Day 1 – Sunday, June 14th – From Croissants to Corks: A Parisian Culinary Kickoff

Our journey begins in the most irresistible way—by tasting Paris, one bite at a time. This morning, slip on your walking shoes (and perhaps loosen your belt) as we set out on a guided Foodie Walking Tour through the charming streets of Le Marais, République, and Saint-Martin—the lively neighborhood we’ll proudly call home during our stay in the City of Light.

Imagine bustling markets alive with color and fragrance, where stalls overflow with glistening produce, cheeses, and handmade delicacies. Picture yourself stepping into one of Chef Matthew’s personal favorite Parisian bakeries—because, truly, he would never dream of letting you leave Paris without savoring the perfect croissant. Along the way, we’ll indulge in boards piled high with charcuterie and cheese, and, naturally, glasses of beautiful local wines. Every bite will tell a story, and every hidden corner will reveal a new flavor waiting to be discovered.

After this indulgent beginning, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Wander, rest, or find that quintessential Parisian café where you can sip an espresso and watch the city whirl by.

As evening falls, we’ll gather just steps from our boutique hotel and slip into the warm, artful embrace of 3ᵉ Cercle—an extraordinary two-level space that fuses contemporary creativity with culinary brilliance. The evening begins amidst thought-provoking art in the gallery upstairs, an inspiring backdrop to mingle and sip before descending into the heart of the experience: a professional kitchen designed for collaboration and joy.

Here, under the guidance of passionate local chefs, joined by Chef Matthew and Chef Richard, you’ll roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking adventure. Whether you’re plating with precision or arranging a rustic cheese board, every dish will be paired with carefully chosen wines that illuminate the flavors of the region.

Once the final touches are complete, we’ll ascend to the gallery once more—this time to dine. Surrounded by art, laughter, and the aroma of your own creations, you’ll enjoy a dinner unlike any other, where creativity isn’t just admired, but savored.

This first day sets the tone for the week to come: abundant in flavor, steeped in culture, and overflowing with the shared joy of cooking, sipping, and connecting in one of the world’s most beloved cities.

Overnight Stay: Boutique 4+ star hotel in the 11th Arrondissement

Day 2 – Monday, June 15th – From Grains to Grandeur: A Loire Valley Welcome

The day begins in true Parisian style: a leisurely breakfast of buttery, golden croissants and rich, velvety coffee savored within the cozy embrace of our boutique hotel. As the City of Light slowly stirs to life, we bid Paris adieu and set off toward the rolling hills and fertile lands of the Loire Valley. For many, this region is synonymous with regal wines and fairytale towns—but for us, it holds an even deeper allure. Here lies the soul of French baking: the grains, the mills, the flour that form the foundation of bread, pastry, and heritage.

Our first stop is the charming town of Gien, where we’ll step into a cornerstone of this story—Foricher Moulin des Gaults. This historic mill, a beacon of both tradition and innovation, will serve as our home base for the coming days of masterclasses with France’s finest artisans. Today, however, is about discovery. We’ll wander behind the scenes, tracing the journey of grain to flour, and gain an intimate glimpse into how centuries-old methods marry with modern precision to craft some of France’s most exceptional flours. A rustic lunch at the mill follows—simple, soulful, and brimming with flavors born from the very products made here.

But then, the true magic unfolds. When you imagine France, visions of vineyards and grand châteaux rise easily to mind. What if, instead of merely visiting one, you lived in one? This dream becomes reality as we arrive at our private residence for the week: the breathtaking Château de Marcault. With its elegant stone façade, sweeping lawns, and tranquil lake, it feels plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. For the next chapter of our adventure, this château is not just where we stay—it is our home.

The afternoon is yours to sink into the rhythm of château life. Bask by the private pool, wander shaded paths beneath ancient trees, or sip a glass of local wine as the Loire sun begins its slow descent. As twilight paints the sky, we’ll gather once more—this time for a lively BBQ cookout beneath the stars. With laughter, toasts, and the warmth of newfound friendships, it’s the perfect way to settle into our new sanctuary and celebrate the journey that awaits.

