“Go on a French pastry adventure”
8 Day French Dessert and Pastry Masterclass Culinary Adventure in The Loire Valley
Le Calabash, 12 Fromenteau, Yzeures-sur-Creuse 37290, France
France Pastry Cooking Vacation
Your school is set in the heart of France and The Touraine is without question the home to European Renaissance which brought with it a rich and diverse culinary history and depth. Your chefs are both qualified and award-winning chefs who have competed and won gold medals at the international level as well as having cooked by demand for heads of state, celebrities, and finally, on several occasions, on-demand for her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Meet the instructors
Alison & Sidney
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Highlights
- Pastry classes and culinary activities daily
- Receive a personalized apron and recipe folder
- Enjoy a visit to Tours and Les Halles Food Market
- Daily breakfast and meals as per the itinerary
- 3 glasses of selected wine with meals
- 7 nights accommodation
6 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: French
Group size: Maximum of 8 participants
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
14:00
Check-out Time:
11:00
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Tennis court
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Bar
- Fireplace
- Garden
- Lounge
- Terrace
- Free Wi-Fi
Le Calabash strives to ensure you have comfort, service, and attention to detail second to none during your stay. You will be staying in one of the following two accommodations, depending on availability.
Les Sorels
Set in the quaint hamlet of Fromenteau along the River Creuse, Les Sorels offers an enchanting escape in the heart of the French countryside. Seamlessly blending its traditional charm with modern comforts, each room at Les Sorels provides pure linen, smart flat-screen TVs, an in-room coffee and tea station, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private bathroom.
With a private terrace in every room and views over the beautiful garden guests can immerse themselves in the peace and calm of the picturesque French country side.
Adding to the experience, Les Sorels offers hammocks nestled beneath beautiful trees, inviting guests to sway gently in the breeze amidst the fragrant lavender. Guests can explore the surrounding countryside with ease, using Les Sorels bicycles and the provided walking and cycling map, carefully crafted to guide them along perfectly designed trails.
Les Loges du Parc
This charming, four-star hotel is situated in the center of the pretty spa town of La Roche Posay. The hotel with its imposing Belle Epoque façade, surrounded by its rose garden and pivoineraie, thermal pool, and a large terrace with linden trees creates a unique and exceptional place in the village.
Completely renovated in a chic country spirit with a hint of a “British touch”, it offers tasteful large hotel rooms and suites where each room has its own identity; wood, amaranth, coriander, and green countryside. The exterior has kept its Art Nouveau charm with its architectural frieze.
The hotel offers a relaxing pool and bathing area where guests can soak up the French sunshine. Inside, there is an atmosphere of peace and authenticity with the solid wood floors and a fireplace in the lobby. It is comfortable with character and charm. Les Loges du Parc's four-star hotel is part of the prestigious Châteaux and Hôtels Collection (Alain Ducasse Group).
Program
Day 1
- Arrival after lunch and check into and settle into your accommodation.
- 19:00 Join a delightful welcome champagne cocktail, where you'll have the opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow Culinary Adventurers. Following this, enjoy dinner a ‘Taste of the Loire Valley’, set in the charming ambiance of the “Old Stable” at Le Calabash.
Day 2
- 08:30 Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.
- 09:00 Today embark on a sweet culinary adventure entirely dedicated to Chocolate. We uncover the secrets of tempering chocolate, the art of filling and moulding chocolate bonbons, and how to enhance their presentation with coloured cocoa butter. Guided by our chefs, learn the techniques and recipes for creating bonbon fillings, ganache’s, marshmallows, caramel candies, snack bars and more.
- 13:00 Enjoy a light French Lunch, providing a moment of relaxation and reflection amidst the day's activities.
- 14:00 After lunch, you will continue our chocolate adventure, diving deeper into the world of chocolate creations including:
- Chocolate mousse
- Chocolate fondant
- Caramel foam
- Chocolate decoration
- Caramel filling.
- 19:00 Conclude your culinary journey with dinner, where you'll savour the culmination of your chocolate creations for dessert.
Day 3
- 08:30 Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.
- 09:00 Prepare for a Pastry Day inspired by the delicious elegance of the Vacherin, the airy delight of pavlova, and the sweet world of ice cream. From timeless favourites to modern interpretations, we'll guide you through a variety of techniques and recipes to create fresh, seasonal, and contemporary desserts.
