We were not to know that our hearts were about to be lost to Caroline, Alexander, Florence and Arnaud and their magnificent home Chateau Valcreuse when we booked our April culinary adventure at Le Calabash through The International Kitchen. Our research to find an excellent cooking program gave a brief description of the accommodations - such an understatement! From our sumptuous room “Emotion”, and its fabulous ensuite bathroom, the view was spectacular with trees budding and flowers blooming. Every detail seemed to be designed to make us feel comfortable and appreciated. We enjoyed the carafes of mineral water from La Roche Posay and delicious handmade macaroons in our room, the amazing selection of teas and specialty Trappist beers in the lounge, and the enchanting company of the other guests and family in the beautiful sitting rooms. Poolside cocktails and a scrumptious welcome dinner even included a birthday surprise for me! Arrangements were made for us to visit the spa one afternoon, which would have been very difficult for us to manage on our own. From sun-up to turn-down our every need was anticipated and provided in a very generous and appealing way. How amazing to have the luxury of having Caroline and Alexander as our hosts and as fellow students in the cooking program! Not only did we share incredible culinary adventures, we became special friends. We delighted in discovering the secrets of Chateau Valcreuse, seeing the results of their...We were not to know that our hearts were about to be lost to Caroline, Alexander, Florence and Arnaud and their magnificent home Chateau Valcreuse when we booked our April culinary adventure at Le Calabash through The International Kitchen. Our research to find an excellent cooking program gave a brief description of the accommodations - such an understatement! From our sumptuous room “Emotion”, and its fabulous ensuite bathroom, the view was spectacular with trees budding and flowers blooming. Every detail seemed to be designed to make us feel comfortable and appreciated. We enjoyed the carafes of mineral water from La Roche Posay and delicious handmade macaroons in our room, the amazing selection of teas and specialty Trappist beers in the lounge, and the enchanting company of the other guests and family in the beautiful sitting rooms. Poolside cocktails and a scrumptious welcome dinner even included a birthday surprise for me! Arrangements were made for us to visit the spa one afternoon, which would have been very difficult for us to manage on our own. From sun-up to turn-down our every need was anticipated and provided in a very generous and appealing way.

How amazing to have the luxury of having Caroline and Alexander as our hosts and as fellow students in the cooking program! Not only did we share incredible culinary adventures, we became special friends. We delighted in discovering the secrets of Chateau Valcreuse, seeing the results of their hard work and reveling in the dreams for their family and this marvelous place. If only we could have arranged to stay longer to enjoy more of the “chateau” life! I have tears when I look at our pictures and re-live memories that will always be treasured!More