Foodie Fun in France
Paris, Lyon, The Rhone Valley and Château Neuf du Pape, San Remy, Uzes,
Aix en Provence & Marseille
This culinary adventure will be a deep dive into French wine and cuisine, and full of flavor, history, texture and friendship. It will include The Che Bella Foodie Fun in France Culinary Workbook and Cookbook, a 3-ring binder that we will fill with expert instructions, helpful tips and tricks and lots of authentic recipes.
11 days/10 nights
Post-tour suggestion to Nice and the French Riviera
Please inquire about pricing
Paris, Lyon, The Rhone Valley and Château Neuf du Pape, San Remy, Uzes,
Aix en Provence & Marseille
This culinary adventure will be a deep dive into French wine and cuisine, and full of flavor, history, texture and friendship. It will include The Che Bella Foodie Fun in France Culinary Workbook and Cookbook, a 3-ring binder that we will fill with expert instructions, helpful tips and tricks and lots of authentic recipes.
11 days/10 nights
Post-tour suggestion to Nice and the French Riviera
Please inquire about pricing
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Please join Tour Director Sandy Gregory and Chef Danny Serio for this culinary adventure through France.
National Sales Trainer and Corporate Chef for Key Impact Sales. Caterer and head chef at the “Che Bella Tours' Test Kitchen.” Check out his Facebook page for great videos about his work. 
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Foodie Fun in France Tour:
2 nights Paris 2 nights Lyon 3 nights in San Remy 2 nights Aix en Provence 1 night in Marseilles Post-tour suggestion to: • Nice and the French Riviera |
OPTION TO NORMANDY AND MONT SAINT MICHEL
Pre-Tour Day 1. Arrive Paris. Your Adventure Begins!
Overnight in Paris 1 night. Our smart and cheerful 4-star hotel is located right in the heart of the Left Bank, perfectly situated just a short walk from Luxembourg Gardens in the Saint-Germain-du-Prés district.
After we check your bags at the hotel, we’ll go for our orientation walk on the beautiful Left Bank.
Tonight: Included Dinner
Pre-Tour Day 2. To Rouen and then on to Bayeux, Normandy.
We’ll meet our driver and depart at 9 a.m. and head toward Normandy, one of the wonders of the world. From Paris to Rouen is about 2 hours, the city best known for Joan of Arc. Our local guide will meet us in Rouen for a tour of the city. We’ll visit the Cathedral and surrounding old town with time to explore the town and have lunch.
4:00 depart Rouen to Bayeux (about 1.5 hour drive). 2000-year old Bayeux is the only city that was not destroyed during the battle of Normandy. Our 4-star hotel is located right in the old town. It's the perfect departure point for our tour of the Normandy Beaches.
Included dinner in Bayeux.
Pre-Tour Day 3. Full Day Tour of the Normandy Beaches
Today is the day when we remember the sacrifices of a young generation of Americans, Canadians, British and French Soldiers who fought for our freedom. Our local guide will tak us on a full day tour of the Landing Beaches. We will first drive to Sainte Mere Eglise to see the famous church. This area is where everything started on D-Day: June 6. We are then off to Utah Beach. We’ll spend a moment at the Memorial of Major Winters (Band of Brothers, 101st Airborne), before reaching the German Cemetery of La Cambe. We then will go thru Pointe du Hoc, before continuing on to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. The visit of the German guns at Longue Sur Mer will make you realize what the Atlantic Wall was all about. The day ends at Arromanches and its temporary Mulberry Port, an all-important just-made-on-time portable port and bridges which allowed the arrival of thousands of troops and equipment necessary to the Battle of Normandy and the invasion of Germany. A poignant day.
Dinner on your own in Bayeux. Overnight in Bayeux.
Pre-Tour Day 4. Mont Saint Michel and back to Paris
This morning we have an early checkout and take a 1.5 drive to our tour of the island of Mont San Michel. Perched on a rocky islet in the midst of vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides between Normandy and Brittany stands the ‘Wonder of the West’, a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael, and the village that grew up in the shadow of its great walls.
Our guide will give us a tour of the island town and include a visit of the abbey. You’ll have a time on your own to explore and have lunch before we head back to Paris.
Dinner on your own in Paris.
Overnight in Paris.
Overnight in Paris 1 night. Our smart and cheerful 4-star hotel is located right in the heart of the Left Bank, perfectly situated just a short walk from Luxembourg Gardens in the Saint-Germain-du-Prés district.
After we check your bags at the hotel, we’ll go for our orientation walk on the beautiful Left Bank.
Tonight: Included Dinner
Pre-Tour Day 2. To Rouen and then on to Bayeux, Normandy.
