This was a writing workshop held in the relaxing inspirational company of other writers. The hostess Moira and Isabel went out of their way to cater for everyone. The food, activities and their love for giving everyone the best possible experience was unrivalled. Thoroughly recommended!

Moira and Isabella are fantastic hostesses. The rooms are quite comfortable, the grounds are beautiful in this hidden treasure tucked away in the French countryside. Moira arranged lovely excursions and both chefs we worked with or delightful. We learned so much and needless to say, the food is exquisite. For any anyone who enjoys cooking and eating incredible food, the French House Party should be high on your list of places to visit.

This was my forth trip to The French House Party and as before it didn’t disappoint, delivering beyond all expectations as usual, despite being in limbo during COVID, providing an imaginative and interesting itinerary of food related activities.

On arrival meeting with the other guests, a pair of couples from Southern Ireland the ‘famous five’ was created it was going to fun few days. Moira and her team had laid on a delightful lunch before out trip out to Limoux, to visit the ancient and historic Maison Guinot, maker of the Methode Traditionnelle Blanquette and Cremant sparkling wines, the origin of Champagne.

We followed this with a delightful evening meal and settled down for several days of visits, quality restaurants, cooking, eating and the occasional glass of wine (It always flows copiously!). Our two chef tutors with years of experience in high end establishments, one, Jean Marc Boyer the chef patron of the Michelin starred Le Puit Du Tresor in the tiny village of Lastours held since 2007, the other Gregory Legros, an extremely experienced international chef having worked in both Michelin star and high end restaurant and hotels for many years gave us some amazing lessons in a range of cookery skills and techniques which were both interesting and practical.

The cookery lessons were interspersed with visits to the local market, the Citadel of Carcassonne, Marion Les Chocolats, an artisan chocolatier who showed us how to temper and make numerous delights to take away.

As before The French House Party provided an excellent escape for a few days, lovely air conditioned rooms overlooking a swimming pool to cool you down in the summer months, beautiful breakfasts with hot croissants, cheese, ham, jams, juices, cereals, fresh fruit, tea and coffee you will NOT go hungry and lots to keep you busy during the day and convivial dinning in the evening also overlooking the swimming pool with stunning sunsets (weather permitting).

The French House Party comes highly recommended, this year in August, the very talented (genius) Mike Batt of Wombles fame amongst his well known songs is attending the school as guest tutor in a creative songwriting event so if music is your thing, check it out quickly as its sure to be an amazing event.