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London Unattached - London Lifestyle Blog

Luxury London Lifestyle Blog for the over 40s with food, travel, diet and restaurant reviews - London Unattached

Charente Maritime and French Lifestyle with Lavender & Lovage

May 7, 2015 by Fiona Maclean 29 Comments

A Birthday Celebration and the Birth of a New Cookery School:

I share the same birthday as Karen from Lavender & Lovage’s husband Malcolm.  I was thrilled when she suggested I joined in the celebrations for *his* (which was quite a significant one) by visiting them in France.  I’ve been meaning to go for a while but somehow never quite got myself organised.  But this year, the combination of a special birthday weekend and the chance to find out more about the cookery school Karen is planning was just the catalyst I needed to get myself organised.

Lavender & Lovage Cookery raclette 2

It’s funny, but although I’ve spent a lot of time living ‘en-famille’ in France, it’s all too easy to forget the little differences that make a French home so different.  Rather than anglicising their home, Karen and Malcolm have filled it with antique French furniture and all sorts of French bric-a-brac so that only the English books, TV and kettle remind you it is the home of an English couple.

Lavender & Lovage Cookery oysters

A raclette supper was the perfect way for us all to relax ahead of the next day’s party.  And, one of the specialities of the region, fine de claire oysters, the perfect way to start.  Of course, waiting till the next day to celebrate was obviously NOT going to happen.  Sparkling white wine is the perfect accompaniment for oysters…and really not bad with raclette either…

Lavender & Lovage Cookery oysters 2

The next day, after a light lunch, Malcolm took me out to see a little bit more of the area. Other than La Rochelle, to the north of the region, most Brits don’t know this area of France at all.  Talmont is one of the nearest sea-side villages to Montpellier-de-Medillan where Karen lives and, with a well deserved  Les Plus Beaux Villages de France listing, is well worth a visit.  The fortified village was built in in the 13th century when this part of France was under English rule.  On the estuary of the Gironde, there’s a stunning church built out on the edge of the cliff and a wealth of boutique shops and restaurants.

Lavender & Lovage Cookery - Church 2

I was fascinated to see carralet too, traditional fishing huts built out into the water on stilts, very similar to the trabocchi in Abruzzo.

Lavender & Lovage Cookery - fishing huts

Back at Montpellier-de-Medillan, Karen was busy organising food for the party that evening.  I don’t think anyone was likely to go hungry, especially as more would be arriving later with some of the guests.

Food inside at Lavender & Lovage

She took five minutes break to explain a little more about her cookery school.  Their home is a Chambre d’Hotes, a French bed and breakfast, with optional evening meals.  With accommodation for up to ten guests, in the past some of the guests have asked for cookery lessons and wine tours.  Now, the refurbished kitchen has two large range cookers and plenty of space for classes so the plan is to offer these on a more formal basis.

Lavender and Lovage Cookery School


Karen is planning an extensive choice of courses, launching this summer.  I’m guessing some will be timetabled and some will be on request.  Here’s a taster of what you could be in store for…

  • Wine Tasting and Pairing: visit a local vineyard for a wee degustation and then cook to match the wines.
  • Amuse Bouche: nibbles and snacks to accompany your aperitifs.
  • Al Fresco Cooking: Grill and barbecue your way through summer with these original recipes and ideas for al fresco dinner parties.
  • Cakes and Bakes for the week: get back into the kitchen and bake for the wee with foolproof cakes and bakes your family will love!
  • Preserves: With guest tutor Vivien Lloyd.
  • Cuisine de Charente Maritime: Cook local speciality dishes from the Charente Maritime which is rich in wine, dairy, beef and seafood.
  • Fish and Seafood: It’s all about the sea – cook fish and seafood without fear!
  • Cheat’s Dinner Party recipes: Cook a four course meal with ease, and lots of “cheat’s” that means you get to enjoy dinner too!
  • Foundation Cooking – the Basics: Learn how to make sauces, mayonnaise, pastry and stocks.
  • French Bread: From Baguette to Boule – explore how to make bread the French way.
  • Cuisine de Bonne Femme: French Country Cooking for Everyday Meals.

Lavender & Lovage Cookery Karen

My impression of the Lavender & Lovage Cookery School is that you’ll find yourself in a home from home, with an expert coach.  When you get back to base, you’ll be enthused with the passion for food that Karen has, and you’ll have a deep insight into French culture, from Malcolm.  But, you won’t feel that you’ve been taught – just that you’ve spent a week as part of an extended family, with all the love and care that Karen and Malcolm have to offer.

Lavender & Lovage Cookery Karen

Of course I’m biased.  But, you could always go and find out for yourself.  It’s a unique offer and one that I suspect will charm everyone.  If you’d like to find out more, do contact Karen via her blog on the link below.

 

 

Lavender & Lovage cookery school
Auberge de la Fontaine,
Montpellier-de-Medillan,
Charente Maritime,
France.

 

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Filed Under: France, Travel Tagged With: Charente Maritime, Cookery School, France

About Fiona Maclean

London based freelance writer and marketing consultant. I edit London-Unattached.com and write for a number of other publications

Comments

  1. Janice says

    May 7, 2015 at 8:28 pm

    Oh that sounds so lovely. I can just imagine how welcoming Karen and Malcolm would, the perfect host and hostess.

