Discover Northeast France

Alsace, Strasbourg & Colmar, Reims & the Champagne Region & Paris, the “City of Light”

June 6-18

Wednesday, June 6

Departure for Germany.

 

Thursday, June 7

Arrival in Frankfurt. Departure by deluxe motorcoach to romantic Heidelberg & a visit of the castle, a showpiece of German Romanticism. Heidelberg is regarded as one of Germany’s most beautiful cities. Lunch at Restaurant Zum Roten Ochsen. Upon arrival in Strasbourg, we will take a boat trip on the canal to discover the old & the new Strasbourg. Check-in for 2 nights at the Hotel Ibis Petite France. Free evening.

 

Friday, June 8

After breakfast, we will visit Brasserie Kronenbourg, a beer brewed with “know how” since 1664. Then, we will depart for Marlenheim for a visit & tasting of Alsacien wines at Maison Laugel. Then we will visit the foie gras production at the Domaine de la Schleif in Soultz-les-bains and enjoy a tasting of their fabulous foie gras. Our journey will continue through the famous “Route des Vins” that winds its way through 170 kilometers of storybook villages with a visit & tasting at distillery Massenez in Ville. Dinner at La Cloche a Fromage to include a cheese presentation.

 

Saturday, June 9

After breakfast, morning at leisure. Before departing for Colmar, the capital of Alsacien wines, we will enjoy lunch at the historic La Maison des Tanneurs. Housed in a former tannery founded in 1572, it became a restaurant in 1949. Afternoon, we will visit the cellars at Trimbach in Ribeauville with a wine tasting. We will check-in at the Hotel Turenne for 2 nights in Colmar. Free evening.

 

Sunday, June 10

After breakfast, morning at leisure to discover Colmar, the Unterlinden Museum, the Maison Pfister with its frescos and stroll the charming “Little Venice”, the former tanner’s district. We will have lunch at Auberge aux Deux Clefs in Liepvre a the foot of the Chateau of Haut-Koenigsbourg that we will visit. Rest of day at leisure in Colmar. Dinner at Restaurant Au Fer Rouge, 1-star Michelin.

 

Monday, June 11

After breakfast departure for Reims. One of France’s most historic cities, it owes its fame to the cathedral, the site of the coronation of France’s Kings & to the world famous Champagne vineyards. En route, visit & tasting at distillery Wolfberger in Colmar, followed by a visit & tasting at Caves Haxaire, a Munster cheese production in Lapoutroie. Picnic lunch in Baccarat, followed by a visit of the crystal museum & shops. In 1764, King Louis XV granted the bishop of Metz permission to establish a glassworks in Baccarat. Today, after four foreign invasions and three revolutions, the name still stands. Check-in for 1 night at Hotel Mercure Parc des Expositions. Dinner at Restaurant Le Millenaire.

 

Tuesday, June 12

After breakfast, visit of the cathedral of Reims & the champagne cellars at Moet & Chandon in Epernay. Lunch at La Table Kobus in Epernay. After lunch, departure for Paris, the “City of Light.”. Upon arrival in Paris, check-in at the Orleans Palace Hotel for 6 nights. Dinner at Brasserie Fernand with orientation of Paris.

 

Wednesday, June 13

After breakfast, departure for Ferrandi, l’Ecole Superieure de Cuisine Francaise in Paris, France’s nationally accredited hotel/restaurant school. Under the umbrella of the Paris Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Ferrandi provides the highest level of culinary training available in France. Lab – Parisian Bistro Cooking. Lunch/Degustation. Afternoon, lecture on the French paradoxe. Free evening.

 

Thursday, June 14

After breakfast, departure for Ferrandi. Lab – Mediterranean Cooking. Lunch degustation.  Afternoon, lecture on olive oil. Free evening.

 

Friday, June 15

Early morning visit of Rungis, the largest open market in Europe with breakfast at the market. Lunch-

lecture, the discovery of French Cheeses & Wine Pairing. Afternoon. the Art of Plated Dessert. Dinner at a local brasserie followed by a visit to Montmartre, the famous artists quarter.

Saturday, June 16

After breakfast, the day begins with a cruise down the River Seine on the famous Bateaux-Mouches & a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Then on to an optional visit of E. Dehillerin, a cook’s shop since 1820 or remainder of day & evening free for sightseeing, shopping & museums.

 

Sunday, June 17

After breakfast, departure for Versailles & a visit of Le Potager du Roi, the original garden of Louis XIV. Lunch at Brasserie du Theatre in Versailles. Afternoon visit of the Palace of Versailles which was originally built in the 16th century as a simple hunting lodge for Louis XIII. It was expanded to the opulent palace that housed the kings of France through Louis Phillipe I. Farewell dinner at the famous brasserie Au Pied de Cochon in the old market district with presentation of diplomas.

 

Monday, June 18

After breakfast, departure for airport & return flight to U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~ Registration Form ~

 

Name: _________________________________________________________ # of Travelers: ______

                             ( print name exactly as shown on passport)

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

 

City/State/Zip: ______________________________________________________________________

 

Telephone #: ________________________________ Fax #: __________________________________

 

Email: ____________________________________________________________________________

 

___ Checks payable to MBI, preferred

 

___ Visa    ___ MC   ___ AE

 

Credit Card Number: _________________________________________________________________

 

Expiration Date: ___________________________

 

Mail to:

Michel Bouit

MBI

1121 South Clinton Street

Chicago, Illinois 60607

 

Alsace Region, Strasbourg & Colmar, Reims & the Champagne Region & Paris, June 6-18, 2007

$4,395.00 per person, double occupancy ~ $550.00 single occupancy

 

Program includes: round-trip airfare from Chicago, ground transportation by deluxe motor coach & transfers, 11 nights hotel accommodations with daily breakfast, unique gastronomic dining experiences & professional/cultural visits as per the itinerary, all taxes & tips, 2 ½ day hands-on study & lectures at Ferrandi, course materials, recipes & diploma, metro tickets, 1 museum pass in Paris & 1 French telephone card.

~ Reservations ~

A $1,000.00 deposit per person is due with registration. Final balance is due 60 days prior to departure. A confirmation will be mailed upon receipt of your registration. This culinary adventure is available from other U.S. cities with airfare quoted accordingly. Extended stays in Paris, other cities in France or Europe also available upon request. Travel package cost is subject to change due to the fluctuation in the exchange rate for the Euro. Itinerary may be subject to change.

 

A Passenger Travel Protection Plan is recommended & is available upon request from MBI

 

Programs Approved by the American Culinary Federation for Continuing Education Units