to open the door...
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Christmas at La Prévenchère ~~ Entertaining Angels
From our home and hearts to yours, photographs of our Christmas. Simply click here Happy New Year to all!
to open the door...
to open the door...
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
COURS CULINAIRES ET CULTURELS: Autumn Leaves in Beautiful Brittany
In the heart of Brittany
with
Chef Christian and Christiana Caille
La Prévenchère rated "excellent" on Trip Advisor
“La Prévenchère is a place for the soul.
And the meals were exceptional –
the best of our whole month in Europe.” Marjorie Donalds, USA
And the meals were exceptional –
the best of our whole month in Europe.” Marjorie Donalds, USA
Christian and Christiana have created "Cours Culinaires et Culturels" -- our unique vacation packages -- for anyone who loves exploring markets and cooking with the freshest ingredients. It’s also the perfect opportunity to discover the beauty and treasures of the Breton countryside. We invite you to La Prévenchère for Autumnal Delight 2012 §§
And of course we would be delighted to help you plan a visit and to tailor a package especially for you.
"Lord, it is time. The summer was very big. Lay thy shadow on the sundials, and on the meadows let the winds go loose. Command the last fruits that they shall be full; give them another two more southerly days, press them on to fulfillment and drive the last sweetness into the heavenly wine." - Rainer Maria Rilke
An October Full of Splendor, and
A November to Treasure
A SEPTEMBER TO REMEMBER
"Do you remember the 21st night of September?/Love was changing the minds of pretenders/While chasing the clouds away/Our hearts were ringing/In the key that our souls were singing./As we danced in the night,/Remember how the stars stole the night away."- September, Lyrics by Maurice White, Charles Stemney and Verdine WhiteDay 1, Wednesday:
Arrival at CDG or travel from la Gare Montparnasse in Paris
Take the train to Rennes directly from CDG airport where you can rent a car for your stay.
If you have arrived earlier in Paris, then take a train from la Gare Montparnasse to Saint-Brieuc where you can also rent a car.
Journey to La Prévenchère through the Breton countryside and the lovely village of Le Quillio
Reception at La Prévenchère
Dinner of “Omelette Napoléon”
Day 2, Thursday: On your own for excursions: Visits to nearby villages and towns such as Le Quillio, Saint Thélo and Moncontour and/or the market in Dinan with lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Les Trois Lunes.
Arrival at CDG or travel from la Gare Montparnasse in ParisTake the train to Rennes directly from CDG airport where you can rent a car for your stay.
If you have arrived earlier in Paris, then take a train from la Gare Montparnasse to Saint-Brieuc where you can also rent a car.
Journey to La Prévenchère through the Breton countryside and the lovely village of Le Quillio
Reception at La Prévenchère
Dinner of “Omelette Napoléon”
Day 2, Thursday: On your own for excursions: Visits to nearby villages and towns such as Le Quillio, Saint Thélo and Moncontour and/or the market in Dinan with lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Les Trois Lunes.
Day 3, Friday ~~ MOULES ET MER!
Trip to the sea near Saint-Brieuc to harvest mussels and oysters with picnic lunch
Demonstration of Moules Marinières and Crêpes Suzette
Five-course dinner
Demonstration of Moules Marinières and Crêpes Suzette
Five-course dinner
Day 4:
Saturday (Only on September 8 and 15, 2012)Breadmaking at Guette ès Lièvres during the day. Possibility of culinary demonstration and dinner in the evening.
Day 5: Sunday, On your own for excursions
Saturday (Only on September 8 and 15, 2012)Breadmaking at Guette ès Lièvres during the day. Possibility of culinary demonstration and dinner in the evening.Day 5: Sunday, On your own for excursions
Explore the Morbihan or Finistère to the west and south or the Emerald and Pink Granite coasts to the north. Or visit towns near Saint-Caradec.
Day 6: Monday
Day 6: Monday
In the morning, visit the Pontivy market and have lunch in Pontivy.
Culinary instruction and dinner at La Prévenchère
Day 7: Tuesday Culinary Instruction and/or Excursion
Culinary instruction and dinner at La Prévenchère
Day 7: Tuesday Culinary Instruction and/or Excursion
For ideas concerning distinctive itineraries, see http://www.beautifulbrittany.com/
Day 8: Wednesday
Day 8: Wednesday
Departure from La Prévenchère Nous vous souhaitons bonne route et espérons vous revoir bientôt! ... KENAVO in Breton!
AN OCTOBER FULL OF SPLENDOR
AN OCTOBER FULL OF SPLENDOR
Pommes et Cidre, Châtaignes, Champignons §§
Les Produits de l'Automne!
Les Produits de l'Automne!
"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October." - Nathaniel Hawthorne
Day 1, Wednesday:
Day 2, Thursday:
On your own for excursions: Visits to nearby villages and towns such as Le Quillio, Saint Thélo and Moncontour and/or the market in Dinan with lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Les Trois Lunes.
Day 3, Friday ~~ MOULES ET MER!
