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La Cadiere d'Azur is one of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Provence. Just 27 miles from Marseilles, the town clings to a limestone hill, overlooking the majestic vineyards of Bandol on one side and the azure Mediterranean Sea on the other.
It is here where you will find the Hostellerie Berard, an elegant three star hotel celebrated for its outstanding restaurant. Owner-Chef Rene Berard presides over the kitchen, creating what he describes as "Cuisine of the Sun" haute cuisine based on traditional Provencal recipes. Chef Berard was born in La Cadiere and his cooking is inspired by the flavors and fragrances of Provence and the Mediterranean. He has strong classical training and has worked with such luminaries as Lenotre in Paris and Roger Verge in nearby Mougins.
The winner of numerous culinary awards, Chef Berard is particularly passionate about sharing his love of Provencal cuisine and tradition. You are invited to join him for a five night cooking course learning such specialties as bouillabaisse, tapenade, and ris de veau. The lessons are completely hands-on and are complimented by visits to local markets and wineries. A special truffle program and a watercolor painting workshop are also offered at Hostellerie Berard.
Afternoon arrival and check in at Hostellerie Berard. This evening guests enjoy a sumptuous Provencal dinner.
With no market on Mondays, today's cookery lesson is based on meat dishes and all the fragrant herbes de Provence used to make them really delicious. An outing into the beautifully scented hills will allow you to pick just the right fresh herbs for your recipes. Lunch follows the lesson.
Evening free.
Early morning visit to Sanary Harbor to watch the fishing boats come in. You'll get the pick of the catch! Lunch today will be a fish based dish, such as bouillabaisse made from the morning's best buys.
Afternoon visit to a vineyard to taste some of the excellent Bandol appellation wines and learn how to accompany your culinary creations.
A local farmer delivers the seasonal vegetables to be cooked up into an authentic Provencal vegetable stew of ratatouille. In the afternoon you will visit a beautiful olive grove and learn how to prepare the local specialty tapenade made with ground black olives.
Evening free.
Today's program concentrates on breads and desserts--Rene Berard is famous for his pastries!
Free time after lunch, when you may choose to visit the picturesque village of Le Castellet with its many arts and crafts boutiques, just across the valley.
Evening free.
Morning check out and departure.
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