We've recently returned from visiting family in France and have decided, for a few different reasons, to go ahead and see if anyone would like to return with us for a 10 day stay in La Berry region of France! We apologize for the short notice and know there's little time to apply and receive a passport, in addition to finding time in your calendar. One reason for the decision to go at this time is that in the Spring, when we would usually plan to go, we understand that the toll roads in France are scheduled to go cashless, which entails obtaining a special pass. Also, we will stay in France after the tour period so that we can take care of some personal business and also see family.
As of August 1, 2022, French has removed all COVID-related entry restrictions. There is no longer any testing or vaccination requirement for entry to France from any country, including the United States. France reserves the right to reimpose entry restrictions if the health situation requires it. Since the 1st of August 2022, the vaccine pass has been lifted in France and at the borders. France’s current health rules specify the use of the health pass only for hospitals and nursing homes – it is no longer in use for everyday venues like bars, restaurants, gyms or cinemas. Masks are “strongly recommended” on public transport but are only compulsory in hospitals and health establishments. International arrivals from certain countries are required to show proof of either vaccination or a recent negative test, but most of the world is now on France’s ‘green’ list of countries with minimal travel restrictions.
If flying American Airline, it is at the discretion of the traveler to wear a mask, as well as when you are in France.
"A Taste of La Berry" is an educational travel program and culinary adventure dedicated to the cuisine of La Berry, France. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the French food culture from a wide assortment of food experiences as we travel around within La Berry region of Central France. We will be staying in Sarzay France, a quaint, Medieval village of approximately 300 residents, in a private gite (recently remodeled farmhouse). The Chateau Sarzay was built in 1311. Sarzay has two bar/restaurants and the ruins of the Chateau which we will visit. Each day we will go out on different circuits to explore and eat, visiting a variety of Chateaux, historical sites and local markets. La Berry region is about 3 hours south of Paris, by car. Our evenings will be an opportunity to rest, take walks and participate in cooking classes with Chef Roland Parny.
If you would like to joint us for our September 19- September 29, 2022 Culinary Tour "A Taste of La Berry" you can contact us at 417-543-7160 or at rolandpar@hotmail.com or on our contact page of rolandparny.com to get more information regarding the tour.
After an initial tour in 2010 and three tours since, we hope to soon take another group of people to the Berry region of France, where Chef Roland was raised. Like all regions of France, the Berry has its own distinct set of flavors. There, we’ll set up house for one week at a country gite (country inn). Every day, we will explore the various markets, restaurants, chateaux, and other food experiences in the area. In the evenings, Chef Roland will guide us as we prepare our own French, family-style meals.
This isn’t about visiting the big cities or seeing the Eiffel tower; we want you to experience real French food culture in its everyday environment. (Note: There are brief opportunities to explore Paris.) We want to walk into a grocery store and see how differently food is marketed. Enjoy local village markets, French box stores, personal home cooked meals, quicky markets, food faires and, if possible we'll visit a local elementary school to see how differently their school children engage during meal time. When we return, we want you to have a better understanding of your own food culture for having experienced that of the Berry region of France. We will explore markets, local food production via farms, vineyards, and historical sites. When we go to France, we go to experience authentic French life and what eating in that culture is all about.
Over the last few years, we've have tended to our parents before their passing. Life is life with all of it's seasons and ours was shifted to be there for them. Because of family cares, we had postponed our tours. As we prepared to resume our visits to France, covid presented itself and any travel plans were again postponed. Now that we are seeing an opportunity to go home (for Chef Roland) we have decided that it would just be a time for us to go and decompress, visit family and make new plans going into the future. We'll scout out the possibilities of putting together a new tour package and determine what all would need to be in place to take a new group with us to La Berry to explore food adventures in the French countryside of Central France.
Stay tuned to this webpage for updated information regarding the potential for those tour dates!