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In the heart of Provence is the village of Collias, an undiscovered gem just 20 minutes from Avignon. It is here that you will find hostellerie Le Castellas, a luxury hotel created from three 17th century buildings. Set in the middle of the village, Le Castellas is a haven of tranquility. Its gardens and Roman pool are draped with wisteria and framed by stone arches. 20 rooms and suites are spread among the buildings, each with its own special style. All rooms feature private bathrooms, telephone, mini bar, television free internet access and air conditioning.
 The hostellerie is also home to one of France’s most exciting chefs. Jérôme Nutile was awarded his second Michelin star in 2009. Jérome was sous-chef to Georges Blanc in a 3 star Michelin restaurant and describes his style as classic mixed with a creative and contemporary feel. Each morning, Chef Nutile offers his “Face to Face” lessons in which the student actively participates in the life of the restaurant kitchen. From the arrival of the produce to the creation of recipes on the menu, the chef unveils to his one-day apprentice his precise moves and his secrets in order to succeed in creating flavorsome dishes and desserts. At the student’s wishes, he/she can be active or passive during the lesson. During the lessons, as he does with his menu, Jérôme Nutile puts to use seasonal products, locally grown.
In your free time, explore the some of the amazing sights that surround Collias such as the ancient aquaduct, Pont du Gard. You can also visit the
ancient town of Uzes and of course, the Papal City of Avignon.
 Arrival on your own at Le Castellas. The property is conveniently located 20 minutes from the Avignon TGV station and an hour from the Aix-Marseilles airport.
Tonight enjoy a gourmet welcome dinner at the restaurant.
 After breakfast, enjoy a three hour cooking lesson with Chef Nutile. Your level of participation is up to you. Soak up the atmosphere of the Michelin star kitchen or roll your sleeves up and learn hands-on.
Enjoy lunch with the chef in the kitchen.
Afternoon on your own to explore the surrounding sights. We suggest the Pont du Gard today... a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pont du Gard dates back to the Roman occupation of the region. Used as an aquaduct and bridge its conception and solidity are a reminder of the force of the Roman Empire. There's a fairly good visitor centre at the site but most guests are just happy enough wondering at the 2000 year old structure in its stunning surroundings of deep river and steep-sided gorge.
Dinner at the restaurant.
Join Chef Nutile for your second day of cooking in the restaurant kitchen. Here are some of the recipes you might prepare: Oyster and Aquitaine caviar
in a lemon zest butter with acidic droplets,
Royal Langoustine and pan-fried foie gras
laced with poppy and sesame seeds and gently spiced coconut sauce,
sSmall pieces of coastal turbot slow cooked with ceps
and oriental soy jus,
crushed sorbet with a hint of thyme and Frigolet alcohol,
Rossini style venison,
and fine celeriac purée with large-sized macaronis parmesan bake.
Afterwards...The Duchy of Uzès is just a few miles north of the hotel and it's well worth spending an afternoon exploring the narrow streets and shady squares. Smaller and even more picturesque than Avignon Uzès allows the visitor to imagine what life was like in the 16th century.
Dinner tonight in the restaurant.
Breakfast and departure.
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