Tomorrow, for some, the ovens will roar to life and our hands-on baking journey begins and for other, our exploration of the area begins—but tonight is all about connection, anticipation, and savoring the bliss of arrival in this extraordinary place.

Overnight Stay: Château de Marcault

Day 3 – Tuesday, June 16th – Bread, Clay, Cheese & Wine: The Loire in Layers

Today marks the true beginning of our immersion into the Loire’s culinary treasures, and to honor the depth of the experience, we’ll be dividing into two smaller groups. This isn’t just about pacing—it’s about intimacy, focus, and creating the kind of environment where every guest has the space and attention to thrive. That is especially important when you’re learning under the banner of the MOF—Meilleur Ouvrier de France—one of the highest honors in the French culinary world. These masterclasses demand precision, artistry, and patience, and our schedule ensures every guest has the chance to work at this level without compromise. Both groups will experience the same adventures, simply in a different order, ensuring no one misses a single delicious detail.

Group One begins the day with a hearty château breakfast before transferring to Foricher Moulin des Gaults, our historic baking sanctuary. Here, the ovens roar to life under the guidance of Chef Alexandre Laumain, crowned the 2023 MOF World Champion in baking. The MOF is more than just a title—it is a lifelong distinction, awarded to only the finest craftsmen in all of France after grueling tests of skill, artistry, and endurance. To bake alongside someone of this caliber is to step into a living legacy of French excellence. Shoulder to shoulder with Chef Laumain—and guided by Chef Matthew Duffy, whose own mastery bridges classical tradition with modern creativity—you’ll spend the entire day immersed in technique, repetition, and refinement. Every fold, every layer, every golden crust is a chance to absorb generations of knowledge. Between lessons, a beautiful lunch at the mill will provide both nourishment and inspiration, prepared with the very ingredients that make this place so essential to French baking.

Group Two, meanwhile, eases into the morning with time to savor château life before setting off for a different kind of artistry: a private visit to Le Faïencerie de Gien, the world-renowned ceramics house. For centuries, Gien has been synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship, producing hand-painted earthenware that graces royal tables and is coveted by collectors worldwide. After admiring these treasures, we’ll turn to another of the Loire’s edible jewels—its legendary goat cheese. At one of the region’s most beloved farms, you’ll meet the animals, step inside the cheesemaking process, and enjoy a chèvre-focused lunch that celebrates this creamy, tangy specialty in all its forms.

But no journey through the Loire would be complete without honoring its vineyards. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of Sancerre’s most prestigious wineries, where crisp, mineral-driven wines are born from limestone-rich soils. A private tasting and cave tour will connect the terroir to the glass, offering a sensorial counterpart to the breads, cheeses, and artistry we’ve explored throughout the day.

As the sun dips low, both groups reunite at the château for a celebratory dinner. Around the table, stories of breads baked, wines savored, and goats befriended will mingle with laughter and clinking glasses. This is the heart of the journey—the moments where knowledge transforms into connection, and where new friendships are baked, aged, and paired as beautifully as the treasures of the Loire itself.

Overnight Stay: Château de Marcault

Day 4: Wednesday, June 17th – Switching Sides, Sharing Stories

With the rhythm of our French adventure now in full swing, today brings a delightful switch of experiences—ensuring every guest savors the complete tapestry of flavors, artistry, and traditions that the Loire Valley so generously offers. By alternating, we keep our MOF Masterclasses wonderfully intimate, preserving the precision, focus, and excellence that the coveted MOF distinction represents.

