Cider, calvados and gourmet cookery in Normandy

For those inspired by Masterchef – currently being screened on BBC1 – and fancy brushing up their culinary skills, help is at hand in Normandy from specialist operator, Belle France.

The company is highlighting three-night ‘Taste of Normandy’ short breaks which are based at the family-owned Chateau les Bruyeres -  a delightful 18th century manor house lovingly restored into a hotel and gourmet restaurant - in the cider producing area of the Pays d’Auge.

Highlights of the package include a tour of the chateau’s kitchen garden, which is home to more than 100 different varieties of vegetables and herbs, an afternoon lesson with the chef in the chateau’s kitchen concocting delicious dishes from local produce, plus a session - with tastings – on how cider and calvados is made.

Attractions of the chateau, which is set in 25 acres of grounds, include an outdoor heated swimming pool (summer months only), plus an impressive collection of impressionist and cubist art which the family delight in showing guests.

The twin-share price of £659 per person, applicable between now and mid-July, includes return Dover/Calais ferry crossing for car and passengers, half-board accommodation with gourmet a la carte evening meals, the above activities and a complimentary bottle of AOC Pays d’Auge cider.

For peak season departures, between 16 July and 5 September, a supplement of £40 per person applies.

For more information and reservations, visit: Bellefrance.co.uk