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“GETAWAY TO COGNAC – SOUTH WEST OF FRANCE
Only a few hours by train from Paris, located North to Bordeaux, and East to La Rochelle & the Atlantic coast, “La Charente” region spreads in a peaceful and diversified countryside with a rich heritage of history, architecture, and traditions. You find here an extraordinaire spot thanks to the legendary spirit of Cognac. This week-end break program is exclusive to Lifestyle Vacations and it’s devoted to wine connoisseurs and gourmet amateurs. Welcome to the charming Maison Charentaise B&B Inn La Maison Charentaise is located in the tiny village of Ars, in the heart of the Grande Champagne vineyard, only 5 miles south to Cognac. Dating back to the nineteen century, this wide house was almost in ruins when Patricia & Yvon bought it six years ago. After two years of important renovation works, Patricia & Yvon now offer three elegant guests rooms with private bathrooms and all modern amenities. In the morning, morning breakfasts are served in the dining room or outside on the terrace if weather permits. Breakfats are home-made by Patricia, and it includes tea, hot chocolate or coffee with fresh juice, brioches, croissants, French baguette, cheese, butter and jam. A private outdoor pool and an indoor jacuzzi are at the guests disposal. As detailed in the itinerary, three dinners with traditional Pineau des Charentes aperitifs are offered at the B&B Inn, as well as the welcome lunch upon arrival.
Indulge in the Secret World of the Cognac, through a unique olfactive & tasting class Surrounded by thousands acres of vineyard split into different districts (Grande & Petite Champagne, Borderies, Les Bois) which produces a light white wine, the Cognac area is world renown for its refined spirit, produced through a distillation process from November to March. If visitors necessarily push the doors of the most prestigious houses such as Hennessy, Remy Martin… rare are the ones who really enter the secret world of the cognacs through the unique educational approach of a class. We have choosen a half-day course including a lecture, a nose exercise to recognize the flavors & aromas, the full bouquets and multi-faceted characters, and of course the tastings beginning by the VS to finish on prestigious aged XO ones.
Indulge in the Finest Charentaise Cuisine through a hands-on class with Executive Chef Thierry Verrat at La Ribaudiere (one-star at the Michelin) For sure, he is the best chef in Charente and tasting his fine cuisine at “La Ribaudière” is ever a feast for the buds. Thierry Verrat opens his cooking school recently and welcomes gourmet amateurs on Saturday morning for a unique teaching of the finest French and Charentaise regional cuisine. Under the chef direction, you will learn to cook a three-course meal unsing delightful produces such as truffles, langoustines, lobster, lamb from the farm, goat cheese from local producers, and the freshest seasonal vegetables and fruits from the market. The class starts at 9:00am and ends at noon. The tasting lunch with the chef follows the class. Wine and a glass of champagne for the aperitif are included.
Other activities Besides the Cognac spirit exploration and the cooking class with the Michelin-star chef, your program includes a visit to a goat cheese farm at Roullet-Saint-Estephe, as well as cultural visits (guided tour of Cognac, visit to Jarnac, visit to the Museum of the Arts of Cognac). At the warm season, you will experience a cruise on the Charente river aboard a traditional wooden boat called “gabare”. In the winter (November to March), you will visit a distillery “live” and see how the Cognac is produced. Whatever the season is, you will enjoy a healthy Sunday morning two-hour walk across the traditional village of Ars, and the beautiful Charente countryside and its vineyards. > DAY 1 (Thursday) : Arrival to Cognac – Remy Martin visit OUR PRICES PER PERSON (double occupancy) $ 1,880.00 PRICES INCLUDE: 2009 TOUR DATES (* ESCORTED TOURS) March 12-16 A minimum of 2 participants is required for each tour. Tours limited to 8 persons. |
