Spring in the French countryside is a time redolent with deep purple peonies, lilac and tulips. Also hands full of tiny green asparagus, artichokes & glasses filled with fragrant Burgundy. Early morning walks through dew-covered canola fields, warm coffee in front of the kitchen fire, oxtail in Tresallier wine and reduced chicken stock on the stove.
DETAILS
DATE: 28 MAY – 3 JUNE 2024
BOOK: MARLENEVDW@MWEB.CO.ZA
ADDRESS: BAGATELLE, CHARROUX, FRANCE
For the past eleven years streams of food enthusiasts have been visiting Bagatelle, the cottage in the center of the medieval village of Charroux. Here the huge old 35L Rosieres chef’s cauldron steams away in front of the window facing the cobbled street, with the odd Frenchman calling out a friendly ‘bon appetit’ as he passes by.
During the 6 days course we shop at the local food markets, cook wonderful brasserie luxe food which we enjoy around the huge hard-pear table in the kitchen or under the bay tree in the courtyard. We share long early morning walks, gentle bicycle rides, endless picnics as well as some antique hunting.
We dine from ancient crockery, with antique silver on white tablecloths using embroidered napkins. Our wine goblets are brocante finds and glamorous Bohemian flutes…
All this I want to share with food friendly travellers who can make their way to the train station in Vichy.
Highlights
- Convivial, small-group culinary experience in a drop-dead gorgeous location
- Cooking classes at the hand of one of South Africa’s best-loved chefs
- Visits to fresh food markets to gather ingredients
- Lovely lunches & dinners around the huge hard pear table in Bagatelle’s kitchen
- Foodie outings to local producers and places of interest
- An immersive introduction to the French way of life
Duration:
6 full days (not including travel to and from Charroux)
