Spring 2007 International Exchange Forum

Frequently Asked Questions

We have outlined some of the most frequent questions that come up when getting to and from our Exchange Forums.  If you have any additional questions, or need help with travel arrangements and transfers, please contact us: amanda@fieldtoplate.com

Q: Where are we staying in France?

A: Loire Valley and Challans, Vendee Region

For the first part of our program, we will be staying in the 16th century village of Luynes, located in the world famous Loire Valley. Situated approximately one hour from Paris, the Loire Valley, or “garden of France,” is a glorious collection of history, architecture, luxurious landscapes and magnificent food which represent the heart of French life, past and present. Like the river Loire, this vast region runs through the heart of French life. Its sophisticated cities, luxuriant landscape and magnificent food and wine add up to a bourgeois paradise. On December 2, 2000, UNESCO designated the central part of the Loire River valley, a World Heritage Site. The UNESCO committee noted that the Loire Valley is: "an exceptional cultural landscape, of great beauty, comprised of historic cities and villages, great architectural monuments - the Châteaux - and lands that have been cultivated and shaped by centuries of interaction between local populations and their physical environment, in particular the Loire itself."

In the Vendee region, we will be staying in Challans. This is a small market town located in the Northwestern part of France, west of regional capital, Nantes; a stone's throw from the Atlantic Ocean and the magnificent region of Brittany. Challans is the capital of the region: Breton-Vendée Marais, renowned for its markets and its quality "label" poultry farming: ducks and black chickens. The town boasts a lively food market, bustling commerce and is a superb source of first class poultry, seafood and produce, all exemplified in simple, yet masterful country-style cuisine. Challans was also the site of the first stage of the 2005 Tour de France. Challans is a short 1.5 hours west of the magnificent Loire Valley.

Web Resources: Town Website, Tourist Office, Location on Mapquest

Q: How do I book the Optional Weekend of Food and Art in Paris?

A: We have made arrangements with leading food and art experts in Paris, to arrange tours on your behalf. We will transfer from the Vendee region of France to Paris, arriving early Friday evening. Meet up with us on Saturday and/or Sunday morning for a selection of food and art tours. See the schedule for tour options. Make your own lodging and dining arrangements in Paris, or we can help you with those. Simply indicate when you register that you are interested in spending the weekend in Paris.

Q: Should I fly to France early?

A: We strongly recommend you fly to Europe 1-2 days early to acclimate to the time change. France is 6 hours ahead of East Coast time. We suggest flying into Paris and spending 1-2 days there and then traveling on to Tours (I hour south). Alternatively, fly into Paris and immediately take the train to Tours. Both Paris and Tours are beautiful cities and you will enjoy them immensely. At the very latest, you should fly Friday night from the USA to arrive Saturday in France. This gives you 24 hours to rest and acclimate. If you are flying from the Mountain States or the West Coast, we recommend you arrive in France on Friday prior to the Forum.

Q: What is the best way to get to Tours?

A: Tours is located about 1 hour south of Paris via train.  The train, the TGV, is a high speed train that you can take directly from Charles de Gaulle airport, of from central Paris. We can help you with you travel arrangements. You will need to buy a one way ticket to Tours.

Q: We are returning to Paris from a different city (Nantes). How do we get back to Paris?

A:  You can either take the train (TGV) or fly back to Paris.  Both are relatively inexpensive, depending on how far ahead you book. It is likely that the train will be cheaper because you are purchasing a single fare. One way airfares tend to be expensive and it is our experience that taking the train actually gets you back to Paris faster!  The train from Nantes also stops at the airport. 

Q: Will you be picking us up and dropping us off?

A: Yes – we will be meeting you and the group in Tours at a specific place. We will be dropping you off in Nantes either at the train station or the airport, depending on which mode of transportation you are taking.

Q: Do I need to purchase foreign currency?

A: We recommend you obtain currency once in France. ATMs in country are readily accessible and accept most U.S. bank cards. While the conference covers your meals, refreshments and transfers, you may wish to make personal purchases during visits and tastings.

Q: What are the accommodations like?

A: All accommodations are of superior quality. All rooms have private bathrooms. Both chateaus are exquisitely located in park-like settings allowing you time to walk and relax. We recommend you bring a hairdryer with you, if you use one.

Q: Are the sessions in English or French?

A:  All sessions are presented in English or translated into English. All documents and handouts will be presented, or translated into English.

Q: Do I need to be able to speak French?

A: Hotel staff at each location speak English. All visits and tours will be presented in English and a bilingual translator or speaker is present for every session throughout the week. 

Q: I am bringing a guest with me. What additional activities are planned for guests.

A: Guests are invited to participate in all aspects and events of the conference. In addition to the cultural tours and tastings planned on Tuesday, we will be offering an additional guided tour of some cultural Vendee/Brittany region on Thursday, April 26th for conference guests.

Q: What is the weekend of Food and Art in Paris

A: We found that many participants went on to spend a weekend in Paris after our Exchange Forum in Spring 2006. We have therefore worked with some leading professionals in Paris to offer food, art and history-related tours. More details will be forthcoming. The weekend is structured so that you choose where you want to stay and eat in Paris. We simply provide you with a range of cultural and educational choices that allow you to make the best of Paris, and spend some more time with colleagues if you wish.

Q: When are payments due for the Forum?

A: Early bird payments have been extended (thanks to the generosity of our Franch hosts) to January 15th, 2007. Final payments are due February 15th, 2007.