Cheese Connoisseur's Journey: 12 Days with Emma
Cheese Connoisseur's Journey:
12-Days France to Barcelona with
Emma Young, The Cheese Explorer
Dates
July 27, 2024 (arrival airport CDG) - (departure airport BCN) August 7, 2024
Physical Activity
3 out of 5
Group Size
10 Travelers, plus Emma
and 2 drivers/translators
Location
Savoy, Lozère, Girona, Barcelona
Overview
Embark on the ultimate cheese lover's dream journey! Join us for a whirlwind of flavors, from indulgent cheese tastings to a delightful wine sampling in Jongieux, Savoy. Dive into the heart of cheese-making with a Reblochon farm tour and a visit to a French cheese co-op. Immerse yourself in nature with an alpine hike to a cheese farm, an e-bike ride in Massif Central, and kayaking in the picturesque Gorges Du Tarn. Unearth history at the Caussenard Farm, then culminate your adventure with a visit to the iconic Roquefort Caves. Then traverse borders to the stunning landscapes of Girona, Spain, backdrop to the famous Game of Thrones series for 1-night then indulge in a 2-night stay in vibrant Barcelona, Spain!
Tour Includes
🧀Indulge in a trio of milk's finest: sheep, cow, and goat cheeses! 🧀Wine Tasting in Jongieux, Savoy to sample their famous white wine 🧀3 nights in Savoy Reblochon Cheese Farm Tour 🧀Visit to French Cheese Co-op 🧀5 nights in the Massif Central 🧀Alpine Hike to Cheese Farm 🧀Visit to ancient Caussenard Farm in Unesco World Heritage Site 🧀E-bike ride in Massif Central 🧀Kayaking in the Gorges Du Tarn 🧀Visit to Emblematic Roquefort Caves 🧀1 night in Girona, Spain 🧀2 nights in Barcelona, Spain
Meet Emma
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Tour Leader
Emma Young , The Cheese Explorer
Emma Young known as The Cheese Explorer on her Instagram page
www.instagram.com/thecheeseexplorer is a Cheese Expert and Author from London in the UK.
Her first book The Cheese Wheel was released last year, a flavor guide on cheese and pairing.
Emma has worked in the cheese industry for 13 years for some of the biggest names in the United Kingdom and France and she is now an educator and consultant to the cheese industry. Her client base is close to home in the U.K. and as far as Saudi Arabia.
She is an International cheese judge and a teacher for Mons Formation in France and the Guild of Fine Food & Academy of Cheese in the UK.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - July 27, 2024
Today you will arrive in Paris and then journey to the breathtakingly beautiful French Alps to Le Grand Bornand!
We'll set off in 2 9-passenger vans from Paris to Le Grand Bornand.
Meals
Breakfast at the Hotel is included. A quick lunch is included while traveling. A lavish French Alps Fondue dinner is included.
*Passengers must arrive before noon to Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris.
Day 2 - July 28, 2024
#1 Visit - Learn how cheese is made from an AOP Reblochon cheese farm with majestic views of Mont Blanc!! Option to hike or ride to the farm. Then taste a variety of cheeses on their outdoor veranda.
#2 Visit - After lunch, we'll visit a cheese co-op, where multiple farmers can send their milk to be made into Reblochon, Beaufort, Tomme, and Raclette, a wonderful juxtaposition to our earlier farm visit.
Meals
Breakfast at the hotel is included. A lunch of tartiflette in an authentic open-air restaurant overlooking the French alps is included and raclette for dinner!
Day 3 - July 29, 2024
#1 Visit - Quick drive then morning hike complete with breathtaking views and vivid green pastures dotted with flowers in the French alps destination of Col de la Colombière!
#2 Visit - Enjoy a free afternoon shopping, sipping rosé, or cafe around La Clusaz!
Meals
Breakfast at the hotel is included. For lunch traditional French mountain fare with rich dishes and spectacular views. Reblochon, crisp salads, and puff pastry are just a few of the items that our traditional Alpine restaurant has in store for you for dinner!
Day 4 - July 30, 2024
Travel Day- We'll have a visit before getting on the road to our next destination - Lozère! Wine tasting in Jongieux, a couple shares with us how they produce some of the best wine in Savoie.
Check into an ancient farm renovated into guest rooms and guest houses, complete with an indoor pool and sauna, it's our longest stay and a chance to relax in nature.
Meal
Breakfast is included at the hotel. For lunch a quick bite or more depending on time. Dinner traditional French cuisine served by our host at our cozy mountain lodge.
Day 5 - July 31, 2024
#1 Visit - Walk to Déroc waterfall, 30m above the small glacial valley of the Gambaïse stream. It has impressive views of the large stretches of Aubrac granite in the background.
#2 Visit - Local cheese farm, making flowery crusted cheese from cow’s milk that only takes about 15 days to mature!
Meal
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Enjoy lunch al fresco on the Aubrac plateau enjoying aligot made in it the traditional way in a cauldron over a wood-burning fire! Enjoy a 3-course meal, the products vary by season, though we’ve enjoyed savory pheasant, pâté en croûte, and pork with mustard at this typical Lozerien restaurant.
Day 6 - August 1, 2024
Visit #1 - Sheep cheese farm, meet the sheep, the cheesemaker and taste their savory cheeses!
Visit #2 - Famous Roquefort caves and learn how this epic cheese is made and protected by AOP standards, then sample from various caves.
Meal
Breakfast at the hotel is included. For lunch, we'll try the regional French cuisine made with the freshest ingredients situated in a beautiful plaza in Millau. Enjoy a relaxing dinner back at our lodge prepared by the owner of the lodge.
Day 7- August 2, 2024
Visit #1 - The picturesque village of St. Enimie then learn how it became known for its healing waters.
Visit #2 - Kayaking on the Tarn River, single and double kayaks are available on this 2-3 hour beginner/intermediate kayaking course.
Meal
Breakfast is provided at the hotel. Enjoy regional cuisine at a typical restaurant just across from the Tarn River. Enjoy a 3-course dinner at a local Auberge after finishing our kayaking trip!
Off the Beaten Path Tours of France
Day 8 - August 3, 2024
Info
Visit #1 - Take electric mountain bikes to La Malene from our lodge, then enjoy a delicious pizzeria lunch before heading home.
Meal
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch will be provided during the visit. Enjoy free time at the lodge, hop in the pool, or use their sauna before heading to La Canourgue for a 3-course dinner.
Day 9 - August 4, 2024
Info
Drive to Girona, Spain! After lunch in Coullioure, drive to Girona, Spain made famous for the Game of Thrones series. Explore the Arab Baths, built around 1194, and discover "El Call" one of Europe's most well-preserved Jewish quarters.
Meal
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch at the iconic artist village of Coullioure at a restaurant where farm fresh eggs make their quiche and their goat cheese comes from just a few miles away! Dinner on your own.
Day 10 & Day 11 - August 5 & 6, 2024
Head to Barcelona, only a 45-minute trip from Girona! Travelers will be on their own to experience the magic of Gaudi's architecture, sample tapas on Ramblas, or see a flamenco show!
Meal
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Other meals on your own.
Day 12- August 7, 2024
All good things must come to an end! You'll transfer to the airport and bid farewell for now.
Morning airport transfer to Josep Tarradelles Barcelona - El Prat Airport (BCN)
Meal
Breakfast included at the hotel.
French cheese is calling your name
Immerse yourself in a culinary odyssey, savoring exquisite cheese and wine delights. From alpine hikes to historic farm visits, your journey culminates in the vibrant allure of Barcelona, Spain. Ready to transform your wanderlust into reality? Book your extraordinary cheese trip now!