FRENCH ACTIVITY GUIDE 2017


Le Calabash Cooking Vacations


Loire Valley, France


motto ‘Balade Gourmande sans Frontière’ (‘Cooking without boundaries’) as they blend classic French dishes with exotic fl avours harvested from around the globe.


Class sizes are limited to eight spaces for a personal atmosphere and are masterfully led by professional couple Alison and Sidney. Award-winning chefs, both have cooked for heads of state, celebrities and her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as well as receiving recognition by major food guides and medals at international level.


Despite the course leaders’ wealth of experience, no qualifi cations are required for participants; all that’s needed is a genuine desire to learn about cooking. Using everyday, accessible equipment and ingredients, guests can bolster their skills in a supportive environment alongside like- minded people. A mere stone’s throw away,


At le Calabash, you will embark on a Culinary vacation that will open new doors to flavours, techniques and skills that will enable you to follow your own flair and imagination.


The only qualifications needed are a love for food and the desire to learn about cooking.


Your hosts and tutors are international award-winning chefs Alison and Sidney Bond.


the Relais Manor House provides a superb place to stay while undertaking Le Calabash sessions. This 18th-century establishment has been renovated to modern standards of comfort while still possessing endearing period-style décor. When it comes to walking


tours, there are some excellent options. In the French capital, A Journey in Paris offers a wide range of original English- language tours revolving around food, arts and lifestyle. Its Montmartre excursion is an especially delightful three-hour trip, hopping from patisserie to patisserie seeking the most delicious bread and pastries available. We’re not just talking about standard loaves, either; there’s a chance to sample some truly weird and wonderful creations, including a squid ink baguette!


A second combined tour branches out from Montmartre and wanders into the bustling Aligre market, taking time out to luxuriate in a coffee break before scouting the area’s shops for bread and cheese. This packed trip lasts four hours and is brilliant value at €120 per person.


Not only are you able to try gourmet baked goods, but your knowledgeable guides are on hand to provide invaluable tips on pinpointing quality shops and products. Prepare to be assaulted by a barrage of intoxicating scents and fl avours, including fresh bread, wine, tarts and spices. Is your mouth watering yet?


w: www.lecalabash.com e: bonds@lecalabash.fr / t: 0033 (0) 2 47 94 34 31


Embark on a wine tour and enjoy the best regional tipples in beautiful surroundings 146 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Apr/May 2017


IMAGE © CRT BRETAGNE/RONAN GLADU


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14