Paris-Burgundy May 11-17, 2008
Cheese and wine lovers, join C’est Cheese Tours, LLC in May, 2008, for a truly unique adventure for just 8 people through some of the finest cheese and wine regions of France. In Paris, meet France’s expert Fromagers and Affineurs (cheese makers and agers of fine artisanal cheese). Be introduced to the history of French cheeses and their pairings with wine. Travel the back roads of Burgundy through picturesque villages to visit, artisanal cheese makers, indulge in fine cheeses, visit the cellars and taste the wines of some of the top domaines of the Côte d’Or. Take time to relax and explore the city of Beaune, its masterpieces of Flemish-Burgundian architecture and its fine cuisine, and shop or perhaps enjoy a bicycle ride through the vineyards in the crisp spring air.
DAY ONE
Paris
May 11
In the early evening, we gather at our four star hotel, the Hôtel Luxembourg Parc, located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, just steps from the lovely Luxembourg Gardens. There we will relax with an apératif, meet our fellow travelers and receive a brief orientation. The evening is yours to leisurely dine, stroll through the Latin Quarter or just retire early in anticipation of our first full day in Paris.
DAY TWO
Paris
May 12
Breakfast at the Hôtel Luxembourg. Late morning we are invited to a French home for a very select sit-down wine and cheese tasting, followed by a three hour lunch. You’ll discover a “to die for” cheese plate of 16 seasonal French cheeses, accompanied by four selected wines. The afternoon is free to visit a museum, shop in Paris or just enjoy the café life. In the evening we will enjoy a light but elegant dinner at Willi’s, one of Paris’ favorite wine bars, where Ghislain will dazzle and entertain us with his knowledge and love of French wines, cheeses and their pairings. He will provide some insight into the new EU regulations and what they mean to the European cheese industry. We will taste 5 or 6 artisanal cheeses not available in their raw milk form in the States. This lovely day ends with a stroll through the gardens of the 17 th century Palais Royale.
DAY THREE
Paris - Beaune
May 13
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Fromagerie Androuët, located in the colorful market on the Rue Mouffetard. Here, Pascal, a fromager, will offer us an opportunity to taste some unique artisanal cheeses. Our noon departure for Beaune, capital of the Côte d’Or, is via TGV, France’s high speed train. Beaune is without question one of the most interesting small towns in France, situated in the heart of Burgundy. In Beaune, our hotel is the elegant 17 th century Hôtel Le Cep, conveniently located to explore Beaune’s wine caves, shops, markets and historic sites. Dinner this evening is yours to discover the city of Beaune with its many fine restaurants.
DAY FOUR
Beaune
May 14
Breakfast at the Hôtel Le Cep. A walk in the vineyards follows, accompanied by an oenologist from the Viticulture School to discuss the yearly cycle of the vine and the winemaking process. Lunch, today, is under the trees of the Montagne de Beaune, overlooking the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, home of some of the world’s most famous wines. After lunch, we will visit a traditional artisanal cheese maker. Dinner this evening includes an orientation and presentation by the Viticulture School of Beaune, on the rich history of the Côte d’Or, its monasteries, cheeses, wines and their interrelationships.
DAY FIVE
Beaune
May 15
Breakfast at the Hôtel Le Cep, after which we go to Domaine Olivier Leflaive. An hour in their vineyards and a tasting in their cellars await us. This is an opportunity to work alongside their team of professionals and take part in their daily routine in the vineyards, providing insight into the essential tasks of turning grapes into golden nectar. Lunch at the Domaine follows. The afternoon is free to stroll through this charming medieval town of Beaune, visit La Cave de Cordliers, or the famous Hospice de Beaune (Hôtel Dieu) with its Flemish architecture. Perhaps you will sample the rich menu of Burgundian culinary delights. As an option, we highly recommend an easy afternoon bicycle tour through the vineyards! The evening brings a picnic in the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune.
DAY SIX
Beaune-Paris
May 16
Our last day in Burgundy will be spent in the Côte de Nuits. We will follow the famous Route des Grands Crus with its celebrated villages, Vosne Romanée, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey St. Denis, and Chambolles Musigny. This is followed by a visit to Clos Vougeot for a wine tasting. Leaving Clos Vougeot, we travel through the vineyards to visit an artisanal fruit liqueur maker, with an opportunity to taste and buy these unusual liqueurs. Lunch will be at Les Millésimes, one of our favorite restaurants in Burgundy, with its 60,000-bottle cellar and fabulous cheese board. After lunch, we have the opportunity to visit the Fromagerie Gaugry in Gevery Chambertin where they make the famous L’Epoisse, Le Chource, and L’Ami de Chambertin. That evening there is an early departure via TGV, or van, for Paris and our Hotel, Le Hôtel Luxembourg Parc.
DAY SEVEN
PARIS
May 17 Departure for home.
What’s Included:
A small group tour for 8 people
A full time English/French speaking guide
Local residents and experts
Wine and Cheese tastings, chateaux visits, all entrance fees
6 nights accommodations in Four * hotels in Paris and Beaune
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners, 1 picnic dinner
Travel to Beaune by van or TGV, transfers during the tour
All gratuities
Not Included:
Cost of drinks or food outside of that provided on tour
Any meals & personal expenses during free time
Air travel & transfer to and from the hotel in Paris
