Dordogne, France
Europe Fall Land
Travel
September 19 - September 27, 2025

Dordogne: Flavors of Southwest France

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Tessa Desmond

About Our Study Leader 

Tessa Desmond, Professional Specialist, Princeton School of Public and International Affairs

Tessa Lowinske Desmond is a scholar and a farmer. She is a research specialist focusing on food and agriculture at Princeton University in the School of Public and International Affairs.  She is an oral historian specializing in community-engaged scholarship and teaching. She also manages two farms, one on campus and one where she lives.

Desmond earned her PhD at the University of Wisconsin, Madison where she was trained as a literary critic with special emphasis on stories of race and diaspora. Desmond’s work is interdisciplinary, using the tools of oral history as well as literary and narrative analysis to document the ways in which food and farming serve as carriers of culture and to understand the role that food has played in racial, ethnic, and social identity for generations. Much of Desmond’s current work deals specifically with seeds, seed stories, and the way that narratives attached to seeds carry history and important cultural lessons.  

Desmond directs The Seed Farm at Princeton, co-leads the Princeton Food Project, and serves as Co-Principal Investigator for the Heirloom Gardens Oral History Project. She is a founding member of the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance and serves on the boards of Native Roots Farm Foundation. She has received awards for exemplary teaching and community-engaged scholarship.  

About the Journey

Join us in Dordogne, where medieval charm meets modern sophistication, and indulge your senses on a captivating gastronomic adventure. From your idyllic home base, Château de Mercuès, a 13th-century castle overlooking the Lot valley and Cahors vineyards, enjoy the cultural and culinary experiences this enchanting region has to offer. 

Wander the cobblestone streets of historic town centers, explore ancient castles, and visit iconic sites including the clifftop village of Rocamadour and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Savor the exquisite taste of truffles freshly harvested from the region’s forests and join an expert chef for an inspirational cooking class. Dine in Michelin-starred restaurants and uncover the secrets of winemaking at renowned local vineyards, all while taking in the breathtaking beauty of the French countryside. 

For those wishing to continue the adventure, an optional post-tour extension to Bordeaux is available. 

Accommodation 

Château de Mercuès Mercuès, France 
Nestled amidst the rolling hills and vineyards of the Dordogne region, Château de Mercuès—a Relais & Châteaux property—stands as a majestic testament to the grandeur of the 13th century. The Château not only invites guests to indulge in the opulence of its accommodations but also in the culinary delights that grace its dining options. Its Michelin-starred Le Duèze Restaurant serves gourmet creations that pay homage to the region's rich gastronomic heritage. Savory flavors and carefully selected wines from the château's own vineyards make each dining experience a journey through the senses. 

Reservations 

Please register online or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.

Trip Details