French Retreat

FRENCH CULINARY TOUR IN PARIS AND NORMANDY

September 5-15, 2012

Start with a 3-day stay of cooking, dining, and exploring in Paris.  Then continue on to beautiful Normandy for a fun-filled 8-day (7-night) adventure!

This year, I am very excited to announce my French Culinary Tour in Paris and Normandy (with an excursion in Brittany as well).

Your adventure begins in Paris, where we will meet at the hotel, on Wednesday morning, September 5th.  We will attend 2 cooking classes with Parisian chefs at one of the trendiest cooking schools in Paris; I will take you to a farmers market and on a fun and delicious pastry and chocolate walking tour; we will enjoy a wonderful evening cruise on the Seine river, fantastic meals in some restaurants you’d probably not find on your own; I will take you to the oldest kitchen store in Paris, and much much more.     On Saturday, we will be off to Normandy, for just a few hours drive.  We will stop on the way in Giverny to discover Claude Monet’s gardens.

In Normandy, each day is designed around an excursion, fabulous meals at local restaurants, or made during a cooking class taught by  a local chef from a regional restaurant.  Depending on the availability, season and local village festivals, we will:

• Visit the Mont Saint Michel
• Take a Seine river cruise
• Visit a local cheese farm (ah! the cheeses of Normandy!)
• Stroll along the streets of the old districts of Rouen, capital city of Normandy, and its Gothic cathedral
• Discover the gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny
• Find time to shop for souvenirs and gifts to bring home
• Explore Omaha Beach and the amazing cliffs of Etretat
• Discover several fishing villages unknown to tourists
• and other surprises that wouldn’t be surprises if we told you what they are!

In Paris, lodging is in a typically Parisian small boutique hotel with lots of charm and character, in a very central but quiet area, perfect for restful nights.  In Normandy, lodging will be either in an hotel or preferably in a charming Normandy style villa, typical of the region, with all the amenities you are looking for, or even in a castle – this will depend on the size of the group.

FEES PER PERSON

$3,995 per person (double occupancy) until May 15, 2012.
Starting May 16, 2012 rate goes up to $4, 295.  

Single supplement for a private room is $850.

INCLUDED: Accommodations, all meals, cooking classes fees, hotel taxes and service fees, all excursions and visits, and local transportation in Paris and in Normandy.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to Paris, R/T transfers between airport and hotel in Paris, beverages of any kind, and items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, passport fees (if applicable), tips to drivers, guides, travel insurance, etc.

Because there are a limited number of participants, each person must pay full price. If, for example, a spouse wishes to come but not participate in the cooking classes, the spouse may enjoy the excursions and other activities, but still must pay the full price.

We use rented vans to get to Normandy from Paris, and during our entire stay in Normandy. If you prefer to rent a car on your own, please let us know. We recommend Nova Car Rental. We have used them for years and love their service! The price they quote is all inclusive and is what you will pay – no surprise, and they are about one third cheaper than other companies.

ENROLLMENT

Events are limited to 10 participants. A deposit of $995 per person is required at time of registration, followed by monthly payments, so that the full balance is paid no later than three months before departure (June 13, 2012). Your retreat fees less $495 administrative fee are refundable up to four months before events begin. If you have not paid in full by June 13, 2012, and if you have not requested a deposit refund, the entire deposit will be forfeited and your place made available to others. We recommend you get some travel insurance to protect you in case you need to cancel your trip at the last minute.

TO REGISTER:  You must submit your deposit payment of $995 per person at time of registration. Click on the link below to register now. After your registration deposit has been received, we will contact you to confirm your registration and schedule your payment plan of the balance due. Thank you!  If you have any question before submitting your deposit payment, please call 828-505-4379.

Click here for Registration Form, Terms and Conditions,  and deposit payment.

We are delighted to have you join us on our fantastic voyage!