    Reply
  2. Karen says

    May 8, 2015 at 10:32 am

    Thanks so much for this wonderful review Fiona – Malcolm and I are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay so much and as you know,you are welcome to come back any time you can spare the time – and we will explore the rest of the Charente Maritime with you! Karen

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      May 8, 2015 at 12:27 pm

      Thank you so much for your hospitality! I really did enjoy my weekend…far too short a stay!

      Reply
  3. Barbara Constable says

    May 8, 2015 at 11:05 am

    Dear Fiona

    Lovely review! Exciting times ahead for Karen!

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      May 8, 2015 at 12:26 pm

      Yes indeed. I had a lovely time and hope I’ll be back soon

      Reply
  4. Lynn Hill says

    May 8, 2015 at 4:51 pm

    What a wonderful review and stunning place. Best Wishes and good luck with the Cookery School Karen.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 29, 2015 at 6:51 pm

      Thanks so much Lynn! Karen

      Reply
  5. Joy Morris says

    May 8, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    Having had the wonderful experience of staying with Karen and her Husband in their delightful home in France a few years ago. Karen has that wonderful talent that makes her such an astounding cook! congratulations Karen – Joy and Simon

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 29, 2015 at 6:52 pm

      We had a great time when you and Simon were over, and thanks so much for your kind words too Joy!

      Reply
  6. Stevie Wilson says

    May 9, 2015 at 12:47 am

    What an amazing weekend you had! I love the look of the food. I think Karen’s cooking school sounds fabulous.
    I think the oysters & raclette did too!
    YUMMY weekend

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 29, 2015 at 6:52 pm

      Come on down Stevie! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Emma @ Adventures of a London Kiwi says

    May 10, 2015 at 12:39 am

    That sounds utterly, utterly scrumptious!

    Reply
  8. Pamela Morse says

    May 13, 2015 at 2:07 am

    Happy birthday Fiona. This looks so dreamy. I am sure the offers will be snapped up by happy customers..cooking is always handy to learn. The place seems really charming.

    Reply
  9. Anita-Clare Fiele says

    May 21, 2015 at 5:32 pm

    Wow, you both spoke of this on Monday afternoon. It looks idyllic. Raclette is the best ever for guests getting stuck in isnt it? Best wedding present ever, we love our 😊 The cooking school sounds wonderful too.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 29, 2015 at 6:54 pm

      Would love to see you both here Anita-Clare! 😉

      Reply
  10. Globalmouse says

    May 23, 2015 at 9:14 am

    Oh gosh those cheeses look fantastic! I know it isn’t very French but a vegetarian course would be wonderful – I would have to stick with the cake making (which would be no hardship!!). This looks like a great experience.

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      May 23, 2015 at 11:06 am

      I know Karen’s parents are both vegetarian (and in their 80s!) so I am sure that wouldn’t be a problem for her. I’ll mention it when we next chat…

      Reply
      • Karen says

        May 29, 2015 at 6:55 pm

        GREAT idea Fiona and Globalmouse – added to the list!

        Reply
  11. Sarah Ebner says

    May 23, 2015 at 9:43 am

    What a brilliant idea and in such a lovely place. I’d love to come to one of these. Sounds like such a treat – and I love cooking and baking.

    Reply
  12. Sophie says

    May 23, 2015 at 11:07 am

    I’m so jealous of all the cheese – it’s hard to find in China! great photos!

    Reply
  13. Peter Parkorr says

    May 23, 2015 at 11:21 am

    This place looks perfect for a relaxing getaway. The fishing huts also remind me of the ones in Fort Kochi, India! And I’m desperate to know what that red dressing served with the oysters is? I got addicted to fresh oysters at the fish markets in Australia… Yum. 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 29, 2015 at 6:56 pm

      The dressing is red wine vinegar with finely diced shallots Peter! Called sauce Mignonette.

      Reply
  14. Leah says

    May 23, 2015 at 11:40 am

    This looks amazing. I always love cooking classes, as they are such a good way to better get to know a culture. And the cuisine is an especially important part of the culture in France. Would love to do this!

    Reply
  15. Natasha Amar says

    May 23, 2015 at 11:52 am

    This sounds like a lovely experience. One of the best (if not the best) ways to discover a new culture is by its cuisine.

    Reply
  16. Revati says

    May 23, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    Oh my god. I am obsessed with everything French. SO much that I went and learnt the language too! I would absolutely love to experience Karen’s hospitality myself. So lucky for you to have been able to spend your birthday there!

    Reply
  17. EvaSturm of TravelResponsibly says

    May 23, 2015 at 2:02 pm

    Oh my god, this post makes me want to jump into an apron right away and start cooking. Loved all those pics as well. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  18. Penny Sadler says

    May 23, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    I want to go! This has everything I love: architecture, food, history, and lovely people it seems. And your photos are making me drool. And raclette! One of my favorites. A friend used to have raclette parties rather frequently – I miss that!

    Reply
  19. Dana says

    May 24, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    This looks perfect! A beautiful place to stay, wine tasting and cooking. It doesn’t get much better than that!

    Reply
  20. Karen says

    May 29, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    Thanks for all of your kind and positive comments – the new page advertising the cookery school will be up soon (on my site Lavender and Lovage) and in the meantime you can email for any ideas for courses or to book some! Karen

    Reply

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