. cooking class to prepare the lunch. 12:30 Lunch. 2 p.m. Visit a nearby chateau. 5 p.m. cooking class for the dinner followed by drinks and dinner.

Day Five: 9 a.m. breakfast. 10 a.m. cooking class to prepare the noon lunch. 2 p.m. visit of the city of Tours. 5 p.m. cooking class, drinks and dinner. Day Five: 9 a.m. breakfast. 10 a.m. cooking class to prepare the noon lunch. 2 p.m. visit of the city of Tours. 5 p.m. cooking class, drinks and dinner.

Day Six: The same schedule with a 2 p.m. visit to the Chateau Asay Le Rideau. Day Six: The same schedule with a 2 p.m. visit to the Chateau Asay Le Rideau.

Day Seven: Breakfast and early morning train to Paris. Day Seven: Breakfast and early morning train to Paris.

During your stay you will sample tastings of Loire Valley wine, Red Bourgueil Chinai, Red Gamay, and White Vouvray which is soft and sparkling. You will also sample a rare 1976 marvelous Bourgueil.

 

The price is $1229 pp for two persons sharing a room.

Paris Hotel, accommodations in Loire, train tickets, side tours w/transportation, and all meals w/wine in the Loire are included. Dates are:   To be announced.  If you have a few people interested give us a call and perhaps we can set up a departure to your liking.

Class size is 4-10 persons

There are 4 rooms with twin beds, 5 rooms with queen/double beds.

Fishing and Golf are nearby for spouses who do not want to cook. Price is the same.

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