What kind of clothing and footwear should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes for all of the immersion experiences: walking the market & vineyards, working in the kitchen, harvesting. We’re active. Clothing should be casual and comfortable, ramping it up a bit for dinner (a casual sport coat for guys would work well for a few events). Layered clothing is good, and a light rain jacket could be useful. Our agenda provides time to enjoy the environs of the château: unbelievable walks in the gardens and orchards; great randonnées (marked paths for walks or jogging); biking (it’s a great biking area); and lots of magical spots for reading or just daydreaming.


What will the weather be like?

Temperatures in September are typically in the 70's. Of course, it could be cooler or warmer! Rain, although not common at these times, is always a possibility. Check www.meteo.fr for current weather information; it’s a great user-friendly site.

Will I need a car while at the château?

No, as all transportation to field trips, restaurants, towns will be provided. However, as we’re so close to Chinon, should you want to rent a car to drive to the château or for greater personal flexibility, please do so. It is best, cost-wise, to arrange for your car rental in the United States. Our travel expert, Paula Orr (paulao@letsgotravels.com), can help you with your arrangements.

Should I bring Euros with me, change money there, or just use credit or debit cards?

Check www.xe.com for current exchange rates. I like to arrive with Euros in my pocket for taxis or whatever. There are easily accessible cash machines in Chinon and in every town, so credit and debit cards are very handy. Please note that some of the smaller producers do not accept credit cards.

Do I need insurance?

For your protection, you may want to purchase traveler’s insurance to protect you in case of cancellation of your travel or program, repatriation, and any medical service you might need. Our travel expert, Paula Orr (paulao@letsgotravels.com), will be happy to help you, or you can work through your own agent to obtain the insurance.


Are all meals included? What about wine or cocktails?

All meals with wine are included, and they are chosen from a wide range of the best in the region. Should you wish to make your own wine selections, you may do so at your expense. Aperitifs (before dinner beverages) will be offered every evening. If you have a special preference, please discuss with Sally.

What is not included?

We do not include personal incidentals such as laundry and dry cleaning, phone calls, or additional bottles of vintage wine of your choosing.

May I decide not to attend a particular field trip or class?

Yes, yes, yes. This is your immersion experience and your comfort and enjoyment is paramount.

Will all classes be in English and will translators be present on field trips?

Sally will teach all classes in the château. She will guide you in the necessary French and she will be with you on all our adventures.

Will recipes use U.S. measurements or metric measurements?

We will use U.S. measurements so recipes can be reproduced at home easily.

Are all field trips costs included in the fees?

Yes.

Are there books I should read in advance?

Check out the Michelin Green Guide on the Loire. It’s a bit dry but loaded with history and gives a star to the gardens at Château du Rivau. Anything by Balzac (who was from the area), especially Pere Goriot and Le Cure de Tours, will get you in the mood. Rabelais is a native son and his famous classical works, including Gargantua and Pantagruel, take place in the area and include Château du Rivau--but honestly, they are in old French and it’s a bit of an uphill read. Marcel Proust’s Remembrance of Things Past was written in the Loire Valley, and remember-- Joan of Arc was big here; she even paid a visit to Château du Rivau.

Are there books, materials, or equipment I should bring with me?

We will provide you with aprons, recipes and all the cooking equipment you will need. It’s always nice to have a small pocket English/French dictionary and if you need that cell phone, make sure it has a triple chip so it can work in France.

What materials can I expect to take home with me?

There are some lovely shops in Chinon that you may find irresistible. “Regards,” the unbelievable porcelain atelier that we will visit is happy to ship home any purchases at a reasonable rate. You will be given a syllabus including all of our recipes of the week, and an apron to keep. There wil be plenty of opportunities to purchase regional products.

Am I allowed to videotape or photograph our cooking classes and field trips?

Yes, for your personal use only.

Are the accommodations modern and clean?

Château de Rivau has just completed its gorgeous renovation. The rooms are sumptuous and large. The private bathrooms are beautiful as well as completely accommodating.

Will I have a choice of shower or bath in my room?

As this is a real château, each room and bath configuration is different. The earlier you register, the greater your choice.

Should I bring my own hair dryer?

Yes. Remember you will need an adapter. Also, it’s easy to purchase an inexpensive hairdryer when you arrive, designed for use in France.

Will I need an alarm clock?

Always a good idea.

Are special accommodations available for those who need them?

Yes, please feel free to discuss anything we can do to make your stay be as accommodating as possible.

May my friends and I arrange for our own cooking session, including participating in recipe selection?

Yes. Please put your ideas in an email (sally@frenchchefsally.com) or phone call (toll-free 1.877.347.5180) to Sally.

Can you recommend related websites that might help me get the most out of my trip?

For the town of Chinon, www.chinon.com; for the Château du Rivau, www.chateaudurivau.com; for the Château de Marçay, www.chateaudemarcay.com. Other interesting sites include that of L’Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, www.abbaye-fontevraud.com; and the Château de Villandry, www.chateauvillandry.com.

May I email you if I think of other questions?

Of course. Email Sally at sally@frenchchefsally.com.

What activities are available for my “non-cooking” spouse/partner?

The answer depends on the partner’s interest. There is biking, fishing, golfing, exploring the many vineyards and/or historical sites in the area. The château itself is so lovely and interesting that it is wonderful to enjoy “home.” The nearby town of Chinon is utterly delightful.

May my “non-cooking” spouse/partner come to meals with the group?

Absolutely. The price for the non-participating person includes the meals and excursions, but is slightly reduced since the cooking classes are not included.

Is there down time?

Yes! It’s very important to have a balanced day. This is not a hard-driving schedule and you may have as much flexibility as you wish. If you check out the sample week, you will see flex time is built in for your comfort.

What about getting some exercise?

There are lots of hiking trails (randonées) and bicycles are available at a nominal charge.

frequently asked questions...