The Art of Food and Wine with Bibby’s Kitchen at Château de La Creuzette

Now open for reservations

Overview

Set in the storybook village of Boussac, this immersive holiday blends hands-on French-inspired cooking, relaxed wine tastings, garden visits, and beautifully styled table settings, all within the romance of château living. Spend your days cooking alongside Dianne using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn her signature Bibby’s Kitchen techniques while embracing a joyful, approachable style of cooking. Beyond the kitchen, guests will enjoy guided visits to places of interest in our area. You’ll also take part in creative table setting and decoration workshops, learning how to style elegant yet effortless tables using flowers, linens, candles, and antique French touches, turning every meal into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Evenings are devoted to long, candlelit dinners paired with delicious wines. Between sessions, soak up the magic of the French countryside, wander medieval villages, explore markets, relax in the château gardens, and savour a slower, more beautiful way of living. Join us for a celebration of the French art de vivre.

Subject to a minimum of 8 guests joining on the tour.

Cost Breakdown

La Creuzette holiday programmes are carefully compiled to ensure that you have the ultimate, hassle-free luxury holiday experience. Our all-inclusive land arrangement means that everything aside from flights, train tickets, Schengen visas and personal expenses are taken care of as follows:

• €3 700 per person sharing
• Collection from Châteauroux train station on the 6th September and transfer to La Creuzette
• Luxurious accommodation at La Creuzette for the 5 nights / 6 days
• Full board accommodation (i.e. all meals with drinks, also at restaurants we visit)
• All cooking sessions with Dianne Bibby
• All excursions including entrance fees
• Wine pairings with all the meals
• Transfer back to Châteauroux train station at the end of the week at La Creuzette

A non-refundable deposit of €1 000 secures your booking with the balance due on or before your arrival at La Creuzette. A single supplement of €650 for the week applies for single occupation.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Sunday, 6 September)

You will be collected from Châteauroux train station, where the group is expected to arrive between 14:00 and 15:00. From there, enjoy a scenic road transfer to Château La Creuzette, your charming holiday destination nestled in the village of Boussac. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with tea, coffee, a savoury snack, and macarons, just in time to unwind after your journey. Take the rest of the afternoon to settle into your room, relax, and explore the beautiful surroundings of the estate. At 19:30, we’ll meet in the château’s lounge for a glass of champagne, followed by a festive welcome dinner served in the elegant formal dining room.

Day 2 (Monday, 7 September)

Breakfast will be served at 9am in the main dining room. After breakfast, we set off for a brocante warehouse in a nearby village, based on one of France’s most beloved traditions, inspired by its famed antique flea markets. These enchanting shops are treasure chests of forgotten beauty, where crystal goblets catch the light, antique silver cutlery whispers of old dinners, and delicately embroidered linen napkins wait for a second life. Here, the old adage rings true: one person’s castoff becomes another’s cherished discovery. We return to La Creuzette, where we sit down for a light lunch under the age-old oak trees. A delicious rosé will be paired perfectly to the lunch. After a languid lunch, we have some time to relax. We meet Dianne in the kitchen late afternoon as we prepare a sumptuous late summer dinner to be enjoyed in the summerhouse dining room. We’ll be baking traditional French bread, followed by harvest style vegetable sides, a splendid main course and swoon-worthy French inspired dessert.

Day 3 (Tuesday, 8 September)

Breakfast will be served at 9am in the main dining room. After breakfast, We visit the charming Ferme de Bauges in Treignat, where cheese producer Sébastien warmly welcomes us to his family-run farm specializing in artisan goat’s cheese. Set in the beautiful countryside, Sébastien shares his traditional cheese-making methods, from the care of his goats to the delicate process of crafting and aging his cheeses. During the visit, we enjoy a guided tasting of his rich and creamy goat’s cheeses, each bursting with the distinct flavours of the region. This authentic experience offers a delicious insight into rural French cheesemaking and the passion behind it. We enjoy lunch at a nearby bistro, and a relaxed afternoon at La Creuzette. Early evening, we have a cooking session with Dianne in the summerhouse kitchen. Tonight’s dinner is inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean, melding tradition with the slightly less conventional for a magical feast set in the orchards.

Day 4 (Wednesday, 9 September)

After breakfast, we gather in the kitchen in preparation for our alfresco lunch under the age-old oak trees. Today we wind our way through souks and ancient medinas, exploring the heady flavours of Marrakesh and the Ottoman Empire. Lunch will be enjoyed in the garden under the trees. After lunch, we head to the Priory garden at Notre Dame d’Orsan. This historic estate, founded in the 12th century, was once an important place of pilgrimage. The garden retains its tranquil, contemplative layout, thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of peace and reflection. We’ll spend time wandering through this enchanting sanctuary, a true haven of beauty and serenity. You'll also have the opportunity to browse their exquisite garden boutique, which offers a carefully curated selection of elegant accessories and unique gifts inspired by the natural surroundings. Le Prieuré d’Orsan is the inspiration behind the renowned Babylonstoren gardens in South Africa. The same garden architect was responsible for the design of both properties. We return to La Creuzette, and this evening we meet for champagne in the garden, followed by a special dining experience in the La Creuzette cellar.

Day 5 (Thursday, 10 September)

Today is market day in the village of Boussac. After a leisurely breakfast, we stroll through the vibrant market, where stalls overflow with fresh, seasonal produce and regional artisanal goods. Take your time to browse the local offerings, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and explore the charming village boutiques at your own pace. We reconvene at La Creuzette for a delightful harvest table lunch, served al fresco at the long stone table in front of the summer kitchen. This afternoon, we indulge our creativity while learning the art of graceful table setting and effortless hosting. Together with Dianne, we craft beautiful bouquets for the evening table and select from an array of crystal glassware, antique silver cutlery, embroidered linen napkins, and charming decorative touches. It is a special moment shared in quiet pleasure and inspiration. For the gentlemen, or for guests who prefer a different pastime, a leisurely game of boules or pétanque awaits in the garden, accompanied by a chilled Provençal rosé. Others may choose to relax among the trees with a book, unwind in the sunshine, or simply absorb the peaceful rhythm of La Creuzette. Later, we meet for drinks before sitting down to our farewell dinner prepared by Dianne, at our beautifully set table.

Day 6 (Friday, 11 September)

This morning, there will be an optional early morning organized group walk for those who wish to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Boussac one last time. We enjoy a relaxed and delicious breakfast in the château dining room, before departing for Châteauroux, where you’ll board your train back to Paris.

Please note that this itinerary may be amended to accommodate suppliers, service providers and the weather.

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