discover our cheese tours in california + france
Every year we offer cheese tours in our two favorite places in the world: France + Northern California.
our france 2024 retreat is sold out. stay tuned for 2025 dates and exciting tour updates!
in the meantime…Why France?
What is French café culture?
And how is are our retreats unique from other tours?
The Napa Table and our philosophy of mindfulness and connection was actually birthed through our travels and experiences in France. Both of us have had long seasons where we felt bored, purposeless, and overwhelmed by the hustle and responsibilities of our daily lives. But visiting France gave us an opportunity for a new experience.
In France, we finally had time to really sit with ourselves and enjoy a meal. We had autonomy over our food and our time, and the focus was taken away from price and schedule and placed instead on savoring and connecting.
French café culture is really a blend of ambiance and connection. There is no rush. There is no restriction. You are treated as an honored guest who is expected and welcome to stay for as long as you’d like.
It’s about slowing down, being mindful about how you’re eating, and using the time as a means of connection with yourself and/or others.
That’s what we want for you! To take back your mealtime and really immerse yourself in a culture that prioritizes nourishing your soul, not just your body. This is more than a fun trip to Paris and Normandy—this is a vacation that will renew your whole being. A true retreat.
What is the balance of food focus, tourist attractions, and leisure?
Our retreats are a one-of-a-kind experience because of our expertise and background, and the connections and friendships made with farmers, cheesemakers, artisans and experts we have made that we get to share with our guests. You do NOT have to be a major foodie or cheese lover to enjoy this trip, though we think you might surprise yourself with how radically different your enjoyment of food will be in the setting we provide!
the ACCOMMODATIONS: france 2024
hôtel de la perle
Located in the 6th arrondissement, Hôtel de la Perle is a charming boutique hotel perfect for our retreat! The hotel boasts a gorgeous lobby, dining room and courtyard, along with rooms appointed in classic Parisian style. The beds are incredibly comfortable and each bathroom comes with bathroom amenities and a hairdryer. Our stay at La Perle includes a delicious breakfast of pastries, eggs, bread, yogurt, cheese, coffee, juice and tea. There is also a full bar with drinks available for purchase during happy hour. The staff is kind and generous and we truly believe the location cannot be beat!
La Perle is located in Saint Germain des Pres, a classic neighborhood located on Paris’ Left Bank. Known for its luxury boutiques, legendary cafes and a fabulous array of patisseries, there is truly something for everyone! La Perle is steps away from Luxembourg Gardens, Musee de Rodin and Le Bon Marché.
chÂteau du boucéEl
In the heart of the bay of Mont St. Michel, Chateau du Boucéel boasts a rich history in a beautiful part of the Norman countryside. Cows dot the fields along the path to the chateau, and you are welcomed to this charming country home by their flocks of white ducks and fluffy French chickens. The property is stunning and vast, with a beautiful pond, fields and forests for exploring, a heated pool and even a pair of perfectly sweet donkeys that love to be fed! The interior of chateau is gorgeously decorated in the Louis XV style, with each spacious room meticulously curated and crafted.
Our stay includes a delicious daily breakfast in the formal dining room. There is also an honesty bar complete with drinks, snacks and entrees created by Michelin-starred chefs available for purchase. This family-run estate is truly a treasure.
about normandy and Brittany
Normandy | normandie
Known for its vibrant green farmland and historic coast lines, Normandy is rich with tradition, from the land to its people. The region is vast and diverse, including its delicacies and food specialties. It also happens to be host to four of the 46 AOP (name-protected) cheeses of France! Along with its flagship cheeses, Normandy is also home to the land of caramel au buerre salé (salted butter caramels) and Calvados (apple cider whiskey). September in Normandy brings mild, temperate weather with little rain and bright sunshine, along with apple harvest and the last days of the cows out on pasture for the year. Our journey will take us to Camembert farms and coastal towns in Normandy’s Seine Maritime region, along with creameries, chateaus and the famous Mont St. Michel in the southern part of the region.
Brittany | Bretagne
Normandy’s coastal cousin, the region of Brittany is stunning with its clear turquoise water and rugged, medieval coastlines. Windswept and sun-kissed, the small towns that dot its coast are known for their cobblestone streets and best of all— crêpes! Not to mention butter, salt, oysters and the famous pastry: kouign amann! Our journey will take us to the Old Town of Saint-Malo, an ancient town surrounded by ramparts with breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Nearly destroyed during the Battle of Saint-Malo during WWII, the city was rebuilt and rehabilitated and continues to stun anyone who visits to this day.