Visit to Cahors

Today, our class visited the Chamber of Commerce in the city of Cahors, France. It was about an hour and a half away by bus, but it was a fun day full of great opportunities.

We were hosted by the President of the Chamber of Commerce in Cahors. He was a very down to earth guy, and said he acts as President as a secondary role. He primarily sells cars, which would be uncommon in American Chamber of Commerces. The city treated us very well though, taking us to a Georges Vigouroux Winery, an authentic small town French restaurant, and a small farmer's land to hunt truffles!

The winery was a really neat experience, especially comparing it to the brewery I visited in Belgium. This winery specializes in red wines, mostly Malbec wines, but they also have a few other grapes they use including some Merlot and white varieties. We had the opportunity to hear about the harvesting process of their hundreds of acres, which can be accomplished in less than a week with the help of machines, the fermentation in oak or stainless steel barrels, and their differentiated marketing strategy (of their two tiers of wine). They do not sell to grocery stores, but instead directly to customers and restaurants. Georges Vigouroux is increasing exports heavily since France's wine consumption is heavily decreasing and countries like the U.S. are drinking a lot more wine in recent years. We were able to sample two of their Malbec wines, and they were very good. I am bringing back a bottle to the States!

After the visit, we enjoyed an authentic, French country four course meal of soup, duck salad, chicken and potatoes, and an apple dessert. What a day of delicious food! Bernard told me my face is fuller than it was two weeks ago, but I have many delicious meals to account for the few extra pounds!

To conclude the day in Cahors, we went to a small farmer's land and helped him hunt truffles (the very expensive mushroom, not the chocolate like some thought), and the dog was able to find three under a few of the oak trees! The truffles sell for 1000 euros per kilo, so a few truffles make these farmers good money. Even if they are all sold on the black market!

Tonight we enjoyed our last dinner with our family. Yet another great meal of salad and mozzerella and tomato pie. We watched a few episodes of Terra Nova with Bernard. It was a nice last night in before we leave Saturday morning. I am going to miss our host family and the city of Toulouse! I couldn't have asked for a better experience here!

Tomorrow will be a fun last day in France. We have a lunch at the school and a boat cruise tomorrow evening! A fun weekend ahead, including our first taste of Barcelona on Saturday! Updates on our adventures to come soon!