PROVENCE
Come join us in Provence as we explore the incredible cuisine and wines of this region of France! We will explore the markets, the restaurants and the quaint towns of the region. We will tour vineyards and caves and have special wine tastings. We will dine in some of the finest local restaurants and private settings.

AGENDA
On Sunday, we will meet you in the afternoon at either the airport in Marseille, France, or at the TGV station in Avignon, France. From there, we will drive you to a beautiful farmhouse in the countryside near Goult where we will stay for the week. That evening, we will enjoy a multiple-course meal together as we get to know the other guests for the week.

On Monday, we will start th...MORE On Sunday, we will meet you in the afternoon at either the airport in Marseille, France, or at the TGV station in Avignon, France. From there, we will drive you to a beautiful farmhouse in the countryside near Goult where we will stay for the week. That evening, we will enjoy a multiple-course meal together as we get to know the other guests for the week.

On Monday, we will start the day with a French-style breakfast. We will then wander through two charming villages and learn about the history of the area. We will have lunch outside in the garden of one of my favorite restaurants in the village of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. That will be followed by a tour of historic wine caves owned by a friend in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. That evening, we will enjoy a casual meal at the farmhouse.

On Tuesday, we will start the day with a visit to Les Halles, an upscale food market that is bustling with activity. We will tour Les Halles with a local chef and then go back to the chef's atelier for a hands-on cooking class, followed by lunch. We will then have a walking tour of historic Avignon. That afternoon, we will stop in our local village on the way home for a brief tour. That evening, we will have dinner prepared for us at the farmhouse.

On Wednesday, we will start the day with a visit to the weekly market in St. Remy. Afterwards, we will visit a salt shop and a chocolate shop. We will have lunch at one of my favorite local bistros. That will be followed by an olive oil tour and tasting in Mausanne and then a tour of the historic town of Les Baux. That evening, we will have dinner prepared for us at the farmhouse by local friends who own a winery and a chateau in the area.

On Thursday, we will start the day with a French-style breakfast and then drive to the historic fishing port of Cassis. Cassis is a lovely village for strolling. While there, we will enjoy a nice lunch with scenic views. That evening, we will have a casual dinner at the farmhouse.

On Friday, we will tour the town of Carpentras with our good friend, Chef and Sommelier Serge Ghoukassian. Serge owns my favorite restaurant in Carpentras, and in 2008, Serge was named Sommelier of the Year for France by Gault-Millau . During our time with Serge, we will do a bit of cooking in Serge's wood-fired oven and then enjoy a memorable Provencal lunch with wine pairings. That evening, we will enjoy a tasting of cheeses selected by Master Cheese Affineur, Claudine Vigier. .

On Saturday, we will enjoy a French breakfast, and then depart the farmhouse for Marseille airport or Avignon train station.
COLLAPSE

MENU
Starter
Goat Cheese Custards with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Salad Course
Mesclun Salad
Main Course
Duck Breast with Poached Quince, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
Dessert
Pear Frangipane Tart with Creme Fraiche

Menus for prepared meals can be adjusted to accomodate food allergies with advanced notice.

RATES
Getaways in Provence are intimate and limited to small groups. The focus is on local, seasonal Provencal ingredients and recipes. The recipes are designed to prepare at home. Instruction is in English. Food allergies can be accommodated for with advance notice. Local transportation within Provence, all meals and lodging (in a farmhouse) are included.

The cost for the culinary week is $3850 per person (based on double occupancy). There is a $400 supplement for single lodging. Transportation to/from Marseille or Avignon, France, is not included.

SIGN UP