FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Our Street Address
The Walnut Grove Cookery School
9 Allée de l'aire
53380
Saint Hilaire du Maine
Mayenne - France
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Getting Here
Whether you are taking a train from Paris or Driving to the Farm on your own, we highly recommend these helpful websites::
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If you are arriving by train from CDG Airport, you may find this link helpful.
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If you have not yet booked your train tickets and need to, we recommend this website. Gare Laval AKA Laval Station is the station nearest us.
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If you are driving from Paris, you may find this link helpful.
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If arriving by car, kindly note:
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The Walnut Grove is in the department of Mayenne, part of the Pays de la Loire. The property is situated between the village of Saint Hilaire du Maine and Ernée, on the D514 road. You drive through Saint Hilaire du Maine and it is 3km on the right hand side of the road. Follow the driveway down it is the 2nd house. Complimentary Guest parking is provided on site.
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Checkin / Arrival Times
For all guests, arrival time / check-in time is 5pm. Please schedule yourselves accordingly. We are a small business, we may be organizing last minute details and unable to welcome you if you arrive before the designated check-in time.
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Check-out / Departure Times
For all guests, departure time is 10am.
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*IMPORTANT: If you plan to take the train to Laval, you need to get the train that leaves Paris Montparnasse 1 & 2 at 14.41 and arrives 15.57 - the train before is too early and we are not able to meet this train, and the train after is too late - you will miss the introductory talk. Eric, your host, will be in the train station and will have a sign saying "Walnut Grove Cookery School" so you can recognize him. For the return train on Thursday the school provides a transfer for the train that leaves Laval at 10.04 (the times can vary). Please note that these two train times are the only ones we are able to provide a FREE transfer for.
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Our Website Address
www.thefrenchcookingschool.com
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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What to Expect
Our courses are immersive & hands-on. You will be cooking! You will be in the kitchen working alongside our team. Expect to focus on learning through active participation. This means the majority of your time will be spent in our kitchen.
Depending on the course you've selected, when we are not in the kitchen, we want you to learn how we source ingredients from our farm - giving you a basket and the opportunities to extract directly from the soil wherever possible. Additionally, French markets and optional excursions to places like Villedieu les Poeles, Cancale, or Le Mont Saint Michel will round out your experience. Therefore, be sure to select the Beyond The Kitchen Cultural Tours that interest you most.
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What to Wear
As far as clothing is concerned, you will not be needing cocktail dresses and high-heel shoes, nor suit and ties. Additionally, although aprons are provided for the cooking sessions, you should be wearing comfortable clothes that you don’t mind staining (it happens!). Closed toed shoes are required when in the kitchen. In case of rain, your shoes might get muddy if we visit a farm, so choose your footwear accordingly. Lastly, for health & hygiene, persons with long hair will be asked to tie their hair back or up when we are working in the kitchen.
There is no real dress code for the evenings, people often freshen up a little before dinner, but because you are cooking and learning the presentation of the food there is no point being too dressed up.
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Coursework & Recipes
You will be given a folder with all the recipes, Most people do take some notes for themselves. So feel free to bring a pen/pencil and notebook of your liking with you on the first day of class. All recipes and course materials are printed in English. We invite you to view our sample itineraries and menus prior to arrival.
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Our Prices Include
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Guest accommodations at the Farm or In the Village.
All course instruction & equipment.
Excursions, as noted, in the course descriptions.
Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinners as noted in the course descriptions.
Please Note: Most itineraries include a welcome Champagne & Canape' Reception; A Six Course Gourmet Dinner Prepared by Chef Duvin; Remaining Nights: Gourmet Dinners Prepared by the Students with Chef's Assistance.
All transportation for activities listed in each itinerary is included, providing smooth and hassle-free travel throughout your entire experience.
Roundtrip transfers from Gare Laval (at certain times only)
Complimentary On-site Parking
Complimentary access to Wi-Fi
A comprehensive recipe folder to guide your culinary journey, making it easy to recreate delicious dishes at home.
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Our Prices Exclude
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Guest laundry / valet
Wine or spirits ordered on-site
Any gifts purchases on-site
Airfare, train or car rental fees associated with your travel
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Our Booking Terms & Conditions
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