July 19-25, 2015 (5 Spaces Gone!)

Day One—Sunday

We will meet you at the Angers St Laud rail station and in the early afternoon and transport you to your Manor home for the week.
Enjoy a meet-and-greet with homemade hors d’oeuvres and locally produced wines, followed by a tour of the Manor. Then relax  on the front lawn overlooking the River Vienne and the medieval town of Chinon or explore the estate until it is time for a welcome dinner.  (Dinner prepared by “chef” Walter)

 

Day Two—Monday

After breakfast, we will visit a local English-speaking wine expert and viticulturist couple. The day begins with coffee and sweets, and includes a comprehensive tasting and lunch in the comfort of an old barrel cellar. Hands-on Dinner at the Manor. (Breakfast/Gourmet Lunch/Hands-on Dinner)

 

Day Three—Tuesday

Morning breakfast at the Manor. We then drive through the French countryside of the Loire, via the Loire River, where we will picnic. We then continue on to our destination of Angers, capital of the ancient province of Anjou. You will have the opportunity to explore the city of Angers on your own. Highlights include great shopping, eateries, and the beautiful Castle, home of the Fourteenth Century Apocalypse Tapestry, the largest tapestry in the world. Don’t miss a great opportunity for gift-shopping. Dinner in Angers restaurant.  (Breakfast/Hands on Picnic Lunch)

 

 Day Four—Wednesday

Awake rested and ready to go. We will enjoy breakfast and head to the village of Beaumont-en-Veron, in the appelation of Chinon. Here we will meet a local vigneron, sample the local wines, tour a vineyard, then enjoy a scrumptuous lunch (prepared by a local chef) in a Troglodyte Cave. We then to our home town of beautiful Chinon, famous for the legend of Joan of Arc. Hands-on dinner in the Manor Kitchen (Breakfast/Gourmet Lunch/Hands-on Dinner)

 

 Day Five—Thursday

After breakfast, we will get an early morning start to the town market of Chinon, with our guest Chef, to shop for the freshest ingredients for tonight’s dinner.  Lunch on your own in town, discover Chinon, shop at the market or just relax by the river.  Then head back to the Manor for dinner prep and hands-on cooking with Chef in the Manor Kitchen. (Breakfast/Hands-on Dinner)

 

 

 Day Six—Friday

Breakfast, then we drive through the countryside to the Walnut Grove Cookery School for a hands-on full day lessons at the Cookery School with English Chef Maynard Harvey.  Maynard’s experience includes working along side Chef de Cuisine Richard Brooks (who was the late Princess Diana’s personal chef); at the prestigious Savoy Hotel, London, Hanbury Manor and The Royal Bath Hotel. Most recently Maynard was the chef/patron of the award winning restaurant Seland Newydd. He has also been the winner of several gold medals in national competitions. He and his wife, Freya, are the owners and run this phenomenal school. (Breakfast/Lunch/Hands-on Dinner)

 

 

 Day Seven—Saturday

Breakfast at the Manor, then transportation to Angers train station for your return home (or your next destination).  (Breakfast)