Group 1 begins with a leisurely château morning before stepping into a world of craftsmanship at Le Faïencerie de Gien. Renowned worldwide, these exquisite ceramics have graced royal tables and Michelin-starred restaurants alike. Wander the museum, watch artisans at work, and perhaps select a keepsake to carry a piece of this artistry home. From there, we’ll journey to a charming goat farm, where you’ll meet the animals, learn the delicate art of cheesemaking, and linger over a luscious lunch starring the Loire’s famed chèvre. The afternoon is crowned with a visit to a distinguished Sancerre winery, where crisp whites and rolling vineyard views create the perfect toast to the day before heading back to the château.

Group 2 starts their morning with breakfast before departing for Foricher Moulin des Gaults, where the true magic of flour and fire awaits. Under the expert guidance of Alexandre Laumain—2023 MOF World Champion—and Chef Matthew Duffy, you’ll spend the day immersed in a masterclass unlike any other. With small-group focus, every fold of dough, every scoring line, every delicate glaze is refined with care. A gourmet lunch at the mill fuels your creativity before the afternoon session takes your baking craft to soaring new heights.

As twilight settles over the Loire, both groups reunite at a local gem of a restaurant, gathering around the table to share not only food and wine, but also stories, laughter, and the kind of camaraderie that transforms travelers into family. And to think—we’re only halfway through this extraordinary journey.

Overnight Stay-Chateau de Marcault

Day 5: Thursday, June 18th- A Day of Mastery & Discovery in the Loire Valley

After a leisurely breakfast at the château, our day begins with a sense of anticipation and excitement. The Loire Valley is calling, and today promises a perfect blend of hands-on mastery and cultural exploration.

Group 1 heads to the historic Foricher Moulin des Gaults, their sanctuary of flour, ovens, and inspiration. Here, under the expert guidance of 2023 MOF World Champion Alexandre Laumain and the ever-inspiring Chef Matthew Duffy, they dive deeper into the artistry of baking. Every fold, every knead, every glaze becomes a deliberate expression of craft. The intimate class setting ensures that each guest receives personal attention, turning each moment into a lesson in precision and creativity. Midday, a thoughtfully prepared lunch at the mill fuels the imagination and palate, before the afternoon session continues, pushing culinary skills to extraordinary heights.

Meanwhile, Group 2 embarks on a journey through the vibrant streets of Orléans, where history, flavor, and culture converge. Their morning begins with a guided walking tour, highlighting the Gothic grandeur of Orléans Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Croix), the bustling energy of Place du Martroi crowned by Joan of Arc’s iconic statue, and the fascinating Maison de Jeanne d’Arc, where centuries of heroism come alive.

Culinary delights accompany every step. At Maison des Produits du Terroir, guests taste regional specialties—Sologne game meats, rillettes, rillons, and Loire Valley cheeses—each bite a testament to local tradition. A stroll through Les Halles d’Orléans reveals fresh produce, artisanal breads, pastries, and charcuterie, immersing travelers in the authentic flavors of this historic city. The afternoon concludes with a private tasting at a premier Loire Valley winery, where guests savor exquisite wines amid rolling vineyards, soaking in the serene beauty of the region.

As the day draws to a close, both groups return to the château, where stories of breads perfected, cheeses sampled, and wines savored flow as freely as the Loire itself. Laughter, camaraderie, and shared discovery mark the evening, knitting together experiences of mastery and cultural immersion into memories that will last a lifetime.

Overnight Stay-Chateau de Marcault

Day 6: Friday, June 19th – Two Paths, One Unforgettable Loire Valley Experience

This morning, our journey through the Loire Valley unfolds along two unique paths—different experiences, yet equally rich in discovery and delight, before we return to Paris together in the evening.

Those in Group 1 will find themselves in Orléans, wandering the storied streets of this historic city. A guided walk reveals its timeless beauty, from the soaring Gothic spires of the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix to the lively Place du Martroi, where Joan of Arc’s spirit lingers in bronze and memory. The Maison de Jeanne d’Arc brings her extraordinary legacy to life, adding depth to every step. And, of course, the city offers a feast for the senses: rustic delicacies at the Maison des Produits du Terroir, vibrant stalls brimming with charcuterie, cheeses, and pastries at Les Halles d’Orléans, and finally, a private tasting at a nearby winery—where glasses are raised amid the rolling vineyards in celebration of the day’s discoveries.

