In June 2004, the celebrated English chef, Rick Stein, visited southwest France to film the cookery series, "A French Odyssey".

The series followed Rick on a journey down Le Canal des deux Mers from Bordeaux to the Mediterranean and  was broadcast by the BBC in September 2005. The book is now available on Rick's site or from all good booksellers.

On arrival in the area at Le Mas d'Agenais, Pete (your host) was invited aboard Rick's 100 year old barge, La Rosa  and, over coffee,  introduced Rick and David Pritchard, the series' producer, to some of the secrets of our locality.

Amongst these were  Vétou Pompele, who at the time was the chef at your local bar and restaurant "La Halte Nautique", Kate Hill, the locally based, American cookery writer, and the local vineyards of Cocumont and Buzet.

As a result, Kate can be seen in episodes 2 & 4 of the series whilst Vétou,  "La Halte Nautique", the vineyards (and Pete!) can be seen in episode 3.  Vétou's recipe for 'magret de canard in red wine sauce' can be found on page 120 of Rick's book "A French Odyssey".

More important, once during each group's holiday here, Vétou has agreed  to prepare and cook the very same meal that she cooked for Rick Stein and which he later featured in his book. In an interview in the Sunday Times Rick later said that Vétou's meal was, "the best I ate alongside the canal during the whole trip"

Click here for details and pricing of our special "Rick Stein Evening Option"

Oh, and the reason Rick Stein chose to visit our area in the first place? Well, why not come down to "Les Peupliers" and find out for yourself? Even if you don't want to partake of our special "Rick Stein Night" option, if you like great food and wine, getting out and about in the region and, sampling the cooking is an absolute must!