We’ll meet our driver and depart at 9 a.m. and head toward Normandy, one of the wonders of the world. From Paris to Rouen is about 2 hours, the city best known for Joan of Arc. Our local guide will meet us in Rouen for a tour of the city. We’ll visit the Cathedral and surrounding old town with time to explore the town and have lunch.
4:00 depart Rouen to Bayeux (about 1.5 hour drive). 2000-year old Bayeux is the only city that was not destroyed during the battle of Normandy. Our 4-star hotel is located right in the old town. It's the perfect departure point for our tour of the Normandy Beaches.
Included dinner in Bayeux.
Pre-Tour Day 3. Full Day Tour of the Normandy Beaches
Today is the day when we remember the sacrifices of a young generation of Americans, Canadians, British and French Soldiers who fought for our freedom. Our local guide will tak us on a full day tour of the Landing Beaches. We will first drive to Sainte Mere Eglise to see the famous church. This area is where everything started on D-Day: June 6. We are then off to Utah Beach. We’ll spend a moment at the Memorial of Major Winters (Band of Brothers, 101st Airborne), before reaching the German Cemetery of La Cambe. We then will go thru Pointe du Hoc, before continuing on to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. The visit of the German guns at Longue Sur Mer will make you realize what the Atlantic Wall was all about. The day ends at Arromanches and its temporary Mulberry Port, an all-important just-made-on-time portable port and bridges which allowed the arrival of thousands of troops and equipment necessary to the Battle of Normandy and the invasion of Germany. A poignant day.
Dinner on your own in Bayeux. Overnight in Bayeux.
Pre-Tour Day 4. Mont Saint Michel and back to Paris
This morning we have an early checkout and take a 1.5 drive to our tour of the island of Mont San Michel. Perched on a rocky islet in the midst of vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides between Normandy and Brittany stands the ‘Wonder of the West’, a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael, and the village that grew up in the shadow of its great walls.
Our guide will give us a tour of the island town and include a visit of the abbey. You’ll have a time on your own to explore and have lunch before we head back to Paris.
Dinner on your own in Paris.
Overnight in Paris.
OPTION TO LE CHATEAUX in the LOIRE VALLEY
Situated between northern and southern France, The Loire Valley is made up of charming villages. The chateau has become synonymous with the Loire Valley from the time it was embraced by French Royalty as a safe haven away from the political back-stabbing of Paris. Today, there are over 300 chateaux in the region
Contact us to help you create the perfect chateaux route and accomodations for your group. Here is a suggested itinerary:
Day 1. To the Loire Valley - Train from Paris to Amboise
Amboise is a quaint village on the bank of the Loire River. Vast fields of sunflowers and castle peaks make the drive breathtaking.
The orientation of the charming city begins with the Amboise Chateau Royal, built on a spur above the town and he first Italianate chateau in France. We'll discover the detailed, behind-the-scenes moments of the Royal court’s daily life and enjoy the remarkable panoramic view of the Loire valley. Leonardo Da Vinci was buried within the ground of the Chateau.
We’re then on to Château du Clos Lucé, the official residence of Da Vinci from 1516 until 1519, when he died.
Tonight: Included Dinner in Amboise
Day 2. A Day of Chateaux
We'll start our day at the The Castle of Chambord. In the middle of a forest as large as the city of Paris, Chambord was the first Loire Valley chateau listed in the world heritage by UNESCO. Ordered in 1519 by King Francois I, with 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces, it is the largest castle in the region. Leonardo da Vinci is the creator of its incredible double helix staircase.
We’ll take some time to rent bikes, enjoy the included horse and bird of prey show, and lunch at one of the cafes in the area.
We’re then on to the Castle of Chenonceau. The unique architecture makes it one of the most exquisite Chateaux in the Loire Valley. Nicknamed “the ladies castle,” Chenonceau was the home of princesses and queens, including Catherine de Medici.
We’ll be transferred back at end of the day to Amboise.
Inquire about stopping enroute for a winetasting of mature Vouvray wines.
Dinner on your own in Amboise tonight.
Day 3. The Loire Valley - Saumur
A wonderful way to start the day is to see how the academy horsemen work with the horses, jumping, long reins, airs above the ground and classical riding.
The town of Saumur lies on a beautiful stretch of the western Loire valley. It’s a glorious area known for its odd troglodyte dwellings built in the limestone cliffs. Over 1,500 km of galleries, cellars and villages punctuate one of the largest and richest collections of troglodytic sites in Europe.
Lunch will be in a stylish restaurant in a troglodyte cave. Saumur is famous for its excellent sparkling wine, where we will end our day with an included tour and tasting.
Day 4. The Gardens at Villandry and Cooking Lesson.
We’ll begin our day at The Chateau and Gardens of Villandry, the last of the great chateaux of the Loire built during the Renaissance in the Loire Valley. You’ll enjoy a relaxing morning at your own pace, wandering throught the terraced gardens and chateau.