Trip to the sea near Saint-Brieuc to harvest mussels and oysters with picnic lunch Demonstration of Moules Marinières and Crêpes Suzette Five-course dinner
Breadmaking at Guette ès Lièvres. On the way home, gather ye chestnuts while ye may for roasting and cooking. Dinner to be determined according to market. Explore the Morbihan or Finistère to the west and south or the Emerald and Pink Granite coasts to the north. Or visit towns near Saint-Caradec.
Day 5: Sunday, On your own for excursions
Explore the Morbihan or Finistère to the west and south or the Emerald and Pink Granite coasts to the north. Or visit towns near Saint-Caradec.
Day 6: Monday
In the morning, visit the Pontivy market and have lunch in Pontivy. Hunt for mushrooms if it has rained and in the afternoon visit a cider brewery. Culinary instruction and dinner.
Culinary instruction and dinner at La Prévenchère.
Culinary instruction and dinner at La Prévenchère.
Day 7: Tuesday Culinary Instruction and/or Excursion
For ideas concerning distinctive itineraries, see http://www.beautifulbrittany.com/
Day 8: Wednesday
Departure from La Prévenchère Nous vous souhaitons bonne route et espérons vous revoir bientôt! ... KENAVO in Breton!
A NOVEMBER TO TREASURE: "The moon of the falling leaves"
with Beaujolais Nouveau and Fresh Turkey from Saint-Caradec, "Gibier" in honor of Saint Hubert, the Hunter (whose feast day is November 3), and More Châtaignes--roasting on an open fire!
"The name 'November' is believed to derive from 'novem' which is the Latin for the number 'nine'. In the ancient Roman calendar November was the ninth month after March. As part of the seasonal calendar November is the time of the 'Snow Moon' according to Pagan beliefs and the period described as the 'Moon of the Falling Leaves' by Black Elk."- Mystical WWW
Day 1: Wednesday
Arrival at CDG or travel from la Gare Montparnasse in Paris Take the train to Rennes directly from CDG airport where you can rent a car for your stay. If you have arrived earlier in Paris, then take a train from la Gare Montparnasse to Saint-Brieuc where you can also rent a car. Journey to La Prévenchère through the Breton countryside and the lovely village of Le Quillio Reception at La Prévenchère Dinner of “Omelette Napoléon”
Day 2: Thursday, November 12
Day 5: Sunday
Day 6: Monday
In the morning, visit the Pontivy market, hunt for mushrooms if it has rained and visit a cider brewery. Prepare either a civet de lapin or the (eponymous) Cailles aux Raisins. Culinary instruction and dinner.
Suggestions for day trips are on La Prévenchère website.
Ce n'est qu'un au revoir!
Day 7: Tuesday
Day 8: Wednesday
~~~~~~~~~
Nota Bene
We generally plan the MOULES ET MER adventure for Friday. However, this is subject to change according to the tides and their coefficients and to your schedule.
In addition, we ask that you provide the transportation for this excursion. Chef Caille will be your navigator!
~~~~~~~~
Accommodations
La Prévenchère has six rooms -- five with double beds and one room (Sainte Anne) with
twin beds. Breakfast with fresh croissants and baguette and homemade jams is included in the cost of lodging.
Registration for Cours Culinaires et Culture is limited to six individuals (double occupancy in the Sainte Anne).
Pricing (in €)
Lodging and
breakfastSingle occupancy From 38 € to 42 € / night
Double occupancy From 42 € to 48 € / night
Culinary demonstration, excursions, five-course meals
95 Euros/person/event
*****
Dinner is served in the dining room at La Prévenchère. Wine pairing is included.
You will receive all of the recipes for the meals that you prepare.
Additional costs:
Breadmaking: 22 Euros/person
Dinner is served in the dining room at La Prévenchère. Wine pairing is included.
You will receive all of the recipes for the meals that you prepare.
Additional costs:
Breadmaking: 22 Euros/person
With thanks to Michael P. Garofalo,Valley Spirit Center, Red Bluff, California and the following, wonderful website: http://www.egreenway.com/
Saturday, September 27, 2008
For our dear Linda and Dave, Lovely Young Lovers
Linda, with whom I worked at Little Brothers, and David were united in Holy Matrimony on September 20, 2008 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Minneapolis.
The bride and groom honored us this week with their presence in our home, where they chose to come on their wedding trip.
The bride and groom honored us this week with their presence in our home, where they chose to come on their wedding trip.
May blessings fill this fine young couple's life always and may their days be "rich and long upon the earth."
Monday, September 22, 2008
La Foulerie de Pièces at Le Moulin de Guette ès Lièvres
Saturday, 25 September.
Here is one link to the longest video and then you can watch the others!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_1MKLpVt0s
Check out the musicians!
What a great evening.
And here are some more pictures of a
September to Remember!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingReg.jsp?Uc=k8i3u40.913z64p0&Uy=-u1m4jq&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=125503564235_717691040308&localeid=en_US
Finally here is a copy of a press release I wrote in 2006 concerning "La Foulerie de Pièces." Just a little information on the origin of this event!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DISCOVER THE HEART OF BRITTANY
Participate in Traditional French Bread Making and Breton Dance and Heritage
at
La Foulerie de Pièces—“Stompin’ at the Grist Mill”
St. Caradec, France, June 28, 2006 – Make bread with Breton hosts at the enchanting 17th century Guette ès Lièvres grist mill in the morning and then dance the night away in a marvelously convivial atmosphere on September 16, 2006 in the heart of Brittany.
