Frelon’s Fabulous France is honoring the joyous occasion of the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton this April with their own eight-day “Royal Holiday” at the private ‘La Ferme de la Lochere’ estate in Burgundy – complete with a recreation of the wedding meal by Katherine Frelon, a successful chef with a litany of assignments that includes cooking for a member of the royal family. From the Royal High Tea upon arrival to the farewell dinner, guests at the meticulously restored 400-year-old property, with accommodations for up to ten, enjoy the finer things in life. Champagne during a hot air balloon ride, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, private wine tastings and several hands-on cooking experiences with Katherine, whose training included the Michelin-starred kitchens of Marc Meneau, are just a few of the examples. Prices for the April 30-May 7, 2011, holiday are 1,895€ ($2,561)* per person, double.
Treats inspired from the best teashops in England and organic products from Prince Charles’ own farm accompany the Royal High Tea, setting the tone for the week. Guests receive insider access to several local places of interest: the magnificent Abbey of Fontenay, exclusive wine tastings at some of the most renowned vineyards of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, a privately guided tour of the opulent Hospice de Beaune, and a cooking demonstration and lunch with award-winning chef Laurent Peugeot at Michelin-starred Le Charlemagne. There are tours of the Vineyard of Flavigny, the town of which hosted the filming of Chocolat; lunch at the three Michelin-starred restaurant Bernard Loiseau; visits to the colorful markets of Dijon; and trips to the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois and the charming Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. Several cooking lessons throughout – each incorporating seasonal ingredients (a great time of year for mushrooms) — culminate in the recreation of the royal wedding meal for the farewell dinner.
Rates for the holiday include accommodation; all meals prepared on the property; culinary instruction and ingredients; transfers to and from the Montbard train station; attractions specified in the itinerary; set menus designed with seasonal ingredients by the head chef – complimented with wines especially selected by the sommelier – at both Michelin restaurants; and a complimentary cookbook from chef and host Katherine Frelon.
La Ferme de la Lochere is a 400-year-old private estate in the heart of Burgundy, conveniently located four hours from London and one hour from Paris, by train, and meticulously restored by the owners to reflect the rich history of the area while providing guests with modern amenities. The property includes several charming courtyards, an extensive library, mezzanine lounge area, heated swimming pool, a spacious state-of-the-art kitchen and five individually-designed, airy bedrooms with gorgeous views of the mountains and vineyards – each with private bath, fresh flowers, L’Occitane products and wifi. Each luxurious itinerary is complemented by free time for guests to lunch on the rolling hillsides, bike along the Canal de Bourgogne, stroll through the scenic countryside, shop in the unique towns – and more.
Frelon’s Fabulous France provides tailor-made, luxury vacations in Burgundy from April through October. Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Frelon’s Fabulous France, 6 Rue de la Lochere, 21150 Marigny le Cahouet, France; +33 672 865 609; or, visit www.frelonsfabulousfrance.com.
For more travel features, visit:
www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate
www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin
www.examiner.com/eclectic-traveler-in-long-island/karen-rubin
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