You are then on to spend the afternoon with our Michelin chef for a private cooking lesson followed by dinner in the 19th century house and a visit to their private caves.
Day 5. To Chartres
We leave The Loire Valley this morning and be transferred to Chartres. This afternoon you’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the town and see France’s oldest cathedral to learn about its Celtic and Roman history and see the magnificent rose window.
Included Dinner and Chartres en Lumières
Day 6. Morning transfer from Chartres to Paris or on to the next part of your itinerary
Contact us to help you create the perfect chateaux route and accomodations for your group. Here is a suggested itinerary:
Day 1. To the Loire Valley - Train from Paris to Amboise
Amboise is a quaint village on the bank of the Loire River. Vast fields of sunflowers and castle peaks make the drive breathtaking.
The orientation of the charming city begins with the Amboise Chateau Royal, built on a spur above the town and he first Italianate chateau in France. We'll discover the detailed, behind-the-scenes moments of the Royal court’s daily life and enjoy the remarkable panoramic view of the Loire valley. Leonardo Da Vinci was buried within the ground of the Chateau.
We’re then on to Château du Clos Lucé, the official residence of Da Vinci from 1516 until 1519, when he died.
Tonight: Included Dinner in Amboise
Day 2. A Day of Chateaux
We'll start our day at the The Castle of Chambord. In the middle of a forest as large as the city of Paris, Chambord was the first Loire Valley chateau listed in the world heritage by UNESCO. Ordered in 1519 by King Francois I, with 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces, it is the largest castle in the region. Leonardo da Vinci is the creator of its incredible double helix staircase.
We’ll take some time to rent bikes, enjoy the included horse and bird of prey show, and lunch at one of the cafes in the area.
We’re then on to the Castle of Chenonceau. The unique architecture makes it one of the most exquisite Chateaux in the Loire Valley. Nicknamed “the ladies castle,” Chenonceau was the home of princesses and queens, including Catherine de Medici.
We’ll be transferred back at end of the day to Amboise.
Inquire about stopping enroute for a winetasting of mature Vouvray wines.
Dinner on your own in Amboise tonight.
Day 3. The Loire Valley - Saumur
A wonderful way to start the day is to see how the academy horsemen work with the horses, jumping, long reins, airs above the ground and classical riding.
The town of Saumur lies on a beautiful stretch of the western Loire valley. It’s a glorious area known for its odd troglodyte dwellings built in the limestone cliffs. Over 1,500 km of galleries, cellars and villages punctuate one of the largest and richest collections of troglodytic sites in Europe.
Lunch will be in a stylish restaurant in a troglodyte cave. Saumur is famous for its excellent sparkling wine, where we will end our day with an included tour and tasting.
Day 4. The Gardens at Villandry and Cooking Lesson.
We’ll begin our day at The Chateau and Gardens of Villandry, the last of the great chateaux of the Loire built during the Renaissance in the Loire Valley. You’ll enjoy a relaxing morning at your own pace, wandering throught the terraced gardens and chateau.
You are then on to spend the afternoon with our Michelin chef for a private cooking lesson followed by dinner in the 19th century house and a visit to their private caves.
Day 5. To Chartres
We leave The Loire Valley this morning and be transferred to Chartres. This afternoon you’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the town and see France’s oldest cathedral to learn about its Celtic and Roman history and see the magnificent rose window.
Included Dinner and Chartres en Lumières
Day 6. Morning transfer from Chartres to Paris or on to the next part of your itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE PARIS. YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS! |
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Your greeter will be waiting for you at baggage claim to transport you from the airport to our hotel.
Our hotel is a smart and cheerful hotel located right in the heart of the Left Bank, perfectly situated and just a short walk from the eastern gates of Luxembourg Gardens in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, the center for bookstores, design shops, museums, churches, high-end art galleries, boutique hotels, historic cafés, restaurants, and the most beautiful real estate in Paris.
We'll start our time in Paris with an orientation walk and prepare for our included French picque nique lunch. We’ll stop at a few of the local shops and markets to pick up our groceries and learn a bit about the local delicacies. Add a few bottles of tempanade, some French mustards, exquisite breads and pastries, and then we’re off to meet my oh-so-French assistant who will have set up for our oh-so-French picque nique.
Tonight we are going to begin our Included Welcome Dinner festivities with a cruise on the Seine. Taking a boat ride down the Seine river at the beginning of your trip is a great way to get a feel for the layout of the city and gives you a wonderful perspective of all of the sights. After our tour we are off to a nearby brasserie for a classic French dinner.
During our dinner, you will be introduced to the history of French Cuisine and your Culinary Workbook, which we will fill with lots of great information, tips and tricks, and authentic French recipes during our tour.
