In her kitchen, Dominique Crenn transported diners from San Francisco to her native France to her three Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn. Now she’s actually going to take a select few across the Atlantic with her.
Next May, she will lead a five-day culinary excursion to France, organized by Satopia Travel. Your home base will be Domaine des Étangs in Massignac, France, which is in the Cognac countryside and was a French chateau in a past life before becoming a five-star hotel. From there, the gastronomic delights will begin.
Crenn, who was the first female chef in America to earn three Michelin stars at her influential San Francisco restaurant, Atelier Crenn, will cook most meals, including the first French Gardens Dinner and a Golden Night Dinner the third. evening. (the menus are not yet available). Guests will also have the chance to take a masterclass with Crenn, where she will talk about the philosophy behind her style of cooking, and tour the property’s vegetable garden with the on-site chef and gardener.
Domaine des Etangs
Photo by Olivier Loser
Of course, you can’t stay in Cognac without trying Cognac, so the first evening will also be dedicated to a tasting experience. And in the spirit of old-fashioned French royalty (you’ll be staying in a chateau, after all), the final night in Massignac will be celebrated with a Versailles-inspired masquerade ball. (Don’t worry, you’ll have a fitting for your costumes the night before.)
When you have some free time, the Domaine des Étangs has very good amenities that you should definitely take advantage of during your stay. To begin with, on the 13eThe century-old castle has a private art collection spread across its 2,500 acres of grounds (a visit is included in your tour). Indoors, you’ll find heated pools near the Roman baths and a luxurious spa, while outdoors you can rowboats on the property’s lakes or play tennis on its courts.
The trip starts at €28,250 (about $28,700) and only 36 guests will be able to accompany Crenn’s trip.
