About the location
Stay in a luxurious 18th century French farmhouse restored to the highest standards set in a tranquil walnut grove in the north of the Loire Valley, less than an hour from Rennes airport, 2 hours from the port of St Malo and within easy reach of Paris by train.
This is Chateaux country and the Loire Valley is dotted with fairy tale like castles along the UNESCO recognised Loire river. The area is very rural and gives you a slice of the ‘real France’ where you can travel from village to village and not hear a word of English spoken.
The farmhouse where you’ll stay is a superb setting for a gourmet cookery holiday. Set near the rural village of Livre la Touche, the wonderful grounds of the farmhouse are pefect for relaxing under the warm French sunshine or playing croquet or boules on the lawns.
The house boasts four exceptional en-suite guest rooms with stunning views over the countryside and just across the courtyard is the wonderful purpose-built teaching kitchen which is packed with all the professional cooking equipment you’ll need for a gourmet week with a difference.
Your acclaimed chefs are Maynard Harvey and Benedict Haines, two modern British chefs who use the freshest ingredients with an emphasis on distinct flavours and clean, restaurant-standard presentation. Their passion and enthusiasm for cooking will inspire your own creativity in the kitchen. Their relaxed and fun style of teaching along with their expertise will help you gain confidence and perfect your cooking techniques and skills.
Combine luxurious accommodation in a stunning location, a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, great food, tuition and company for a French cookery holiday with a difference.
Features
- 1 hour from Rennes airport, 2 hours’ drive from St Malo ferry port and 20 minutes from the train station and city of Laval
- Set in the Chateaux country of the Loire Valley near the village of Livre la Touche close to the borders of Brittany and Normandy
- The Loire river has official UNESCO recognition for its architectural heritage combined with exceptional unspoilt nature
- Set in a peaceful walnut grove just 15-20 minutes’ walk from the pretty French village of Livre la Touche
- Delightful 18th century French farmhouse accommodation, restored to a very luxurious standard and surrounded by beautiful gardens
- A professionally equipped kitchen with wonderful mezzanine level dining room set in a converted barn next to the farmhouse where the cooking classes take place
- A smaller kitchen in the farmhouse for guest’s use
- Four luxuriously appointed en-suite guest bedrooms, one on the ground and three on the first floor of the farmhouse all with magnificent views over the surrounding countryside
- Large sitting room with dining table for guests to relax in or to enjoy breakfast if the weather doesn’t permit dining on the terrace
- Wonderful gardens to relax in with sun loungers, croquet lawn and boules area
- Lovely outdoor terrace perfect for al fresco dining and drinks as the sun sets
- English and French speaking hosts with a wealth of knowledge about the area who live just 5 minutes away if you need anything during your stay
- Delicious local food and wine
- Secure off-road parking
- 2 Chefs for 8 guests ensuring personal attention and an exceptional standard of tuition
- A short drive from local golf courses and just 10 minutes’ drive from La Rincerie where you can canoe or sail
- Relaxed, peaceful and delightful rural location, perfect for experiencing France at its best
- Wi-fi is available in the sitting room