Gourmet Land Tours in France

We have tasted many delicious meals while floating on the French barges at the speed of five miles an hour. This joyous and abundant cuisine features ingredients fresh from local markets as well as finest local wines and cheeses. Barge chefs tend to be creative. Although most have trained in top cooking schools and restaurants, they operate from a deep love of cooking and welcome the freedom to cook for small groups of food lovers.

Inevitably, some barge chefs put down roots, build lovely homes in which to welcome gourmet travelers, and continue their cooking careers on shore. And just as inevitably, our barge guests are looking for another private, informal and authentic experience in France.

We are starting our Gourmet Land Program with two of these chefs, one in Southern Burgundy, the other on the Midi in Southwest France. For instance, parties of eight can spend one week cruising on the Canal du Midi and add a second week of cooking and sightseeing in Burgundy. This eliminates the need for planning another week in France at various locales, the transfers, changing hotels, hiring guides et all. Our land programs offer complete of cuisine, cooking lessons, sightseeing, and accommodations, all without packing and unpacking.

We are thrilled to add another way to enjoy France without hassle – and also to continue to work with our cherished barge chefs!

La Ferme de la Lochere - Burgundy, France
8 Guests, Gourmet Land Tours
La Ferme de la Lochere is beautifully restored French Gite in the Burgundy countryside run by talented chef Katherine Frelon. Guests spend a fabulous week being introduced to the gastronomic secrets of Burgundy. These include wine tasting at top domains, the creation of croissants taught by a local baker, and restaurant meals from top area chefs – as well as Katherine Frelon’s informal cooking demonstrations in her fabulous open kitchen!

Domaine la Veronique - Languedoc, France
6 Guests, Gourmet Land Tours
Join Chef Peter Shaw and Guide Sally Shaw at their petite villa deep in the heart of southwest France. Peter will give cooking lessons in the open kitchen, while Sally will tour you to the area markets, vineyards and historic sites. Enjoy utter relaxation at their villa, where the countryside spreads out before you!