On Day 2 of the MOF Masterclass, the journey continues at the historic Foricher Moulin des Gaults—a sanctuary where flour, ovens, and inspiration converge. Building on the lessons and techniques of Day 1, today’s work dives even deeper into the artistry of baking. Under the expert guidance of 2023 MOF World Champion Alexandre Laumain and the ever-passionate Chef Matthew Duffy, every fold, every knead, and every glaze becomes an intentional expression of skill and creativity. The intimate class setting ensures each guest receives personal attention, turning instruction into transformation. Midday, a thoughtfully prepared lunch at the mill fuels both body and imagination before the afternoon session pushes techniques to new heights, elevating your craft with precision and mastery.

By evening, both paths converge once more for our final night at the chateau, with a goodbye meal at the chateau and time for enjoying the pool and grounds, one last time.

Overnight Stay: : Château de Marcault

Day 7: Saturay, June 20th – A Farm-to-Table Finale & Sunset Farewell

The day begins gently, with a leisurely breakfast and a final moment to savor the calm embrace of our château. Soon after, we bid farewell to its timeless charm and make our way toward Paris—setting out for one last culinary adventure, a fitting culmination of all that has come before.

South of the city lies Le Doyenné, a Michelin-starred sanctuary where cuisine is born from the land itself. Here, visionary chefs weave together sustainability, artistry, and flavor into dishes that are as thoughtful as they are unforgettable. Before sitting down, you’ll walk the very soil that sustains the kitchen—fields nurtured through regenerative practices where biodiversity is cherished and every ingredient is grown with care. Then, step inside for a tasting menu that tells the story of the Loire Valley’s terroir, each course paired with elegant regional wines, every bite a reflection of harmony between land and table.

After checking into our boutique hotel for a pause and refresh, the evening unfolds with a final celebration: a Seine River sunset cruise. As the golden light drapes itself over Paris, the city glimmers in romance and beauty, every monument glowing like a final toast. With glasses raised, we celebrate not only the meals savored and the skills mastered, but the friendships, laughter, and shared discoveries that turned this trip into something far richer.

Overnight Stay: Boutique 4+ star hotel in the 11th Arrondissement

Day 8: Sunday, June 21st – Farewell, Until We Meet Again

Morning arrives quietly in Paris, the city shimmering in its timeless rhythm, as if whispering its own gentle goodbye. After one last breakfast at our boutique hotel, it is time to part ways, each of us departing according to our own travel schedules.

Leaving Paris feels a bit like leaving an old friend—the kind who always has another story to tell, another hidden corner to reveal, another flavor waiting to be savored. The Seine will keep flowing, the boulangeries will keep baking, and the streets will continue to hum with life—but for now, we carry those sights, tastes, and moments home with us.

Yet even more enduring than the city are the friendships forged along the way. Together we shared croissants still warm from the oven, raised glasses in glowing vineyards, and broke bread at tables that felt like home. Strangers became companions, and companions became family.

We also bid a heartfelt farewell to our guides in this journey: Chef Matthew Duffy, who led us with patience and mastery into the artistry of dough, and Chef Richard Gruica, who shaped the experiences with The Gourmet Vacation that brought us together in discovery and delight. Their passion gave this trip its heartbeat; your laughter and curiosity gave it its soul.

From croissants and charcuterie to château dinners and vineyard tastings, we have woven a tapestry of memories that will linger long after the final crumb. As you depart, may Paris remain tucked in your heart—a city that will always welcome you back, just as these friendships and stories will.

So here’s to flour, flavor, and friendship—may this be only the beginning of our adventures together.

Bonne continuation and au revoir, dear travelers. Merci, and safe journeys—culinary explorers—until we meet again, from all of us at The Gourmet Vacation.