Your Invitation

If you are someone who loves food & wine and are interested in learning from a Le Cordon Bleu Chef...

If you are someone who relishes a weekend with local delicacies and other foodies like you...

Then join us on this idyllic weekend in rural France where you will stay in a private château and discover French cuisine with a Perigord twist.

Your Weekend

Arrival

Enjoy a champagne reception with your fellow foodies as you get to to know your hosts and the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Savour your first supper prepared by Gourmet by Anne Stuart Folkes.

Perigord Delicacies

Breakfasts during the weekend are at your leisure, featuring continental buffet style selections when you wake. Including of course, croissants & chocolatines (aka pains au chocolat) from the boulangerie just steps away.

Sample some of the delicacies that make the Perigord famous as Anne Stuart Folkes introduces the art of the French lunch and aperos.

Taste some of the wines from our neighbourhood controlled designation of origin (AOC), St Emilion, selected by a sommelier for tonight's meal.

Market Day

Head out in the morning to the market at Thiviers, voted the best market in Dordogne. Discover how the French get the freshest ingredients, and how meals are influenced by what's in season. Head back to the château for lunch.

Anne Stuart Folkes will teach you some French techniques as you prepare your meal for the evening, based on the day's finds.

Sunday at the Château

Enjoy a relaxing day at the château, exploring the grounds and local trails. If you like, wear something formal for Sunday supper. Enjoy a local wine & cheese pairing sampling. The meals for today will feature more highlights from the famous Perigord region.

Home Day

Head home feeling refreshed and full of the wonderful delicacies this region offers.

Please note: We might adjust this itinerary due to the usual reasons - weather, group direction, or unplanned opportunities!

Meet Your Hosts

Meet Anne Stuart Folkes

I like to bring a lot to the table!

Enchanté! I’m Anne “Stuart” Folkes, a Paris-based writer, cook, traveler, and avid learner. I graduated with my Diplôme de Cuisine from the world renowned culinary institution Le Cordon Bleu, but my love of food and recipe creation came long before I decided to don the blue & white apprentice chef’s jacket. I've always marvelled at the one thing that brings people together… Food. And by cooking for loved ones, we can harness a personal transmutation across language barriers, cultural blockades, even learning a thing or two from the hungry patrons.

Gourmet means something different to everyone. Here, you’ll find it has the simplest of definitions: deliciousness. As a Texan expat who’s lived in Italy, the United Kingdom, and now France, I believe anything that makes an eater exclaim “WOW” after touching lips constitutes gourmet.

Pull up a chair and pour yourself a glass of wine. Let’s eat!

Meet Sara & Stephen

We are Sara & Stephen Cole, Canadians who dreamt of moving to France. We're excited to share our dream, our home, the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

The tower of the château is from the 16th century, and features a broad spiral stone staircase. Built by a noble family nearly 500 years ago, the 'blazon' or crest of the family still shows on the tower.

We created “Manor and Maker” to reflect the two sides of our adventure. One, to live as chateau owners with all the ups and downs and two, to pursue our passions as makers, creating art in all its forms. We invite others to come together, united by their passions, to share in this adventure.

We will be available on-site all weekend to ensure you have a comfortable stay.

Welcome to Manor & Maker.

Start Your Gourmet Weekend Today!

Booking

Reserve your spot by completing the payment form below. Prices are per room based on double occupancy. Completing your purchase is your agreement to the Terms & Conditions.

We'll be in touch within 24 hours confirming all is well (don't forget to check your spam or junk folder).

Double Occupancy €899 pp

What's Not Included

Transportation from your hometown to the pickup point, including airfare, train connections, or car rental
Baggage, accident, cancellation, nor travel insurance ('cancel for any reason' strongly recommended to protect your investment)
Passport and visa expenses
Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls
Meals not served at the château
Alcoholic beverages not served at meals at the château
Any extra tours or excursions off the property, should you choose to roam
and any other items not specifically noted as included

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't have a lot of experience cooking. Is this weekend for me?

Yes! If you can boil water, break an egg, and love learning new skills, this weekend is for you! Stuart will guide you through the meal preparation. Join in and create something delicious!

Where are you located & how do I get there?

We are in the town of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Dordogne, postal code 24160 (there are a couple of more places of that name in France!). Here's our guide on how to get to us. We offer pickups from Gare d'Angoulême. (may be scheduled with other guests' arrivals) or Thiviers Gare.

Do I need to speak French?

No, your hosts can help you with all local needs. It's always nice to be able to say 'hello' (Bonjour!) and 'thank you' (Merci!) though, isn't it?

Can I come alone?

This is more of a friends and couples experience. Prices and meal planning are based on double occupancy, so you may be assigned a compatible roommate.

May I arrive earlier or stay later than the given dates?

Much as we love having guests, we aren't open as a B&B, so accommodation is only available on the listed dates. There is lots to explore in our area, if you wish to make your own plans to extend your holiday.

Can you accommodate my food sensitivity?

France is famous for its fine cuisine, fresh produce markets, delicious pastries and cheeses! Enjoy chef-prepared suppers all week; the taste of France is part of your immersive experience. Due to hospitality laws, we cannot offer restaurant style selections or service; unfortunately, severely restrictive diets and other food sensitivities can not be accommodated.

What if I get sick and can't come? (Cancellation Policy)

We strongly recommend 'cancel for any reason' travel insurance. We do not offer last-minute refunds for any reason, due to advance planning costs. Check out the terms & conditions for other timing. Travel insurance protects your investment, and helps alleviate disappointment if your plans have to change.

What will the weather be like?

Day time temperatures in June are around 24C (75F) with night time lows around 18C (64F). You can expect mostly sunny days, with average monthly precipitation less than 10mm (0.4 in). Of course, these are averages, so temperatures could be warmer or cooler, rainier or sunnier during your stay.

What should I bring?

You are welcome to bring your knives (but not required & travel rules permitting!). We'll supply the ingredients & aprons. Bring an open attitude to try new things & new flavours. Pack a good pair of walking shoes if you want to try the local trails.

BOOK ME IN

Still Have Questions?

Drop us a line. We'll do our best to get back to you in 48 hours.