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Perigord is THE place to go if you love truffles and foie gras.
This little corner of Southwest France is home to the black truffle,
one of the most famous and expensive luxury foods of France. It
is also the land of foie gras-- that typical French delicacy made
from fattened goose or duck liver. We invite you to learn to cook
these gastronomic delights, along with other regional French dishes
in a four-day trip to Perigord. Your stay includes cooking lessons,
visits to truffle markets and a duck farm, along with wine tastings
and gourmet meals. This tour is seasonal and runs during the truffle season, early December to mid-March.
Meet in Toulouse, and transfer to Quercy about an hour and a half away. Check in at Chateau de L'Hoste, a charming chateau in
the heart of truffle and foie gras country. This 17th century castle has been transformed into a delightful hostelry on a wooded 10 acre estate. All rooms have TV, direct telephone, private bathroom, and hair dryers. The hotel has an outdoor pool and there are bicycles for guests' to use to explore neighboring villages.
Welcome cocktail with the director and chef de cuisine. Afterwards
enjoy a gastronomic dinner with a range of dishes typical of the
region.
After breakfast, Guy Herault, the chef cuisiner, welcomes you into his kitchen for a hands-on session all about the preparation and service of foie gras. At lunch time you will feast on the fruit of your cooking experience (wine included).
Afternoon visit to a foie gras farm museum in nearby Frespech. In the evening, before dinner, a wine expert will reveal the unique flavors of Cahors wines in a wine tasting session.
Dinner and overnight in chateau.
Today is dedicated to the "Black Diamond," the truffle of Quercy. Arrive in Lalbenque, home of the largest truffle market in Southwest France. Experience an initiation of cavage in which you will see the technique of finding truffles with a dog or a pig. Lunch in a traditional restaurant before taking in the sites and sounds of the truffle market.
Dinner and overnight in the chateau.
Breakfast. Transfer to Toulouse.
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