PRE OPTIONS
Champagne: September 2 – 5, 2010
We’ll be staying 3 nights at one of the most famous boutique hotels in France, Les Crayères (Reims, Champagne).
Built in 1904, Les Crayères is the world's most unique illustration of French-style “art de vivre” dedicated to the celebration of Champagne. This magnificent 18-room manor, surrounded by a pristine fifteen-acre park, is the property of our good friends, the Gardinier family, who also own the prestigious Château Phélan Ségur, located at Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux.
We’ll experience their great hospitality, an intimate cooking class with their chef – Philippe Mille, one of the top star-winning chefs of French gastronomy and former chef of Le Meurice in Paris. We’ll get an inside look at one of the most famous kitchens in the world.
For our first evening at Les Crayères, guests will enjoy a welcome reception and dinner in the relaxed atmosphere of the Le Jardin Brasserie. Here, the decor, inspired by the history of the site, emphasizes transparency and friendliness: large veranda, kitchen opening onto the outdoors and vast terrace overlooking the magnificent park. Wine Chef Phillippe Jamesse will provide an introduction to the famous wines of Champagne.
For our first stop, our group will enjoy an exclusive cellar tour, tasting and enjoy a rare Champagne luncheon at the famous Maison Belle Epoque of Perrier-Jouët. The Maison Belle Epoque houses one of the finest collections of Art Nouveau pieces in the world, for over 75 years royalty from around the world have enjoyed being entertained here.
That evening we will enjoy dinner with the Champagnes of Laurent-Perrier. Founded in 1812, Laurent-Perrier has been avant-garde in creating unique and elegant champagnes for nearly two hundred years. The house was acquired by the Nonancourt family in 1939 and for over 65 years Bernard de Nonancourt has dedicated his life to innovating and perfecting Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
Travelers will enjoy a leisurely day as well where you will have a chance to explore the region's many special sights.
Our finale dinner will be in Restaurant Le Parc – one of the most celebrated restaurants in the world. It is a place where luxury, elegance and sensitivity mingle together. The wood-paneled walls of the dining room denote conviviality; its glass walls make it a magnificent showcase where French Haute Cuisine and Nature sing their own praises. Chef Phillippe Mille will create a special menu for us and Philippe Jamesse, the Wine Chef at Les Crayères will select special wines to showcase the spectacular food.
ITINERARY
Thursday, September 2
Upon arrival into Paris, a motorcoach will transfer you to Reims ( 1.5 hour drive )
Arrive Les Crayères
Welcome reception
Dinner at Le Jardin, the brasserie on property
Friday, September 3
Welcome reception at Perrier-Jouët with private VIP tasting of Tête de Cuvées’, private VIP tour of the historical cellars followed by a superb gastronomic experience paired with Perrier-Jouët Champagnes and other old world gems. Chef de Caves, Hervé Deschamps may join depending on harvest.
A group dinner for this night with the Champagnes of Laurent-Perrier at a location to be announced.
Saturday, September 4
Morning at leisure or optional visit to the city center and cathedral
Afternoon cooking demonstration with Chef Phillippe Mille of Les Crayères
Dinner at Le Parc restaurant
Sunday, September 5
Early departure by luxury coach for three hour scenic drive to Loire Valley
Fare is $2950 per person, based on double occupancy.
OPTIONAL TOURS
Choose among a variety of optional activities and experiences throughout your itinerary.
September 7th - Loire Valley
Excursion to the City of Tours & Shopping | $45 per person
Transfer to Tours for free time in the city & shopping. Tour old town, Musée des Beaux arts, Musée du Compagnonage.
Loire Cycling Tour | $150 per person
Transfer to Chaumont sur Loire for a nice cycling tour along the Loire toward Amboise. Picnic lunch on the way. Transfer back to Chateau d’Artigny late afternoon.
Horseback Tour | $280 per person
Transfer to a great horse club in the region for a full day touring - wine tasting and lunch included. Transfer back to Chateau d’Artigny late afternoon.
Balloon Flight | $495 per person
Greet the sunrise from above on a private hot air balloon flight over the valley.
September 12th - Bordeaux
Guided Walking Tour of Bordeaux | $50 per person
See the highlights while you explore the historic center of Bordeas on a morning or afternoon walking tour. Pricing is based on a miminum of 10 participants. $50 per person.
Boating on the Bassin d’Arcachon | Inquire for pricing
If you are interested in this experience, please advise and we will be able to price this based on number of interested travelers.
Helicopter Ride Over Pessac, Leognan & St Emilion | $775 per person
A 45 minute scenic ride with transfers to the airport. Pricing is based on a minimum of four participants.
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