Regional Cooking and Food in Southwest France
Note: Our itinerary strives to provide the participants with hands-on cooking classes, cultural visits, walks in the countryside, meals at Michelin restaurants but it is subject to change based on participants’ needs, the weather and the group consensus. Participants can choose to come early or stay for a few extra days for an additional cost.
Day 1 -- Monday September 28
ARRIVAL
Once you have been shown to your room, you are encouraged to make yourself at home, start to relax and enjoy the surroundings of the historic Chateau de Balsac. The Chateau has been renovated with modern conveniences for your comfort, and is set in a spacious park that includes a classic French garden, swimming pool, hot tub, and friendly goats.
You will be serviced a light lunch prepared with local ingredients. We will take this time to introduce everyone, review the itinerary, answer any questions and discuss the week ahead.
EVENING
Cooking class and wine pairing
We will gather in the chateau kitchen for hands-on meal preparation led by a professional. We will also learn a few basic of wine pairing before we enjoy the dinner we created together.
Dinner at the Chateau
Day 2 - Tuesday September 29
EARLY MORNING
Breakfast at the Chateau – Chateau breakfasts are sumptuous and typically include your choice of fruit, croissants, bread, home-made jams, eggs from the chateau's chickens, and more.
Educational Visit – We will tour a local sheep farm—La Ferme des Vezenies—that produces the milk used to make Roquefort and other cheeses. End with a tasting of tome, Roquefort and blue.
Light lunch at the Chateau
AFTERNOON
Forging Hike with Laurence Marie, we will join Laurance for a 2 hour walk to gather edible plants. Together, you’ll learn how to recognize and work with wild foods.
EVENING
Cooking class Laurnce Marie will lead the group to learn how to prepare the plants gathered during our walk. We will also prepare a few other seasonal specialities.
Dinner at the Chateau
DAY 3 - Wednesday September 30
MORNING
Abbreviated Breakfast Snack at the Chateau
Start the day with an accompanied visit to the Rodez Farmers Market, followed by a cooking class at L'Auberge du Château led by renowned chef Marc Cordy. You will work in his professional kitchen and enjoy your creations afterwards.
“Marc has made it a point of honor for years to offer his customers gourmet, original cuisine, specially made from fresh, seasonal and local products.”
The Michelin Guide on Marc Cordy, chef and owner of L'Auberge du Château:
“…This place is well known to gourmets, who enjoy cuisine that gives priority to herbs, freshness and organic products…the chef doesn’t compromise! Plates are full of colors and favors.”
AFTERNOON
Return to Chateau – enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Participants have free time to explore the village and country-side before the afternoon's cooking class.
EVENING
Cooking class at the Château; prepare a light meal to enjoy in the evening.
Day 4 - Thursday October 1
MORNING
Breakfast at the Château
Drive to Conques, a stunning medieval village that is on the famous St. Jacques pilgrim route
Guided tour of the ancient Abbey and its Treasure
AFTERNOON
Lunch in Conques
Return to the Chateau
EVENING
Dinner at Herve Busset, in Rodez.
The Michelin Guide’s point of view: One Star
“Chef Hervé Busset continues to present himself as a foraging cook. This produce that he gleans from the surrounding fields and forests is supplemented by purchases on the market opposite his new address. Hervé's creative cuisine is punctuated by nature: comfrey, marigold, woodwort, meadowsweet and nasturtium flowers season the plates with harmony and finesse throughout a surprise menu..”
DAY 5 - Friday October 2
MORNING
Breakfast at the Château
Cooking Class: pique-nique à la française
LATE MORNING
Hike to local winery
Enjoy wine tasting with picnic lunch at Domain Matha
AFTERNOON
DEPARTURE
Option to stay overnight at the Chateau