Taste of Gascony

Culinary Adventure in the heart of southwest France

join us for a Taste of Gascony

We offer a specialized and individually curated immersion into the gastronomic culture and heritage that is unique to the Gers region in Gascony.

The program explores authentic and traditional methods of artisan culture that have been passed down by multiple generations, and continue to thrive to this day.

Itineraries focus on: Wine & Cheese, Women Make Wine: Les Femmes des Vignerons and Medieval Abby Hikes, History & Art. Included are full accommodations, all meals with wine, transportation and a cultural context of the region with expert local guests.

Start Your Journey

Sample Itinerary

Below are activities that we can curate together based upon the desires and preferences of your group. For the true immersive experience we recommend three to five nights, however day trips can also be arranged.

Bienvenue: An Introduction to the Regional Cuisine of Gascony

Welcome to Domaine de Bilé to settle into your accommodations and relax from the travel. The immersion begins with a guided tasting of the Domaine's wine, Floc and Armagnac. We will learn the family tradition of producing some of the very best in the region. Before dinner, you may enjoy an easy hike around the lake and begin to experience unspoiled beauty of Gascony.

We then head for dinner at a nearby historic farmhouse for a traditional Gascogne meal featuring the famed foie gras and local charcuterie to start, a duck confit then local cheese and artisan bread. We will toast the event with a Pousse Rapière cocktail and begin to feel aligned to the spirit of the D'Artagnan and his musketeers.

Market Visit and Wine Tasting

In the morning we visit a vibrant village market to meet the makers and enjoy tastes of local products. We then have a guided tour of The Mirande Museum of Fine and Decorative Arts to explore a significant collection of paintings, glass and pottery from the 15th-19th century.

In the afternoon we are invited to an oenology course and guided tasting at a caviste. The course will focus on the Gascony region and we will learn from an expert how to appreciate and enjoy the wine. There will be local charcuterie, pâtes and cheese served for lunch.

In the evening over l'apéros and dinner we will be joined by a local authority of the area to tell some stories and share insights on the Gers culture.

meeting the ducks and Laughing with goats

On this day we visit a family run foie gras farm. At the farm, the ducks are in their natural habitat, roaming freely in the fields. We learn production methods that have been passed down from multiple generations of skilled artisans. We also explore the facility to see how energy is stored, used and sold on the farm. After the tour, we will try a wide variety of delicious pâtes to learn how each is prepared and served then enjoy a lunch at the farm.

In the afternoon, we visit the magnificent Marie Duffo to meet her laughing goats and learn about how her incredible cheese is created each day.

Dinner will include a local guest to share knowledge and insight of the Gers region.

12th century Abbey Visit for Art, History and Hikes

In the morning we set out to explore the medieval Abbys of the region that date back to the middle of the 12th century. Many are well endowed with masterpiece paintings, historical glassware from the time of the kings and all have wonderful grounds in which to hike and explore.

In the afternoon we will be treated to a Sommelier led lunch at a nearby Domaine. She will explain to us the wines of the region, and her methodology for the carefully selected wines that pair elegantly with the meal.

In the evening we return back to the Domaine de Bilé for unstructured time with an option to hike around the grounds or to explore Montesquieu for more medieval architecture and history.

Armagnac and medieval history

Following a leisurely morning, we visit a well respected Armagnac domain and learn about the methods of production that have been passed down for multiple generations. We will be treated to a guided tour and a tasting of his distillery. We will also learn about the variety of ways to serve and enjoy this regional speciality, including mixologist tips for cocktails.

A set lunch will be held at a medieval 12th century castle that also contains outstanding grounds for you to explore. Following lunch, is a guided tour of Bassoues featuring a 12th century dungeon. Along with pottery studios and antique shops, there is an African art gallery with an incredible collection that is not to be missed in this medieval village. Our dinner is that evening with champagne cocktails and a typical Gascogne dinner.

1001 things to do with honey

This is the day we visit an organic apiary where a wide variety of honey-based items both for culinary and medicinal applications are made. The farm prides itself on quality, authenticity and traceability. A guided tour from a bee expert will take us around the property to see the hive-to-honey-to-product process.

From here we will go our separate ways. If you do not have a car we will assist you to make arrangements for transportation to the nearest airport, train or bus station. Please inform us ahead of time if you need a car service when you book your reservation.

