| 
Avignon, Menerbes, Roussillon, St. Remy…these are just a few
of the picturesque towns for which Provence is famous. They are
full of history, colorful markets, and sidewalk cafes. If you’ve
never been to Provence, or even if you have, take a week to discover
the best this sunny region has to offer. Your host is chef Patrick
Payet who will guide and inspire you, taking you to little villages,
beautiful valleys, olive mills, wineries, and markets. In the afternoons
join him for hands-on cooking lessons featuring Provencal cuisine.
Accommodations are in a beautiful country home in the town of Rousillon. The villa features a swimming pool and vegetable garden from which you will be able to pick ingredients, along with olive groves and views of the surrounding countryside. The bedrooms are comfortably furnished and feature private bathrooms.
Arrival on your own in
Rousillon. Most guests arrive at either the Marseilles airport or Avignon
train station. Enjoy a lunch of Provencal specialties and learn
about the adventures that lie ahead of you.
Afternoon free time to explore the pine forest, the old village or just to relax by the swimming pool.
Dinner at 8 pm.
 After
breakfast, depart for the country market of Coustellet, where you’ll
buy local produce for the cooking lessons. You can also visit the
many antique dealers in town. Visit the Lavender Museum, then stop
at the antique market of L’Isle Sur La Sorgue.
Late afternoon cooking
lesson followed by aperitifs and dinner.
After breakfast you’ll go to
the village of Menerbes, made famous by author Peter Mayle in his
book, “A Year in Provence.” Visit the corkscrew museum,
which displays the history, technology and arts of corks from the
17th century to today.
Stop at a local winery for a wine tasting, then if there is time
you’ll also go to the ancient village of Oppede le Vieux with
its olive mill.
Lunch today will be a
cheese tasting featuring local delicacies. Afterwards you will have
free time to rest or perhaps to visit Cavaillon for sightseeing
and shopping.
Late afternoon cooking
lesson followed by an aperitif and dinner.
 After
breakfast visit the unusual village of the “Bories.”
These beehive dwellings were constructed of dry stone by shepherds
in the Neolithic times and were inhabited up until the early 20th
century. Stop at the village of Gordes, classified as one of the
most beautiful villages in France for the past 14 years.
Lunch and afternoon on
your own. Patrick suggests you visit the beautiful village of Bonnieux
and its nearby cedar forest.
Late afternoon cooking
class, aperitifs, and dinner.
Day
Five
Morning visit to the Abbey
of Senanque, a superb Roman building, located in the heart of the
small valley of the Senancole. Then it’s on to Roussillon,
a picturesque hilltop village perched on a bed of red and yellow
ochre, which has been used to color the façades of the local
buildings for hundreds of years.
Lunch and afternoon on
your own. Some suggestions for your free time: tour the Fontaine
de Vaucluse, a beautiful waterfall.
Late afternoon cooking
class, aperitifs and dinner.
Day
Six
Morning visit to Avignon
where you will see the famous Bridge Saint Benezet and the Papal
Palace. Lunch and afternoon on your own to explore the town.
Late afternoon cooking class, aperitifs, and dinner.
Day
Seven
Morning visit to Les Baux-de-Provence,
perched on a chalky rock above olive groves and vineyards.
Lunch will be in St. Remy de Provence, renowned for its Roman ruins.
You’ll have time to explore the town on your own.
Late afternoon cooking class followed by aperitifs and dinner.
Day
Eight
Breakfast with Patrick
and a fond farewell to newfound friends in Provence.
|