- Meringue, classic and modern variations
- Genoise variations
- Basil, Fruit Crème, mousse, and jelly
- Compressed and compote fruits
- Vanilla and Lemon Cream
- 13:00 Take a moment to enjoy a French Light Lunch, providing a delightful interlude amidst your pastry-filled day.
- 14:00 After lunch, we'll dive into the world of ice cream, exploring new techniques and flavours to compliment your desserts.
- Frozen parfait
- Caramel ice cream
- Spicy chocolate ice cream lolly
- Coconut lemongrass ice cream
- 19:00 For dinner tonight, we’ll experience the rich and diverse flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. Embark on a culinary journey where vibrant spices and aromatic herbs transport you to distant lands.
Day 4
- 08:00 Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.
- 08:30 Depart for Tours
- 09:00 This morning, embark on a culinary exploration of Tours, beginning with a visit to both the indoor ‘Les Halles Food Market’ and the bustling outdoor market. Wander through the charming old town clustered around Place Plumereau, where restored historic houses transport you back in time. Stroll along the narrow streets like rue Briconnet to experience the medieval city's historic charm. Discover the Romanesque Basilica, the Cloitre de St-Martin, and the new Basilique de St-Martin, once part of the great pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
- In the cathedral quarter, marvel at the Cathédrale St-Gatien, a stunning example of flamboyant Gothic architecture adorned with 12th-century decorated stonework. Inside, admire the exquisite stained-glass windows and other architectural wonders.
- 12:00 Enjoy a truly French lunch in Tours before we head back to Le Calabash.
- 15:00 Upon your return a free afternoon to explore the picturesque Loire Valley, stroll through the quaint La Roche Posay, or embark on a cycling adventure through the enchanting French countryside with bicycles provided by Les Sorels.
- 19:00 At dinner we enjoy a relaxed evening indulging in French Cheeses and Charcuterie, savouring the flavours of the region in the comfort of our culinary haven with a few of Chef Sidney’s favourite wines.
Day 5
- 08:30 Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.
- 09:00 Embark on a journey of Modern Viennoiserie using classical techniques, recipes, and “Tourages” to create and bake modern and contemporary pastries that are crisp, buttery, and simply delicious.
- Brioche
- Brioche Caramel Vanille
- Lemon Meringue Cruffin
- Brioche Feuilletée au Chocolat
- Camembert brioche
- 13:00 Enjoy a French Light Lunch, providing a moment of relaxation and reflection amidst the morning's pastry creations.
- 14:00 After lunch, our lamination adventures continue.
- 19:00 Enjoy a delightful dinner, cherishing the company of your newfound Le Calabash family.
Day 6
- 08:30 Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.
- 09:00 Tarts take centre stage this morning, as we explore the art of crafting some of Chef Alison's favourite tarts.
- Salted caramel and Jiavara ®chocolate tart
- Raspberry and mascarpone tart
- 13:00 Take a well-deserved break and indulge in a French Light Lunch, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the morning's pastry creations.
- 14:00 Begin the journey to the captivating world of the “Macaron,” a quintessential symbol of French pâtisserie popularized by Ladurée in the early 20th century. Explore:
- Techniques for creating perfect macaron shells
- The significance of using Italian meringue
- Tips for achieving flawless egg whites.
- The importance of resting before baking
- Various filling options
- Creative macaron decoration ideas
- Strategies for maturing, storing, and freezing macarons
- 19:00 End your day with dinner at Le Calabash.
Day 7
- 08:30 Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.
- 09:00 Start the day with the introduction of Choux Pastry, a versatile dough that forms the basis of many beloved French pastries.
- Classic Éclair
- Contemporary Paris Brest
- Profiterole au Chocolat
- Craqueline
- Hazelnut Crème
- 13:00 Enjoy a French Light Lunch, providing a delightful interlude amidst your pastry-filled day.
- 14:00 This afternoon, you will learn the art of making soufflés, a culinary skill that combines elegance with a touch of excitement. Learn the secrets to creating perfectly risen soufflés.
