Vermont chefs from the New England Culinary Institute (NECI) have been selected to participate in a cultural exchange with France this summer.

Coinciding with the first 10 day festival to celebrate Independence Day of both countries - Bastille Day July 14 and the 4th of July in the U.S., the Vermont chefs will be partnered on the French side in the Burgundy region of France.

Organized by American-French chef Alex Miles, the chefs who will participate include Executive Chef Peter Pryor of the Essex and Chef- Instructor Michael Gunyan.

Other participants include Amy Chamberlain owner of The Perfect Wife in Manchester and Kirk and Katie Fiore owners of Sugarsnaps in Burlington.

"We are thrilled that New England Culinary Institute as the most prestigious culinary institute has been chosen to participate in this culinary and cultural exchange with France" said Fran Voigt, President of NECI.

"Vermont, like France has become known as a prime culinary destination and much of that is due to the quality chefs in the state as well as the quality of products produced by local farmers," he added.