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.
Our Culinary Week focuses on hands-on cooking adventures along with the exploration of the cuisine and wines of the region. Our Truffle Week is a truly unique adventure that includes a truffle hunt, exploration of the truffle markets of Provence, as well as truffle meals everyday – some prepared by the group in hands-on cooking classes and some in fabulous Provencal restaurants.
CULINARY WEEK GETAWAY SAMPLE 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 the day with a French-style breakfast. We will then visit beautiful and historic Fontaine du Vaucluse, a medieval village built around a spring at the foot of a steep cliff in the Vaucluse region. 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 have dinner prepared for us at the farmhouse by local friends who own a winery and a chateau in the area.
On Tuesday, we will start the day with a visit to historic Avignon. While there, we will see the Palace of the Popes, the Pont d’Avignon, and other historic sites. We will also tour Les Halles, an upscale food market that is bustling with activity. We will have a casual lunch across the river from Avignon. That afternoon, we will walk a short distance from our farmhouse to the town of Goult for a tour of the village. That evening, we will enjoy a cooking class at the farmhouse with an accomplished French chef. That will be followed by dinner paired with local wines.
On Wednesday, we will start the day with a visit to the weekly market in St. Remy. Afterwards, we will visit a salt shop, a chocolate shop and a local art gallery. 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 a casual cooking class followed by dinner at the farmhouse.
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 of the Calanques – deep, narrow inlets in the rocky cliffs along the coast between Cassis and Marseille. 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 have a farewell dinner in one of my favorite local restaurants.
On Saturday, we will enjoy a French breakfast, and then depart the farmhouse for Marseille airport or Avignon train station.
Classes 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 $3500 per person (based on double occupancy). There is a $350 supplement for single lodging. Transportation to/from Marseille or Avignon, France, is not included.