Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome Reception
We will pick you up at the Avignon TGV train station. Upon your arrival at our guesthouse, you will have time to settle in and explore the village. In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed by a gourmet dinner.         

Day 2: Olive Oil and Truffle Hunt in Gordes

Morning: From Olive Tree to Oil
A local producer of olive oil will take us on a walk through his olive fields and share with us his knowledge and passion for olives.

After the walk, he will show us the olive mill and the visit will finish with a tasting of his olive oil and tapenade (a purée of black or green olives). The history and the production of olives will have no secret for you after this enjoyable visit. You will have a chance to buy all olive products like tapenade, oil, olives but also bowls and items made out of olive wood.

Lunch in the hilltop village of Gordes
The amazing village of Gordes, listed "one of the most beautiful villages in France", sits on a rock with an incredible view on vineyards and hills.

Afternoon: Truffle Hunting and Tasting
Haven't you always dreamed of going truffle hunting? Now you have the opportunity to do so!

Discover the secret of this mysterious mushroom. The truffle is a specialty of Provence. In April, you may be able to find either the Winter black truffle or already the Spring white truffle. We will be accompanied by a Master and his dog who will teach us how to find the truffles under the oaks. Meeting a local farmer will be an unique experience.

Back at his farm, we will have time to savor some truffle on toasts served with wine from Luberon.
        
Day 3: Learning from "One Star Michelin Guide" Chef

Today we will go to the food market accompanied with a Professional Chef. He will share with you his tips and tricks: How to choose the fresh vegetables? Is the smell a big help? How to recognize fresh fish?

Back at the chef's workshop with your fresh products, you will learn how to prepare a three course Provencal meal: hors d'oeuvres, main dish and dessert.

You will savor your meal with the chef. It will be served with special wines selected by the sommelier.

Back home mid afternoon, you will have the choice between relaxing by the pool at our hotel or exploring St Remy de Provence.

Day 4: Ratatouille and Chateau Neuf du Pape Wine

Morning: Cooking session in a farm
Located near Mont Ventoux, the Pedagogic Farm will open its doors to us so that we can discover their biologic agriculture world: grapes, olives, lavender, cherries, herbs, forgotten vegetables and, of course, their animals. We will help the farmer pick the herbs and veggies needed for our meals and together we will prepare the typical provencal meal: ratatouille.

You will also have time to visit with all the animals in the farm.

Afternoon: Wine Tasting in Chateau Neuf du Pape
Chateau Neuf du Pape village is dedicated to its world famous wine "Châteauneuf-du-Pape" which is also part of the famous Côtes du Rhône.

We will have a guided visit in a well known winery, to learn everything about this famous wine, including a session on how to taste wine. The visit will end with the tasting of three exquisite Chateau Neuf du Pape wines.

Day 5: Provencal Market and Van Gogh in St Remy de Provence

Morning: Provencal Outdoor Market
Stroll and shop in the incredible and colorful market. It is an accessible and rewarding way to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the area.

Fresh food and its artful display speaks for itself. But there is much more than food: colorful array of Provencal fabric, tablecloths, silk scarves, natural soaps with dozens of scents and of course lavender products.
        
Afternoon: In Van Gogh's footsteps in St Remy

We will visit the beautiful old monastery of St Paul Mausole in St Remy de Provence. This is where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life and painted 150 of his famous paintings. This is now a nursing home that has a permanent exhibition of paintings by the patients.

It is very emotional and fascinating to stroll through the bedroom where Van Gogh stayed during his very troubled time in 1889-90.

You will also find beautiful reproductions of some of Van Gogh's paintings.
        
Day 6: Cooking in St Remy de Provence and Medieval Village of les Baux de Provence

Morning: Cook your gourmet lunch
You will have a chance to cook a gourmet lunch with a chef from St Remy, using ingredients you would have chosen on the market with him in the morning.

This will be a three course meal with hors d'oeuvres, entree and dessert. We will share this lunch together, accompagnied with wine.

Afternoon: Medieval village of les Baux de Provence
After our gourmet lunch, you will have the choice to relax back at the hotel or to come with us to the beautiful village of les Baux de Provence.

Discover this amazing medieval village dominating the valley and its Château. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the site provides a unique view over the vineyards and olive fields of Provence towards the sea.
    
Day 7: Pastry cooking at la Mirande in Avignon

Morning: Free time in Avignon
This morning you will have leisure time in Avignon. There is so much to do.

Visit the Palace of the Popes (the size of four normal French cathedrals). This amazing and expansive structure is the highlight of Avignon.

You can also stroll in the old streets in search of antique dealers and art galleries, visit the daily covered market, or shop for Provencal materials, ceramics, pottery and other specialties of the region.

You will also have a huge choice of museums (10 in the old Avignon) including one with paintings from Cezanne, Van Gogh, Picasso, Degas, Modigliani,…

Afternoon: Cooking workshop at the 4 star Hotel La Mirande
The venue for our cooking session will take place in one of the oldest and most prestigious properties in Avignon: the 4-star hotel, La Mirande. The classroom is an impressive kitchen from the 19th century with its ancient cast-iron stove.
Le Marmiton, which is the cooking school, offers cooking classes with many of the most reknowned chefs of Provence. Under the eyes of an expert chef, you will spend 3 hours preparing the most delicious meals or desserts (depending of the chef's specialties that week).

Day 8: Departure

After our last breakfast, we’ll say good-bye and drive you to Avignon train station, your heart-warming memories of a glorious week in the heart of Provence, still fresh for your journey home or wherever your travels may take you.

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