About the location: Considered the gastronomic heart of France, the Burgundy region is perhaps most famous for its
diverse array of exquisite wines and its local culinary pleasures such as beef bourgignon and coq au vin.
Local chefs are famous for using high-quality, ultra-fresh local ingredients to create rich and hearty dishes, some of which
are only available locally.
Marigny-le-Cahouet, where the property is to be found, is a charming, typical,
sleepy French village, with a bar, bread shop, provisions shop, small traditional village school,
maire and post office. Meandering its way alongside is the stunning Burgundy Canal. Ever changing with the seasons,
it is lovely to jog, stroll, cycle or cruise the waterways, taking in the magnificent scenery.
The village is stunning all year round, with the summer sun blazing across the trees, and the autumn
leaves that glow with fiery reds and oranges.
Just 10 minutes away is the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois,
uncontested, one of the most picturesque towns in Burgundy. The majority of its medieval town center remains intact after hundreds of
years of use and activity.
Semur has achieved a balance between offering the amenities and access that a modern town must have while preserving its quaint
appearance and its relaxed, pleasant attitude. The town is nestled within a loop in the river Armançon, which winds its way
casually through the town bordered by houses on either side. The town's medieval wall and battlements remain a popular
tourist attraction, and throughout the year its ramparts are lit at night in a breathtaking display.
About the cooking lessons: Katherine and her husband Yannick look forward to welcoming you at their lovely home, La Ferme de la Lochere.
Katherine grew up in England and spent much of her childhood visiting France, where she moved at the age of twenty-two.
She and her husband Yannick eventually settled in Burgundy, where Yannick has worked at house restoration and as a Barge Pilot
and Katherine as a Chef for the American/French Barging Company. In addition to the catering she does in Burgundy, Katherine frequently returns to England to cater
events or cook for the royal family. They recently combined their areas of expertise to complete
their dream restoration of a beautiful, two hundred year-old farmhouse in Burgundy where they host special gastronomic vacations.
Chef Katherine hopes to inspire your way of cooking; guiding you to trust your own senses,
teaching you to use ingredients that are simple and full of color to produce easy and fantastic menus!
During your hands on cooking experience, you will prepare classic French dishes: bouef bourguignon,
coq au vin, tarte tatin and crème brulee.
Using the freshest seasonal ingredients from a local Burgundian market, create a selection of colourful fragrant lunches,
simple suppers and scrumptious desserts.
Colors of Burgundy
Marigny-le-Cahouet, Burgundy
Itinerary
Day One
- Transfer to your accommodation, La Ferme de la Lochere, from Montbard train station.
- After settling in, enjoy a local Burgundian aperitif and welcome chat.
- Before dinner, you will have plenty of time to explore the village and meander along the property and canal.
- Return for dinner where you will discuss the wonderful week ahead.
- Overnight.
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Day Two
- Breakfast.
- Your first hands on culinary experience will take place in the large kitchen followed by lunch, based on your efforts!
- In the afternoon you will visit the beautiful Abbaye de Fontenay, the oldest Cistern Monastery in Europe, with its fabulous
grounds and historic buildings.
- Return to the property for aperitifs and dinner, served by your host.
- Overnight.
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Day Three
- After breakfast, depart to Dijon, home of the Dukes of Burgundy. Here you will find ingredients at the market for the
next day's cooking class.
- Lunch to follow at a local restaurant.
- The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the boutiques and mustard shops of this bustling town.
- After your return to the property, relax by the pool or canal while your host prepares dinner.
- Overnight.
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Day Four
- Breakfast.
- Cooking with produce from the Dijon market, your second hands on cooking class.
- In the afternoon, taste local wines and explore the village of Flavigny, where the movie Chocolat was filmed
and the well-known French sweets, Anis de Flavigny, are produced.
- Notice the air filled with perfume of aniseed when strolling around. From the top of the hill, this fortified medieval
village overlooks the surrounding area; a truly beautiful sight.
- Return to the property for dinner.
- Overnight.
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Day Five
- Breakfast.
- Spend the early afternoon on a mushroom hunt, exploring the local fields and forest.
- For your third cooking class, prepare your earthy treasures for lunch.
- After lunch, head off to taste some of Burgundy's finest wines.
- Afternoon at leisure to explore the town.
- Return to La Lochere for aperitifs and dinner.
- Overnight.
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Day Six
- Following breakfast, visit a local market in the town of Montbard. Here you will purchase fresh produce for your last
cooking class upon returning to La Lochere.
- In the afternoon, stroll around the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois, rich in history and one of the most picturesque
towns in France, having retained most of its original architecture and typical French charm.
- Farewell dinner in a fabulous French restaurant.
- Return to La Lochere and overnight.
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Day Seven
- Breakfast followed by transfer to Montbard train station. Au revoir!
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US $3250 based on double occupancy
US $500 single supplement
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2008 Tour Dates
Spring
May 11 - 17
May 18 - 24
Summer
June 1 - 7
June 8 - 14
June 15 - 21
June 22 - 28
Fall
September 7 - 13
September 14 - 20
September 21 - 27
October 5 - 11
October 12 - 18
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Included in the program:
- Six nights accommodation* at La Ferme de la Lochere with en suite bathroom
- Transfers to/from Montbard train station
- Daily breakfast
- Six dinners, local wine included
- Four hands on cooking classes, lunch to follow
- One lunch at a local restaurant
- Excursions per itinerary
Please Inquire about transfers to/from Paris TGV station.
*Please note that one of the bedrooms is on the ground floor for ease of guests who do not wish to use stairs.
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Cooking Vacations 
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