Good Housekeeping (UK)

Get a taste of the Rhône with RAYMOND BLANC

Join one of the world’s finest chefs on an idyllic foodie river cruise through southern France

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MEET OUR SPECIAL GUEST

One of the best-known chefs in the world, Raymond Blanc is chef patron of the two Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’saisons in Oxfordshir­e. From a young age, he helped his father grow vegetables and fell in love with food standing at the frying pan with Maman Blanc. A regular on Saturday Kitchen, Raymond has presented numerous series, including his recent ITV show Simply Raymond.

With sunflowers and lavender in full bloom, July is the one of the best times to visit southern France. From rich Burgundy wines and fine cheeses to zesty rosé from Provence, the region is one of Europe’s ultimate destinatio­ns for food and wine lovers. On this all-inclusive Rhône cruise, you’ll be joined by Frenchman Raymond Blanc. His Le Manoir restaurant has spawned talented chefs, including Marco Pierre White, Heston Blumenthal and Michael Caines.

‘French life revolves around mealtimes and my family was no exception,’ says Raymond. ‘For my mother, cooking was an act of love. At an early age, I was taught to love and respect food.’

You’ll see that love on display as you take part in an interactiv­e cookery demonstrat­ion with Raymond, ask him your questions during a Q&A session and book signing, and enjoy a dinner with a menu that he will choose himself.

You’ll set sail from Lyon and travel on the Rhône, stopping at Mâcon, Vienne, Avignon, Viviers and Tarascon to explore and feast on the region’s best bites. You’ll tour Roman monuments, visit vineyards and enjoy all-inclusive food and wine in the ship’s restaurant­s.

Reasons to book MEET RAYMOND BLANC

You’ll meet the chef and take part in exclusive events with him. Join Raymond for a book signing and Q&A session while you enjoy a cocktail, before seeing him on board the next day during an interactiv­e cooking demonstrat­ion, which will include the chance to taste his creations. That evening, you’ll feast on a menu of regional delicacies, as chosen by Raymond.

ULTIMATE FOODIE ADVENTURE

The Rhône valley is the jewel in France’s culinary crown, and you’ll get the chance to sample its produce. One highlight will be meeting a trained truffle-snuffling dog and tasting what it finds, which is exclusive to this bespoke itinerary.

CRUISE IN STYLE

Scenic Sapphire is an all-suite Space-ship, with all-inclusive food and drink included in the price you pay. It boasts fine restaurant­s, an elegant bar, salt therapy lounge, fitness facilities, and a sundeck with a vitality pool. You can learn how to

make local recipes from expert chefs at the on-board cooking school, Scenic Culinaire.

EXCURSIONS GALORE

Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice excursions, such as visiting vineyards and an olive farm, shopping with a chef then cooking your purchases, and after the doors close to the public at Avignon’s Palais des Papes, you’ll be invited for an exclusive Scenic Enrich concert inside the palace.

BRAND NEW CRUISE! EARLY BIRD SAVING OF £700pp

 ??  ?? Fields of gold and purple: see Provence at its most beautiful
Fields of gold and purple: see Provence at its most beautiful
 ??  ?? For gourmets, there’s no better destinatio­n
For gourmets, there’s no better destinatio­n
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 ??  ?? Soak up beautiful vistas from your luxury Space-ship
Soak up beautiful vistas from your luxury Space-ship
 ??  ?? No request is too troublesom­e for the ship’s team of experience­d personal butlers
No request is too troublesom­e for the ship’s team of experience­d personal butlers

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