Our time in France engages the heart, mind and soul. Our adventures allow teens to taste the incredible culinary traditions of Europe while opening their eyes to new cultures, lifestyles, sights, sounds and (of course!) tastes. The itinerary below walks you through the some experience, though some activities may occur on different days depending on the weather and group preferences. Get ready to taste the adventure!
Taste the Adventure in France*
*Please Note Two Travel Days are included in the 8 days as it is part of the program in our students learning have to travel Planes, Trains, Cars ect*
Day One
Arrival to Charles de Gaulle.
Train to Bourdeaux!
Car to Poudenas
We’ll pick up our car and drive the countryside to the deeply enchanting town Poudenas. Passing by Marie-Claude Gracia, the chef, was a Michelin star chef, often entertained the likes of Tony Blair, the past Prime Minster of England.
Dinner
Day Two: Experience the hustle and bustle of the Nerac Market.
Dive into every fruit, vegetable, meat, and cheese the Nerac market has to offer on our morning visit to this historic town. It is difficult not to notice the family-oriented culture that encompasses the market experience. Truly a day of exploration and taste. Delve into the art of the cheese plate and a primary focus on fromage. How does extending the meal with each course served separately, help us slow down?
After lunch return to the chatue. During magic hour hike around Chateau Poudenas.
Cooking Class and Dinner
Day Three: Canoe the Gélise River and prepare a 300-year-old recipe.
Our morning is early and alive with preparation for the river voyage! Riverside lunch.
After a midday rest back at Chatues pool, take part in Gascony village life. The evening is then spent making a dish with a 300-year-old specialty, Duck Confit. We engage in this Southwestern family tradition and talk about the importance of preserving food and family processes over time. Learn what flavors and texture compliment duck and summer's bounty of magnifique fruit.
Cooking Class and Dinner
Day Four: Create simple charcuterie with our chef expert.
The search for tonight’s charcuterie ingredients is accompanied by the opportunity for student to practice conversation skills at market! Can you identify fresh basil and fresh thyme by their aroma? Upon our return, we enter the refreshing waters of La Belle’s pool before our cooking class and dinner.
Cooking Class and Dinner.
Day Five: Horseback ride through neighboring fields.
Our path today is one through the Landes forest. After breakfast, we prepare our horses for the ride ahead. We ride through the countryside and enjoy the summer morning while it’s still cool!
Lunch in a nearby village restaurant.
When the day’s exploration comes to a close, we wind down with a poolside smelling bee and how aromas impact cultural and gastronomic experiences.
Cooking Class and Dinner:
Day Six: Scavenger Hunt
After breakfast, you will be presented with your menu of ingredients to find in the Market Scavenger Hunt for tomorrow night’s Last Night Cooking Competition.
We're off to the local market! Bonne chance!
Lunch,
Dinner.
Day Seven: Cooking Competition
Morning Cooking Class: make necessary preparations for tonight’s competition.
A gorgeous salad for lunch.
Pool time/down time. Packing for Departure.
Last night cooking in the millhouse!
Day Eight: Departure
* please note that this is subject to change*
Breakfast before, or after departure, depending on participant schedules. Head to Borduex for the train.
Au Revoir!
*Equal or better substitutions for any of the above may be made at any time by C’est si Bon and Taste the Adventure! depending on availability and conditions present.