TOURS Sarlat Lourdes Pink cities Treasures Villages Biarritz

Wine&Cuisine Truffles Bordeaux wine Roussillon Dordogne

The truffle market in Lalbenque, the largest in Southwest France hardly needs introducing: it's a veritable ceremony to which the initiated flock to buy the 'Black Diamond' at the price of gold. The Official opening of the truffle market in Lalbenque is 4th December 2007. Market days take place every Tuesday until Mid-March 2008. Our escorted tour runs from Sunday through Wednesday.

Day 1 Arrive in Toulouse
Meet in Toulouse, transfer to the Quercy and check in at your hotel. Welcome cocktail with the Director and the chef de cuisine. Gourmet dinner where you will discover a range of typical dishes. Overnight in the château.

Day 2 Foie Gras cooking lesson
After breakfast Guy Hérault, the chef cuisinier, welcomes you into his kitchen for a hands-on session all about the preparation and service of foie gras. At lunch time you will eat the fruit of your own labors! (wine included). In the afternoon a visit to the foie gras farm museum in nearby Frespech. In the evening, before dinner, a visiting oenologist will reveal the particularities of the Cahors wines in a wine-tasting session. Dinner and overnight in château.

Day 3 Truffle market in Lalbenque
Today is dedicated to the « Black Diamond » the truffle of the Quercy. Arrive in Lalbenque the Truffle capital and experience an initiation of « cavage » that will show the technique of finding the truffles with a dog or a pig. You will have lunch in a traditional restaurant and in the afternoon stroll through the truffle market of Lalbenque, one of the most important in France. Dinner and overnight in château.

Day 4 Toulouse
Breakfast. Transfer to Toulouse. End of our services.

Accommodation in 3* Chateau Hotel.This 17th century Castle has been transformed into a charming Hostelry set in a wooded 10 acre estate. The courtyard and main building are elegantly crafted from local Quercy white limestone .The Chateau is situated in the heart of Quercy Blanc region, near many medieval bastions and the river Lot. 90 minutes drive from Toulouse international airport.

All rooms have TV, direct telephone, bath room and hairdryer. The superior rooms are equipped with a king size bed, en suite bathroom and personal safe.

Restaurant and Bar.The delights of traditional and refined cuisine complement and honour the fresh products from the surrounding countryside. The chef is renowned throughout France.

The hotel has an outdoor pool and guests can use the hotel's bicycles to visit the neighbouring villages.

2007/2008 Dates:
Sundays from 2nd December until 9th March
(Except 23rd and 30th December - Arrival Sunday, departure Wednesday)

Prices include :
- 3 nights accommodation superior room
- Gourmet dinner day 1, 2, 3
- Lunch day 2 and day 3
- Breakfast from day 2 to 4
'Hands on cooking lesson'
- Visits :
Foie Gras Museum
Truffle Market and Cavage
- The service of a professional driver guide throughout the tour with commentaries in English.
- Tolls, fuel and parking.

this tour in pdf format

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