A legend pretends that when God distributed his castles, he started by the Loire Valley. Going far away from there, his bag burst over the Dordogne River and the Perigord region dotting the countryside with countless castles. Well over a hundred to be exact many still lived in.
June - September, 2008
Cost Exclusive of Airfare:
$3,200 – 3,400 per person Double Occupancy, Single Supplement $600,
Includes transfers & ground transportation
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7 Night Private Ensuite Lodging
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All Transfers
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Wine with Lunches & Dinners
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Chateau Beynac Tour
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Canoeing on the Dordogne
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Lunch at Chateau Les Merles
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Cahors Wine Tours & Tastings
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Cooking Lesson Lunch at Le Bruceliere
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Walking Tours of Medieval Villages
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Market Day Visits
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Dinner at L’Esplanade
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Daily Transport as per Itinerary
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Entrance Fees, Tastings & Tips
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7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
TRAVEL ICONS
STILL AVAILABLE
June 7 - June 14, 2008
June 14 - June 21, 2008
July 19 - July 26, 2008
June 28 - August 4, 2008
August 5 - Aug 12, 2008
August 13 - Aug 20, 2008
August 22 - Aug 29, 2008
Sept 3 - Sept 9, 2008
Sept 10 - Sept 16, 2008
Chasing Fairytales
A legend pretends that when God distributed his castles, he started by the Loire Valley. Going far away from there, his bag burst over the Dordogne River and the Perigord region dotting the countryside with countless castles. Well over a hundred to be exact many still lived in.
One cannot help but imagine the smells in the massive kitchens where swords were neatly sheathed at the table's edge and the gigantic cauldrons simmered and bubbled with goose fat and stews. Undoubtedly, the castle cooks were well guarded and we can understand how the origins of this rich cuisine came to be. The preserving of geese for the winters and spreading fat laden rillettes on a slab of bread makes perfect sense after you peer over the ramparts of the Chateaux and envision the climb wearing armor.
Eating and Drinking
Even in a land steeped with old food traditions inventive new cuisine is arriving with more emphasis on seafood from the coast and the river's fresh water fish. It’s not all duck, but it is all it’s quacked up to be (we couldn’t resist).
In our Dordogne kitchen what we find in the local markets often graces our table during evening meal. Market discoveries are used to create menus that highlight a taste of the best Dordogne’s regional products like Block
de Foie Gras, Homemade Berry Jams, Flower
Scented Honey, Cabecou, Grilled Chanterelles
and Truffle Oil, or the amazing Chocolate Tourtiere.
From roasted chicken splashed with Monbazillac, almond croissants in the morning, chocolate pot de crèmes and confit
de canard for dinner washed down with the fine wines of the region, this royal banquet paired with breathtaking countryside is irresistible. One thing is certain…in the Dordogne, eating well is de rigueur.
No meal here is complete without the wine. After our visits to different wineries we will have plenty to choose from. Naturally, there are all the Bordeaux but we will be having wines from Chateau
de Tiregand, the Cahors, Pecharmant and Monbazillac wine producing regions. These delightful varieties are tremendous with all the local cuisine.
Rolling up your sleeves in our kitchen is one thing, but alongside the chefs blazing new trails like Nicholas de Vishe, is an experience you won’t want to miss. Nor will you soon forget the divine creations of the young chefs at Chateau les Merles.
Medieval Markets
The medieval village of Issigeac weaves along the ancient narrow streets and are packed with vendors offering every product imaginable. Their placement is by no means random, and every vendor earns his spot. They travel from village to village and might not always have the same items. Madame Gisele one of favorites makes her own phyllo for the regional Tourtiere
aux Pommes and pours a double shot of apple brandy in between the buttery layers just before she ties a ribbon on the box.
Founded in 1284 by Edward I of England, Monpazier if the most intact bastide in Dordogne the village has several charming shops, art and antiques. The main square is packed with vendors who travel from village to village selling their artisan foods and handmade crafts. The late summer and fall is the season for cepes and Monpazier has one of the most important cepe markets in Dordogne.
The Black Wine of Cahors
Not far to the south is the Lot valley with its winding river, limestone gorges and vineyards of Cahors. The black wines are reputedly the darkest in the world and legend says their richness makes them the greatest "undiscovered" French wine. It’s been said that men would pour a bit on their shirts to review the stain and determine if the wine had been watered down. Chateau de Chambert produces a deep rich wine with all the "shirt stainer" characteristic of a good Cahors and is our first stop. To learn about the most noble and ancient red wine we meet some of the producers who shed some light on this hidden gem among French wines. Older than Bordeaux with a reputation for darkness and strength it is the only French red wine to harness the power of the Malbec grape. Clos de Gamot, Siguier, Triguedina and Chateau Gaudou are just a few of the 200 domains in this wine producing powerhouse.
Your Royal Chambers
Circa 1500, Le Prieuré was built as living quarters for six priests who tended the grounds of Chateau de Biron - a gesture that the owner hoped would secure him a place in heaven. But for seven nights, this luxurious estate will serve as your home. Meticulously restored to its ancient glory, the estate features wrought iron gates, original stone walls, a spiral staircase and wood fireplaces. Period antiques, tapestries and works of art complete the medieval ambiance, while deluxe linens, goose feather comforters and pillows ensure guests the ultimate in modern comforts. The ensuite rooms also afford spectacular views of the countryside, with its sweeping vineyards, farmlands and forests.
The secluded garden is really charming with stunning views across to Monflanquin and on to the Lot valley. Thoughtfully and tastefully done, it is now both elegant and extremely comfortable. The sitting room with stone fireplace and dining room, with its beautiful stone walls and tapestries ooze charm.
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A legend pretends that when God distributed his castles, he started by the Loire Valley. Going far away from there, his bag burst over the Dordogne River and the Perigord region dotting the countryside with countless castles. Well over a hundred to be exact many still lived in. 
Even in a land steeped with old food traditions inventive new cuisine is arriving with more emphasis on seafood from the coast and the river's fresh water fish. It’s not all duck, but it is all it’s quacked up to be (we couldn’t resist).
From roasted chicken splashed with Monbazillac, almond croissants in the morning, chocolate pot de crèmes and confit
de canard for dinner washed down with the fine wines of the region, this royal banquet paired with breathtaking countryside is irresistible. One thing is certain…in the Dordogne, eating well is de rigueur.
The medieval village of Issigeac weaves along the ancient narrow streets and are packed with vendors offering every product imaginable. Their placement is by no means random, and every vendor earns his spot. They travel from village to village and might not always have the same items. Madame Gisele one of favorites makes her own phyllo for the regional Tourtiere
aux Pommes and pours a double shot of apple brandy in between the buttery layers just before she ties a ribbon on the box.
Circa 1500, Le Prieuré was built as living quarters for six priests who tended the grounds of Chateau de Biron - a gesture that the owner hoped would secure him a place in heaven. But for seven nights, this luxurious estate will serve as your home. Meticulously restored to its ancient glory, the estate features wrought iron gates, original stone walls, a spiral staircase and wood fireplaces. Period antiques, tapestries and works of art complete the medieval ambiance, while deluxe linens, goose feather comforters and pillows ensure guests the ultimate in modern comforts. The ensuite rooms also afford spectacular views of the countryside, with its sweeping vineyards, farmlands and forests.