Latitude Cultural Center

La Toulzanie (Lot)   France

COURSE --  SUMMER,  2009

 Latitude is rethinking its annual program of courses. This decision was taken, in part, as a result of  global financial crises in 2008.

 In 2009, Latitude will  offer only one course, "A Taste of Southwest France." The cost for this course includes many restaurant meals. (Meals to be taken at Latitude will be 7 breakfasts and an initial  dinner and final banquet.) Aside from the initial and final dinners in the mill and all breakfasts (in the hangar), the following meals will be taken at local restuarants: Sunday lunch, Monday lunch & dinner; Tuesday lunch and dinner (no lunch or dinner-on the free day, Wednesday); Thurday lunch & dinner; Friday-lunch.

June 20-27
A TASTE OF SOUTHWEST FRANCE


photo of E. Barbara PhillipsAfternoons( mainly). Instructors:E. Barbara Phillips,  Professor Emerita of Sociology & Urban Studies, San Francisco State University,  and local historians, artisans, producers, castle-owners.

Discover culinary/social history of  southwest France via visits/discussions with farmers & artisans who continue to produce gastronomic specialities in  traditional ways. "Cazelles" (shepherds'  drystone huts), "pigeonniers" (dovecotes) & other Quercynois architectural gems will  be pointed out. Guided tours of a Renaissance (and earlier) castle and the beautiful, artsy medieval village of St. Cirq Lapopie ( with an explanation of how medieval churches were sited). Special visit to the 25,000 (at least) year-old cave paintings in nearby Pech-Merle (not a facsimile; rated 3 stars by Michelin).  Explore connections between food, family life, & national identity.

Notes: (1) The Lot is a leading producer of foie gras in the world. But, no "gavage" (the forced feeding of geese or ducks) is included here. If you wish to see this practice, we can arrange a visit to a duck farm.  (2) The Lot is also a big truffle producer, but the truffle markets are held locally in winter. Chef/bistro owner Todd Kniess of the Bistro Liaison in Berkeley will  host a truffle-hunting trip in Winter, 2009 if you wish to enjoy this "black gold" treasure and see how they are hunted. In summer, alas, the truffle hunts are over and so are the local truffle markets. You may wish to visit a nearby truffle museum, a trip that can be easily arranged.



Typical schedule: 

Saturday
 Arrive at Latitude between 4-6 p.m. Welcome Dinner in the mill at 8 p.m.

Sun a.m.

Buy or just enjoy/experience local produce at nearby market at Limogne. After lunch: talk about food & national identity. Free evening.

Mon

 Morning:  Visit the 25,000year-old cave paintings at Pech-Merle (not a facsimile!). Free afternoon after lunch. Dinner at 8.

Tues

Guided tour, the Michelin-starred Chateau of Cenévières.Lunch. Free afternoon. Dinner at 8.

Wed

Free day (only breakfast served at Latitude)

Thur

Visit a goat farm and see how goat cheese is made;.walking tour of  a medieval  town.

Fri

After lunch:  Visit St. Cirq Lapopie, a nearby, preserved medieval village, and architectural gems (pigeonniers, cazelles, bread ovens, etc.)


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