A unique event that showcases the traditions of the past, when the French gathered together annually to stomp down the earthen floors of their bread mills, “la foulerie de pièces” represents a centuries-old French custom. Bread was truly the staff of life in centuries past and when learning about the history of this grist mill and community oven, the place of bread in French life and history becomes crystal clear. Apart from their crops and the weather, nothing—with the exception of the Church—was more important for villagers and peasants than the community mill and oven, where both bread and meals were prepared. Millers and bakers were honored everywhere in France…and even had special dispensation from attending church! Villagers always came together in the fall to refurbish the mills for the winter and the new year.
In Brittany, they danced on freshly prepared dirt mixed with bales of wheat and moistened to prepare the floor for the next year’s use. (This also took place in French homes, some of which to this day retain their earthen floors.) Certain Breton dances were developed for this specific purpose, and they will be among the dances participants in this unique evening will learn.
After a day of bread making (described in detail at www.beautifulbrittany.com) and a community dinner (prepared in the community oven at Le Vieux Bourg—where the day’s bread is baked), Breton musicians will set up on the millstone at le Moulin de Guette ès Lièvres and begin to play and to teach traditional Breton dances. A wonderful French expression, “se serrer les coudes”—to clasp each other’s elbows literally and to help one another figuratively—comes from the dance as that is exactly what the dancers do! Bretons are renowned for their hospitality, clasping each other’s elbows tightly in their towns and villages, and their marvelous sense of community that is expressed in the joy of the dance. The organizers of this event, which takes place during a weekend dedicated to European heritage, welcome all who wish to experience this delightful evening. Its purpose is to bring people of all nationalities together at the mill to promote a sense of belonging and to encourage conversation and shared experiences.
Les Chantous d’Loudia, l’Amicale Laïque de Plouguenast-Gausson, and l’Echo de Gouet are the sponsors of « La Foulerie de Pièces » in Plouguenast, Côtes d’Armor, France.
Here is one link to the longest video and then you can watch the others!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_1MKLpVt0s
Check out the musicians!
What a great evening.
And here are some more pictures of a
September to Remember!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingReg.jsp?Uc=k8i3u40.913z64p0&Uy=-u1m4jq&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=125503564235_717691040308&localeid=en_US
Finally here is a copy of a press release I wrote in 2006 concerning "La Foulerie de Pièces." Just a little information on the origin of this event!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DISCOVER THE HEART OF BRITTANY
Participate in Traditional French Bread Making and Breton Dance and Heritage
at
La Foulerie de Pièces—“Stompin’ at the Grist Mill”
St. Caradec, France, June 28, 2006 – Make bread with Breton hosts at the enchanting 17th century Guette ès Lièvres grist mill in the morning and then dance the night away in a marvelously convivial atmosphere on September 16, 2006 in the heart of Brittany.
A unique event that showcases the traditions of the past, when the French gathered together annually to stomp down the earthen floors of their bread mills, “la foulerie de pièces” represents a centuries-old French custom. Bread was truly the staff of life in centuries past and when learning about the history of this grist mill and community oven, the place of bread in French life and history becomes crystal clear. Apart from their crops and the weather, nothing—with the exception of the Church—was more important for villagers and peasants than the community mill and oven, where both bread and meals were prepared. Millers and bakers were honored everywhere in France…and even had special dispensation from attending church! Villagers always came together in the fall to refurbish the mills for the winter and the new year.
In Brittany, they danced on freshly prepared dirt mixed with bales of wheat and moistened to prepare the floor for the next year’s use. (This also took place in French homes, some of which to this day retain their earthen floors.) Certain Breton dances were developed for this specific purpose, and they will be among the dances participants in this unique evening will learn.
After a day of bread making (described in detail at www.beautifulbrittany.com) and a community dinner (prepared in the community oven at Le Vieux Bourg—where the day’s bread is baked), Breton musicians will set up on the millstone at le Moulin de Guette ès Lièvres and begin to play and to teach traditional Breton dances. A wonderful French expression, “se serrer les coudes”—to clasp each other’s elbows literally and to help one another figuratively—comes from the dance as that is exactly what the dancers do! Bretons are renowned for their hospitality, clasping each other’s elbows tightly in their towns and villages, and their marvelous sense of community that is expressed in the joy of the dance. The organizers of this event, which takes place during a weekend dedicated to European heritage, welcome all who wish to experience this delightful evening. Its purpose is to bring people of all nationalities together at the mill to promote a sense of belonging and to encourage conversation and shared experiences.
Les Chantous d’Loudia, l’Amicale Laïque de Plouguenast-Gausson, and l’Echo de Gouet are the sponsors of « La Foulerie de Pièces » in Plouguenast, Côtes d’Armor, France.
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