The Province of Perigord has long been a gastronomic mecca for food lovers. This is the land of truffles, goat cheese, Foie Gras, walnuts, geese, wild boar, succulent game, and fruits and mushrooms of all varieties.
In fact, the fresh markets of France have changed little throughout
the centuries. A place for socializing, great street parties, and outdoor delights, the Dordogne offers a vibrant slice of FRENCH life.
July 2-9, 2008 and July 10-17, 2008
Cost: $3,550.00 per person Double Occupancy, Exclusive of Airfare and Car Rental
*Optional ground transportation available upon request.
•
7 Night Private Ensuite Lodging
•
All Meals & Unlimited Wine
•
Chateau Beynac Tour
•
Lunches at Chateau les Merles & Le Source Enchantee
Dordogne is a fairy tale land of medieval villages, castles, lords and ladies, and breathtaking countryside that in the summer blossoms with fields of sunflowers, orchards and lavender. Given its scenery and serenity, it's difficult to believe that Dordogne was once the site of fierce fighting during the 100-Years War between France and England. In fact, this sleepy southwest region of France bears witness to a tumultuous past evidenced by its foreboding fortresses, bastides and countless monuments of medieval strife. A stroll around the Dordogne is a must for any lover of history and architecture.
Culinary Crown Jewels
Many tourists have neglected Dordogne for the internationally popular Provence, which makes this an ideal setting for creating culinary magic - fresh market experiences that hearken memories of Richard the Lionhearted and Eleanor of Aquitaine. In fact, food and wine rule as equals in this historic region. Specialties like walnut and truffle oil can be found all over both France and Italy, and everyone claims to have the best, yet we believe a small shop in Domme really does have the finest.
From Market to Kitchen
Our Vagabond Gourmet tours
in July are particularly
enticing, not only because the local villages are awash in brilliant
summer blossoms, but also because this is when the seasonal berries
arrive. Tiny wild strawberries from the woods are barely bigger
than a pine nut, but their intense aroma goes perfectly with
a lavender crème caramel. The stalls
are packed with peaches,
currants and just-picked raspberries. It's also the season for
melons, fresh apricots and, of course, the treasured chanterelle.
The Sunday morning market in Issigeac is a lively start to your week in Dordogne. The narrow streets 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. One may have a fat duckling and several chickens, so if you want that duck, you'd better speak up.
Our Dordogne kitchen is always filled with baskets of fresh finds from the local markets and stocks bubbling on the stove. Laura and our Vagabond Gourmet team invite you to meet the passionate artisan food producers and new chefs making history with intoxicating potions like an "AOC
Rocamadour Glace" we found.
Eating & Drinking Well
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).
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.
From summer melons 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.
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.
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.
The warm hospitality
of Le Prieuré owner Sally Ann Evans is another reason we love Dordogne.
Her appreciation of wine
and excellent foods means she always has a recent discovery to
share with us and keeps us well informed through out the year.
Celebrating Summer
The
Bastille Day Celebration
in our village is a wonderful party literally at our doorstep.
The activities begin in early morning when a large fire is built
for the "piece de resistance'. The Marie (town Mayor)
and several villagers
work through the day, peeling, chopping and preparing the banquet.
The piece de resistance may be fire roasted duck, homemade sausage
stuffed pigs, or entire sides of beef.
When the festivities begin people arrive from several neighboring villages then the banquet is served on one long communal table in front of the towering Chateau de Biron. A spectacular fireworks display illuminates the Chateau before dancing under the stars.
Dordogne Dreaming
We have been
coming to the Dordogne for over 10 years and it still
remains one of our favorite places. As much for the
beautiful scenery as for the warm and wonderful people.
Come join us on a fairy tale journey this summer and let us introduce to you what dreams are made of.
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Dordogne is a fairy tale land of medieval villages, castles, lords and ladies, and breathtaking countryside that in the summer blossoms with fields of sunflowers, orchards and lavender. Given its scenery and serenity, it's difficult to believe that Dordogne was once the site of fierce fighting during the 100-Years War between France and England. In fact, this sleepy southwest region of France bears witness to a tumultuous past evidenced by its foreboding fortresses, bastides and countless monuments of medieval strife. A stroll around the Dordogne is a must for any lover of history and architecture.
Many tourists have neglected Dordogne for the internationally popular Provence, which makes this an ideal setting for creating culinary magic - fresh market experiences that hearken memories of Richard the Lionhearted and Eleanor of Aquitaine. In fact, food and wine rule as equals in this historic region. Specialties like walnut and truffle oil can be found all over both France and Italy, and everyone claims to have the best, yet we believe a small shop in Domme really does have the finest.
Our Vagabond Gourmet tours
in July are particularly
enticing, not only because the local villages are awash in brilliant
summer blossoms, but also because this is when the seasonal berries
arrive. Tiny wild strawberries from the woods are barely bigger
than a pine nut, but their intense aroma goes perfectly with
a lavender crème caramel. The stalls
are packed with peaches,
currants and just-picked raspberries. It's also the season for
melons, fresh apricots and, of course, the treasured chanterelle. 
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).
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.
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
Bastille Day Celebration
in our village is a wonderful party literally at our doorstep.
The activities begin in early morning when a large fire is built
for the "piece de resistance'. The Marie (town Mayor)
and several villagers
work through the day, peeling, chopping and preparing the banquet.
The piece de resistance may be fire roasted duck, homemade sausage
stuffed pigs, or entire sides of beef. 