Accommodations

For the very best in comfort and location we are partnering with the Domaine de Bilé to host our guests. Each room has a special charm and is designed with tasteful decor, comfortable furnishings, and modern conveniences.

Domaine de Bilé is located next to a beautiful lake in a wooded valley with hiking and biking trails. It is 4km from the medieval village of Bassoues. The Domaine has e-bikes available to explore the area for an additional charge. You are welcome to take part in outside excursions, but we highly recommend that you come back to home base for our group dinners.

Guest Rooms

The guest rooms at Domaine de Bilé were designed and constructed in the summer of 2024. They are beautifully crafted and brand new. There is also a private entrance, a small kitchen and dining room for private guest access.

Chambre Côtes de Gascogne

A quiet private bedroom with a queen sized bed, full bath and sweeping views of the entire valley.

Chambre Côtes de Gascogne - Bath

Chambre Madrian Vin has a private bathroom with towels attached.

Chambre Côtes de Gascogne

A quiet private bedroom with a queen sized bed, full bath and sweeping views of the entire valley.

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Chambre Armagnac

This is a corner room with a full bath and sweeping views of the entire valley in both directions.

Chambre Armagnac - Bath

Chambre Armagnac has a private bathroom with towels attached.

Chambre Armagnac

This is a corner room with a full bath and sweeping views of the entire valley in both directions.

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Chambre Floc de Gascogne

This room is located across the hallway and has a queen sized bed, full bath and views of the winery.

Chambre Floc de Gascogne - Bath

Chambre Rose Pétillante Bath has a private bathroom with towels attached.

Chambre Floc de Gascogne

This room is located across the hallway and has a queen sized bed, full bath and views of the winery.

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The journey Starts here

Let's plan your itinerary to Gascony together. You can contact me directly: Jenine.Lurie@gmail.com.

In France: 06 10 33 84 69 or from the United States: +1 917-916-2988.

Reserve

Your host, Jenine Lurie (Chez Jay)

The best part of what I do is to take people on an edible adventure that offers a connection to the culture and history of a new place. I was the New York City Slow Food Convivium Leader and led Culinary Walking tours in all five boroughs of the city. My tours got the typical tourist out of Times Square to experience the real neighborhoods, supporting the small business owners whose food represented their culture and heritage.

My professional background is in digital strategy and management for large consulting firms. I learned from that experience to facilitate conversations between diverse groups as well as to create curated, unique experiences that foster communication and conviviality.

My tours offers a contextual insight into this magical and undiscovered region that will enable you to experience it as a local, rather than a tourist. Like the Gers, the tours are authentic and rustic yet warm, friendly and welcoming. I truly believe that due to the fertile surroundings, passionate producers and exceedingly short food supply chain, we have some of the very best food and wine in France that I am excited to share with you.

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Guest Comments, Spring and Summer 2024

Joel B.

San francisco, CA

Thank you for a friendly and delicious introduction to the Gers region. The meals and wines were outstanding and the landscape of villages and countryside with views of the Pyrenees was splendid!

Joy M.

Los Angeles, CA

I had an amazing culinary tour of the Gascony region. We went to markets and tasted the local specialities. I got to experience a tour of the region’s Armagnac distillery and learn about the process. The highlight was of course the incredible food and hospitality,10/10 would recommend!!

Michelle R.

Oakland, CA

Although I did enjoy going to restaurants and trying different things on the menus, my favorite experience is just being served a home cooked meal from ingredients shopped for that morning - cheese, vegetables, meat or fish - and of course the obligatory fresh baguette. Drinking a glass of wine or armagnac from a neighbor's vineyard, and then taking a walk at sunset to settle the digestion.

Ulrike H.

Berlin, Germany

This is my first time visiting the Gers, and now I can not stop thinking about how peaceful it felt to go to the markets, meet lovely people and enjoy such an authentic experience on this tour.

Ghislaine C.

Netherlands

We came in March and it was wonderful! we toured local markets, we bought products, had great coffee and ate wonderful paella for dinner. We visited pretty towns in the neighborhood and had a great lunch in Marciac.

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Brendan & Rachel Sitka, Alaska

If you’re looking to get off the trodden path and discover the real cuisine of France, look no farther. You’ll meet French farming families eager to share their lives, and livelihoods. This is one experience not to miss.

Taste of gascony

Culinary Adventure in the Heart of SouthWest France