Door Knobs of Jardins des Thevenets

I am feeling pretty rotten today. I'm not sure what's ailing me, Flu, horrid cold or virus, but all I can think about is Jardins des Thevenets in the Auvergne. Sitting outside at the dining table, under the roses with the sun shining on my face enjoying the warmth of the day.
I took these pics of the door knobs and window latches just before leaving in October. I enjoyed the little details I kept finding around the place. It seems like a good time to re-live the beauty of that October French Adventure. Arriving at Jardins des Thevenets, you literally have your socks knocked off by the beautiful view of the gates and manor house.
Inside is a feast for the eyes. Exquisite details become a part of a sensual experience. Red trim on windows with a burgundy tassel graces the Red Room, which opens out onto the front garden.
A gold metal door knob suites this gray door leading to the White Room. Pretty swanky, I think.
The door leading to the kitchen has a brass knob that sees a lot of use. This one I love, but I just can't remember where it was.
Originally green, then painted black, this one has seen years of use.
Same design, just subtly different.
My grandmother's house was filled full of white porcelain knobs like this one.
I love these windows in the African Room. The latches are beautiful. We had just arrived and Randy had stripped to his boxers, poured himself a glass of red wine and declared, "I'm so glad my life on Earth is over, it's so much easier now."
This one reminds me of my Grandmother's kitchen door.
Can't remember where this door is, but it's a bit unusual.
I love this knocker.
Kinda of medieval churchy if you ask me.
Red!
This one is very elegant.
I never realized how many red doors there were.
Tassels seem to make all the difference. As soon as I am feeling better, I am running out and buying tons of tassels to put on my windows.
All text and photos belong to The Gypsy Chef.

Aux Jardins des Thevenets, Come Along for a Cooking Holiday

I've just returned from one of the most beautiful places in the world. I felt I was living inside a magazine spread, only this was real. If you want a break from the world in a relaxing and creative atmosphere, where the food is wonderful and adventure is waiting outside the gate, Aux Jardins des Thevenets is the place.
I originally planned a visit to Aux Jardins des Thevenets to talk with Lynn and Olivier about hosting a cooking class. My friend Uju had gushed about the beauty of the manor house and surrounding area. She had known Lynn and Olivier for years and adored them. Lynn was described as a creative and inspired women and an absolutely wonderful cook. Once I visited Jardins, I knew Uju was onto something. The place was beautiful, the food delicious, and Lynn and Olivier were absolutely wonderful hosts running a comfortable and idyllic Bed and Breakfast. Recently featured in the Dutch magazine, Seasons, they were busier than ever. I knew I had to move fast if I wanted to plan a cooking holiday for the fall.

When I stepped off the train, a beautiful and very chic red haired women met me on the platform. Pam? With kisses and smiles we greeted each other like long lost friends. We stopped in the town of Vichy, so old world French. Spotted with Napoleonic Chateau’s, cafe’s and tawny shops. The people walked a little slower and smiled more. A world away from Paris, or New York for that matter. The world famous Vichy Spa, Les Celestins a tease for my poor jet lagged body. We had a complete tour, alas no treatment! I just wanted to lay on one of the tables and be massaged by four hands, with the Vichy waters pouring over me. We had Kirs at an outdoor cafe, sitting and enjoying the warmth of the sun and a cool breeze. Lynn and I had a connection, love of food, life and adventure. She was living my dream, a beautiful organic farm and Bed & Breakfast in Auvergne.
Breakfast was served on this marvelous table in the garden surrounded by tumbling roses and scarlet poppies.
Dinner was served in the beautiful Old World dining room. The walls and hearth were restored by Olivier.
If you would like to relax in a beautiful Bed & Breakfast in the scenic Auvergne country side, shop in the town market,
enjoy a hands on cooking classes in a beautiful country kitchen, dine on delicious food and drink wonderful wine, explore a medieval town, dine in a few wonderful restaurants and spend an afternoon at a spa than this will be the adventure of a life time!

Itinerary;

Day 1, Monday

• Transfer from the Vichy train station to Aux Jardins des Thevenets.
• Settle into your room with free time to explore the grounds.
• Join your hosts, Lynn and Olivier Chaulieu for a welcome aperitif and a wonderful dinner.

Day 2 Tuesday

• Breakfast and transfer to the medieval town of Charroux .We will visit Moutarde de Charroux, an old world shop featuring hand made mustard and freshly pressed hazelnut and walnut oils.
  
• Explore the town and lunch on your own.
  
• Return to the kitchen for a hands-on culinary class followed by dinner.

Day3 Wednesday

• Breakfast
• Depart to the town of Vichy for a visit to the market, return for a hands on culinary class followed by lunch.
  
• Dinner at Chez Kiki et Minou in Espinasse-Vozelle

Day 4 Thursday

• Breakfast, enjoy grounds
• Lunch at Maison Decoret
  
• Les Celestins Spa in the afternoon
  
• Return home for a hands on cooking class followed by dinner
  

Day 5 Friday

• Breakfast
• Transfer to Vichy Station

Dates; Arrive September 28, 2009 - Depart October 2, 2009
All prices are based on double occupancy

US $1200 per person
US $100 single supplement

Included in the cooking holiday:

• Arrival and departure transfers to/from Vichy train station
• Four nights accommodation in a double room at Aux Jardins des Thevenets
  
• Welcome aperitif at the Inn
  
• Daily breakfast
• Two Lunches and one dinner
• Three hands-on cooking classes with meal to follow
• Wine with meals during the classes
• Excursions as per itinerary