Villeudieu-les-Poêles, Normandy
A Culinary and Cultural Journey to Villeudieu-les-Poêles
10:00 AM: Depart from The Walnut Grove Cookery School, embarking on a scenic journey through the rolling hills and picturesque villages of Normandy.
11:00 AM: Arrive in Villedieu-les-Poêles and step back in time as you enter the medieval heart of the town. Discover its captivating history linked to the Knights of Malta, with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and hidden courtyards.
11:30 AM: Immerse yourself in the world of cloches (bells) at the Fonderie de Cloches Cornille Havard. Learn the historic handmade processes involved with creating and tuning bells that grace everything from super yachts to the bell towers of Notre Dame, cathedral in Paris.
12:30 PM: Savor a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, indulging in regional specialties like crêpes, cider, and Normandy cheeses. Afterwards, explore the charming shops lining the main streets, where you can find antiques and handcrafted copper, bronze and tin treasures.
2:30 PM: Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of a working atelier. See first-hand the art of behind handmade copper cookware. Here, you sill learn how a coppersmith makes and finishes each piece, by hand, transforming ingots of this precious metal into the most celebrated cookware in the world. Here, you will also see how the finest pieces are refurbished, bringing the historic pieces back to life and returning them to the finest kitchens in the world, including the Elysee Palace. Enjoy a bit of shopping at the store. If you do not find exactly what you want, speak with your host, Eric. He will source, have refinished and ship the exact piece you desire to you.
4:00 PM: Visit the world headquarters of Mauviel 1830. Learn how the world's leading manufacturer of copper cookware uses technology today to produce machine made cookware of the finest quality. Enjoy a bit of shopping at the company store.
5:00 PM: Depart from Villedieu-les-Poêles, carrying treasured memories and perhaps a unique copper souvenir, and relax on the comfortable journey back to The Walnut Grove Cookery School.
6:00 PM: Arrive back at The Walnut Grove Cookery School with unforgettable experiences and a newfound appreciation for Normandy's rich heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. Settle in while Chef Duvin prepares a three course dinner for your enjoyment.
Price: 650 Euros per Person
Price includes:
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Overnight accommodation at The Walnut Grove Cookery School
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Roundtrip transportation & parking in Villedieu-les-Poêles
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Breakfast and chef' prepared three-course dinner at The Walnut Grove Cookery School
Price does not include:
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Lunch in Villeudieu les Poeles
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Cocktails or wine served with dinner at The Walnut Grove Cookery School
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Guide services
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Entrance fees to museums or foundry.