Tuesday 15th

Check in 3-5pm

Welcome aperitifs and canapés
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Dinner

Wednesday 16th

After breakfast, making fougasse with local grapes, olives and wild herbs.

After lunch, making brioche, a favourite of the French breakfast table, enriched with the finest French butter before tucking it up for an overnight prove.

After aperitifs, talk on French baking: flour, heritage grains and the farmers bringing back traditions in the region.
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Dinner

Thursday 17th

After breakfast, making traditional pain à l’ancienne, using an overnight ferment. Learning the art of shaping classic French loaves: baguettes, épis de blé, ficelles and demis, with some intricate scoring techniques.

After lunch, guided tour of the ancient village of Auvillar, the Halle aux Grains and its links with the grain and flour production of the region.

After aperitifs, talk on ‘pain au levain’, the French tradition of making sourdough and preparation of starters.
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Dinner

Friday 18th

After breakfast, making a traditional pain au levain (sourdough loaf), using the plentiful ingredients of the region: prunes d’Agen, walnuts, figs, hazelnuts and Armagnac.
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Afternoon, local vineyard tour, wine tasting and picnic on long tables.
In the evening, enjoy the various bars and delightful warm company in the village. Friday night is when the community comes together under leafy trees to drink wine, share news and chat.

Saturday 19th

After breakfast, baking our pain au levain: the art of scoring – both the simple and intricate – and baking a perfect loaf.

Making patisserie: gateau aux noix, pate sucrée, tarte aux framboise and tarte aux pruneaux avec anise.

After a light lunch, enjoy your last opportunity to wander the wonderful streets of this ancient place and visit its numerous gift shops, museums and art galleries.
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In the evening, join us in the presbytery garden for aperitifs as we welcome the members of the local community. Followed by a celebration with pissaladière, wine, music and dancing under the stars.

Sunday 20th

10am Checkout.

As you depart, the local artisanal market will be taking place in the Halle aux Grains – a perfect opportunity to browse local charcuterie, cheeses and other artisan products to take with you as a reminder of your stay.

PRICING

Places on the retreat are priced at £1360 per person - this price includes accommodation, meals, wine, excursions, teaching, and materials. Flights and transfers from airports are not included.

Rooms available for parties of 3 or 4, so do advise if booking as part of a group.
A limited number of private twin rooms are available. Please advise if booking as a couple or friends and we will make the necessary arrangements.
No single room supplements available. All individual bookings will be in a shared room.
Non-refundable deposit of £340 (25%) to be paid upon booking. Balance due 1/9/19.

Please note that the programme above acts as a guideline to the activities that will shape your week and may be subject to change due to some local considerations. As such, we reserve the right to substitute some activities and change the order of events. Overall, your week will be as full and varied as our proposed programme.

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