Views from Ahun
I told you right, that I would be very soon off to France to enjoy a week of cooking..? It’s been busy up till now and I had wanted to complete the Daring Bakers too as I totally love the recipe but with everything going on these days it’s hard to complete anything. So it does come at a fairly good time that we can relax here in France.
We’ve already done loads of cooking with Rob from Kookstudio Amsterdam and he and his wife have started a cooking/creative venture here in France too. They are situated in a very small town called Ahun, which is about 950 km drive from where Tom and I live. The area is absolutely beautiful and you wouldn’t believe how quiet it is here (ok, except for the occassional cow… 
They bought this place about 5 years ago when it was complete rundown and have managed to make a couple of gorgeous rooms, an outdoor kitchen and still give it the feeling of an authentic french place (with lots of brocante that is used throughout the in- and exterior.)
Painting by the river
Apart from cooking you can also learn how to sculpt with stone and get painting lessons from an authentic artist. I am really not into sculpting or painting, but if you are into it; the area is beautiful and apparently the painting lessons are real fun or so I’ve been told.
We’ve arrived here on saturday while most of the group arrived on sunday, but it gave me the time to take photos of a few of the rooms before they were occupied… We’re actually sleeping in the former cowstable.. They’ve really managed to make it look like a very cosy bedroom!
There is lots of other stuff planned for the rest of the week, so I am sure you will be hearing more of me in the days to come. Wifi was installed here today, (yes, hot of the press!)
Today is a day when there is no market in the area, so we went to the carefour for groceries and based on the ingredients we found we have come up with dinner for tonight which you will hear about tomorrow.
Outdoors kitchen area
That is the whole idea anyway during the entire week; to try and create a meal based on the ingredients we will find at the local markets. I think probably we will take turns in being the one deciding on the menu and if all goes well, we will actually also be getting a live rooster and duck to…. eh… prepare… if you know what I mean. I am not sure yet, if I will be able to go through the motions with that although I have done it before, but well, it’s different with live animals! All in all, it’s gonna be a fun week and I will be posting more. For now it’s time to go back and check on dinner for tonight. It’s sort of unnerving if you have to suddenly cook from scratch for 12 people! (ok, with loads of help, but still….)
O and that gorgeous red cat is Fritz….. Isn’t he cute??
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
seriously!? This is like a dream getaway!!!! Great photos and sounds like an experience of a lifetime. WIll have to check out what you made for Daring Cooks since I haven’t opened their website in months!
I’m in love……………….with Fritz!!!! What a beauty!!
How wonderfully relaxing Simone! This sounds like a dream holiday. Look forward to your next installment!
This is a beautiful and peaceful place that I wish I can stayed. Have a nice holidays plus I can’t wait to see your next post, Simone
a great place to relax and the open kitchen looks well stocked.
HI Simone – what luck to be able to spend a whole week cooking – now that’s a vacation!! Can’t wait to see what you cook up… and is Fritz your new cat?? Very cute!
It looks so beautiful there Simone! I am glad you are enjoying yourself!
I agree, a dream getaway…..photographs are stunning….
My dream holiday!
I will be sure to stay tuned. Can’t wait to hear all about it. Lucky you.
I’m jealous! That outdoor kitchen is to die for!
What a beautiful place! Can’t wait to hear more about your stay.
Simone..I would like to borrow your life for ummm say..a couple years..lol What a lovely place too cook and enjoy a vacay at the same time!