- Chocolate soufflé
- Passion fruit soufflé
- 19:30 Conclude your culinary journey with a certificate presentation ceremony, enhanced by gin and tonic sundowners. Then, relish a flavourful dinner experience with a 'Fire and Spice’ dinner featuring some of the creations made during the afternoon.
Day 8
- 08:30 Start your day with a traditional French breakfast.
- 11:00 Departure is by 11:00, allowing you to bid farewell to the tranquil surroundings of Le Calabash with cherished memories and newfound culinary skills.
Included excursions
On Day 4, you will have an excursion day wherein you'll visit Tours, Les Halles Food Market, etc.
Instructors
Alison
Alison is an award-winning chef, with many years of international experience. After meeting her future husband in Swaziland, they have cooked together, including for several heads of state, among which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William, Richard Attenbourgh, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Cher, Sylvester Stallone, U2, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton. Alison has won recognition by major food guides and has won medals internationally. Alison and Sidney like to introduce exotic flavors to traditional French cooking, and give personal attention to all guests
Sidney
Sidney is an award-winning chef, with many years of international experience. Since meeting his future wife in Swaziland, they have cooked together, including for several heads of state, among which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Prince William, as well for celebrities like Madonna, Cher, and Sylvester Stallone. Apart from the recognition of major food guides, Sidney has won international medals. Sidney was Captain of The British Craft Guild Team for 2000/2001 when they achieved a record medal total.
Location
Le Calabash ‘Petit Conservatoire de la Cuisine’ is located on the river Creuse in the Loire Valley, set in a small French hamlet on the edge of the local forest. Initial concerns about the level of cooking skills required are immediately dispelled by the informality of the environment and the realization that the only qualifications needed are a love for food and the desire to learn about cooking.
The region is home to the finest goat’s cheese producers and winemaking has been deeply rooted here for centuries. This area is simply known as France’s "Bread Basket".
Food
Included in the price are all daily meals, as per the itinerary. Thus, daily breakfasts are included, as are the welcome and farewell champagne cocktails on days one and six, and the lunches and dinners on days two, three, four, five, and six.
The breakfasts are usually traditional French meals, except for the one on day four when you will have an early morning coffee and pastries for breakfast instead. For lunch, you will have artisanal cheese and freshly baked bread on day two, a traditional French-style workers' lunch on day three, and a traditional French lunch on day four. On day five, you will enjoy lunch a classic bistro-styled menu, and one of Sidney's latest creations on day six.
You will have a 'Taste of the Loire Valley’ welcome dinner on your first day, and a farewell dinner at the renowned, Michelin-starred Promenade Restaurant in le Petit Pressigny with a friend of the Bond’s. The other dinners will consist of paella on day two, Sidney’s latest main course creation and one of the desserts prepared by the class on day three, and Sidney’s Zulu barbecue on day five.
On day five, there will also be a pairing of Loire Valley wines and French chocolates. Three glasses of selected wine will complement the meals.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- Daily pastry classes
- Daily breakfast and meals as per itinerary including three glasses of selected wines with meals
- Personalized apron and recipe folder
- 7 nights accommodation
- Excursion on Day 4
- Transport for all activities in the itinerary
What's not included
- Airport transfers
- Optional excursions or meals not listed in itinerary or any additional expenses ordered personally
- Drinks that are personally ordered or excess wine consumed at meals
- Laundry
- Phone calls
- Additional nights’ accommodation (195 EUR including breakfast, subject to room availability)
How to get there
Recommended Airports
CDG
Charles de Gaulle Airport (Roissy Airport)
276 km
Transfer not provided
ORY
Orly Airport
242 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by train
Eurostar then the highly reliable TGV. There are two ways to get here. The TGV runs three trains a day directly from Terminal 2 at Charles de Gaulle Airport to ‘le Calabash’ which is a 1.5-hour journey.
Eurostar from the UK and change platforms at Lille for the TGV to Tours (note station name ‘Saint-Pierre des corps’) or Poitiers. It's approximately an hour from either city or Eurostar to Paris, Gare du Nord, and then a bit of sightseeing perhaps before catching the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Chatellerault, a short 20-minute drive from Le Calabash.
Please go to Rail Europe's website for bookings. If you would like Le Calabash to assist you with your travel plans, please do not hesitate to contact them and they can book and issue your tickets for you at additional costs.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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