Map of Location
About the location: Known for its exquisite chateaux and intellectual and cultural heritage,
the glorious regal valley of the Loire is now classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rich in both history and architecture, this vast region also embodies the heart of French life;
outstanding cuisine and fine wine. All of the attributes of this stunning region make it a paradise to visit during your cooking vacation in France.
Located on the banks of the Loire, about 15 minutes from Angers, the Chateau de l'Epinay is a 15th
century Renaissance property. It is an charming and elegant chateau, situated in a park of redwoods
and cypresses in the heart of extremely romantic grounds washed by a branch of the Loire.
You are guaranteed the warmest of welcome by the owners during your cookery holiday. All rooms are beautifully
decorated and very spacious with a queen size bed, armchairs, desk and ensuite bathroom
as well as spectacular views overlooking the chateau's park or ponds. You can enjoy your
breakfast in the dining room or in the garden in the summer. A swimming pool, tennis court,
billiard table and piano are also available for guests enjoyment.
About the cooking lessons: Your lessons during your culinary vacation will be headed by Chef Frederic.
His knowledge is the result
of extensive culinary training and positions, serving as head chef in several Parisian restaurants.
Frederic's instruction is simple and practical! He will teach you how to choose the finest and
freshest local produce, how to bring out the best flavor in food with slow cooking and how to
present your creations by creatively arranging shape, color and texture. You will also improve
your knowledge of sauces and juices that can be used, and learn to master the art of marrying
flavors to create the most delicate and subtle tastes.
Your cooking classes will take place at a nearby French cooking school, where each participant/couple
has his or her own fully equipped work station
and all the equipment necessary
to create gastronomic dishes with the finest seasonal products
at the same time as the Chef. The class is
followed by a 3-course meal based on your efforts, enhanced by
carefully selected wines. Chef Frederic hopes you will become more
adventurous as you learn how to combine contrasting textures while preserving the flavor of
individual ingredients and selecting wines to compliment your cooking.
Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, Loire Valley
Itinerary
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Day One - Monday
- Transfer from the Nantes or Angers airport or train station and transfer to Chateau de l'Epinay.
- Settle into your accommodations with some free time to follow.
- After you have settled in, join Chef Frederic for a welcome aperitif.
- Dinner to follow and overnight at the chateau.
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Day Two - Tuesday
- Breakfast and transfer to the Chalonnes-sur-Loire open-air market. With the chef,
you will pick out some of the day's ingredients.
- Transfer to the culinary school in Chemille for your first hands-on culinary class, followed by lunch.
- In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit of a vineyard followed by a regional wine tasting at the property.
- Tonight's dinner will be in a traditional restaurant (creperie).
- Return to the chateau and overnight.
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Day Three - Wednesday
- Breakfast.
- Depart for the town of Saumur for a guided visit of some of its cellars with a wine tasting.
- Lunch followed by a visit of a champignonniere, a place where mushrooms grow.
- Continue touring Saumur by mini-bus or coach and return to the teaching kitchen for your second
hands-on cooking class.
- Dinner to follow based on your efforts.
- Transfer to the chateau and overnight.
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Day Four - Thursday
- After breakfast, transfer to the teaching kitchen for your third cooking class.
- Lunch to follow.
- This afternoon, enjoy an excursion to Angers, where you will have a guided tour
of Cointreau museum, a globally successful brand created in this region in 1875, including a tasting of course!
- Tour the city of Angers by mini-bus or coach with free time for shopping to follow.
- Your farewell dinner will be at Le Favre d'Anne, a Michelin star restaurant.
- Transfer back to the chateau and overnight.
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Day Five - Friday
- Breakfast followed by check out.
- Transfer to the Nantes or Angers airport or train station.
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- Arrival and departure transfers to/from Nantes or Angers airport or train station
- Four nights accommodation in a double room at Chateau de l'Epinay
- Welcome aperitif at the chateau
- Daily breakfast
- Four dinners
- Three hands-on cooking classes with meal to follow
- Drinks with meals during the classes
- Excursions and tours as per itinerary
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Cooking Vacations 
Included in the cookery holiday:
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