Le Chat Gourmet

ITINERARY

Saturday, September 22nd, Day 1

Transfer from Angouleme train station to Le Grand Maison, Neuvicq le Chateau. Welcome horsd’oeuvres and local Pineau aperitifs. Tour of Le Grand Maison and time to freshen up in your room with private ensuite. Buffet dinner at Le Grand Maison prepared by Chef Denene Vincent. Relax from your day of travel with a game of billiards, darts, television, board games, movies or select a book to read from the library.

^{Sunday, September 23th, Day 2}

French breakfast at Le Grand Maison of coffee, tea, fruit juice, creamy French butter, farm fresh jams, yogurt, assorted fruit, toasted crusty baguette and warm flaky croissants from the village boulangerie. Free morning to explore the village or enjoy a stroll among the vines. Lunch at Le Grand Maison prepared by Chef Denene Vincent. Afternoon excursion to the nearby village of Gourvillette to visit La Moutarderie Charentaise. We’ll join Chef Jerome Dumoulin, whom first trained as a pastry chef and later cooked in Paris restaurants. Chef Dumoulin is one of only five mustard artisans left in France-there were over 4,000 in the mid 1800’s! Shop among his amazing selection of artisan mustards-cognac, pineau de charente, white wine, honey, cinnamon, ginger and even chocolate!, to his flavored sea salts, vinegars, chutneys, infused charente sunflower oils as well as pottery and crafts from local artists. While there, enjoy a stroll through the aromatic herb garden and also view the lovely copperware-as a hobby Chef Dumoulin is also a coppersmith! Late afternoon cooking class using artisan mustard and infused sunflower oil from La Moutarderie Charentaise followed directly by dinner.

^{Monday, September 24th, Day 3}

French breakfast at Le Grand Maison. Day trip to the picturesque thousand year old mediaeval village of St. Emilion with some of the oldest vineyards in the Bordeaux region-private Bordeaux Grand Cru winery tour and tasting in the morning, picnic lunch at the winery in the Chateau’s front garden, afternoon visit to St. Emilion with time on your own to stroll along the charming ancient cobblestone streets while exploring the cities historical gems of interests, enjoy the views of the surrounding ruins and rolling hillside vineyards or visit the quaint gift boutiques. Late afternoon wine tasting at Les Terroirs. Evening dinner buffet at Le Grand Maison prepared by Chef Denene Vincent.

^{Tuesday, September 25th, Day 4}

French breakfast at Le Grand Maison. Free morning to wander the quaint village of Neuvicq le Chateau, a tour of the Balleaut Cognac and Pineau Distillery can be arranged, enjoy a game of boules in the backyard, bicycles are also available on-site or relax with a good book. Late morning Bordeaux wine cooking class followed directly by lunch. Afternoon visit to Chocolaterie Letuffe in Trois-Palis for a tour, sampling and optional time to purchase their decadent handcrafted artesian chocolates. Evening dinner at Le Grand Maison prepared by Chef Denene Vincent.

Wednesday, September 26th, Day 5

Continental French breakfast at Le Grand Maison. Day trip to Cognac-a morning visit to the Cognac farmer’s market to gather ingredients for our evening meal, lunchtime picnic along the lake and stream in the public gardens, afternoon visit to Le Chateau de Cognac with Otard Cognac House tour and tasting. Time on your own to explore the city of Cognac…visit the Cognac museum, enjoy a bit of shopping or a lovely stroll along the river Charente. Evening dinner at Le Grand Maison prepared by Chef Denene Vincent.

Thursday, September 27th, Day 6

French breakfast at Le Grand Maison. Visit to the nearby town of Rouillac for the monthly open-air faire! Stroll the ancient streets lined with merchants selling kitchenwares, linens, fresh produce, artesian baked goods and much more! Early afternoon cooking class followed directly by lunch. Spend the remaining afternoon relaxing on the outdoor patio with a good book and glass of wine or enjoy a stroll or cycle through the village and countryside. Champagne toast and four-course farewell dinner at Le Grand Maison prepared by Chef Denene Vincent.

^{Friday, September 28th, Day 7}

Full breakfast at Le Grand Maison. Transfer to Angouleme train station.
Alas, this wonderful international culinary experience with Le Chat Gourmet in the Bordeaux and Cognac region of France must come to a close but never an end. You’ll have your memories and cooking class recipe booklets to recreate the week’s fare as often as your heart desires!
Au revoir!