Included dinner
Overnight in Paris, 2 nights with breakfast
Our hotel is a smart and cheerful hotel located right in the heart of the Left Bank, perfectly situated and just a short walk from the eastern gates of Luxembourg Gardens in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, the center for bookstores, design shops, museums, churches, high-end art galleries, boutique hotels, historic cafés, restaurants, and the most beautiful real estate in Paris.
We'll start our time in Paris with an orientation walk and prepare for our included French picque nique lunch. We’ll stop at a few of the local shops and markets to pick up our groceries and learn a bit about the local delicacies. Add a few bottles of tempanade, some French mustards, exquisite breads and pastries, and then we’re off to meet my oh-so-French assistant who will have set up for our oh-so-French picque nique.
Tonight we are going to begin our Included Welcome Dinner festivities with a cruise on the Seine. Taking a boat ride down the Seine river at the beginning of your trip is a great way to get a feel for the layout of the city and gives you a wonderful perspective of all of the sights. After our tour we are off to a nearby brasserie for a classic French dinner.
During our dinner, you will be introduced to the history of French Cuisine and your Culinary Workbook, which we will fill with lots of great information, tips and tricks, and authentic French recipes during our tour.
Included dinner
Overnight in Paris, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 2: PARIS CITY TOUR AND EVENING TASTING MENU |
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Our private tour will begin with a panoramic drive through the important sights on the Left Bank, then go on to the Champs Elysees, past the Arc du Triomph, Les Invalides, and Place du Concorde. We will finish with a walk through the Tuilleries Gardens and a guided tour of the highlights of the Louvre. Your tour includes admission to the Louvre, private guide, car and driver ... and a little gelato on the Île Saint-Louis.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Paris. Consider:
• Exploring the neighborhood and the bridges along the Seine. Along the banks there are the bouquinistes, or book sellers. The green boxes are filled with used books, great prints and all kinds of souvenirs. Across the Seine, near Saint Chapelle and the central police station is a flower and bird market. We will keep you apprised on the reconstruction of Notre Dame.
• Viewing the Impressionist Masterpieces at the Orsay Museum
• Seeing the Monet Waterlilies at the L’Orangerie, sculpture in the Rodin Museum, and Napoleion’s Tomb at Les Invalides
• Shopping at the funky boutiques in the Marais District
• Strolling along La Promenade Plantée, a three mile long elevated green space near the Bastille
• Paying homage to Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde at Pere Lachaise Cemetery.
Tonight: Included Winetasting with multi-course dinner.
You will leave tonight with full tummies and great information about the wine regions of France including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Languedoc-Roussillon, Val de Loire, Cotes du Rhone, Alsace, Savoie and the Jura.
Overnight in Paris
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Paris. Consider:
• Exploring the neighborhood and the bridges along the Seine. Along the banks there are the bouquinistes, or book sellers. The green boxes are filled with used books, great prints and all kinds of souvenirs. Across the Seine, near Saint Chapelle and the central police station is a flower and bird market. We will keep you apprised on the reconstruction of Notre Dame.
• Viewing the Impressionist Masterpieces at the Orsay Museum
• Seeing the Monet Waterlilies at the L’Orangerie, sculpture in the Rodin Museum, and Napoleion’s Tomb at Les Invalides
• Shopping at the funky boutiques in the Marais District
• Strolling along La Promenade Plantée, a three mile long elevated green space near the Bastille
• Paying homage to Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde at Pere Lachaise Cemetery.
Tonight: Included Winetasting with multi-course dinner.
You will leave tonight with full tummies and great information about the wine regions of France including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Languedoc-Roussillon, Val de Loire, Cotes du Rhone, Alsace, Savoie and the Jura.
Overnight in Paris
DAY 3: TO LYON |
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We'll take the high-speed TGV train this morning to Lyon, one of France’s oldest cities and the gourmet capital of France.
Enroute, we will learn about Le Bouchon Lyonnais, butchering ... and fat! No nation knows more about mastering fat than the French: cheese, pâté and especially butter, whether melted to make a silky hollandaise or bearnaise, or folded cold into pastry to make croissants or puff pastry.
After we drop our bags, we will have time for quick lunch near the hotel (not included) before we are transferred to our private French Pastry Class. Get hands-on experience with the creation of a medley of choux pastry based desserts and savory appetizers. In this workshop, you will make your own éclairs, mini Paris-Brest, chouquettes, and learn to make gougères. You’ll also learn crème patissière and pralined hazelnuts, essential elements of every pastry professional’s repertoire, but not as difficult as you might think!
Tonight, included Bouchon Dinner. Tonight we explore Le Bouchons. Cooks in and around Lyon learned long ago how to use the plethora of products that surround this central city to create hearty, simple family dishes. Bouchons are a type of bistro, their decor is simple, but the food and ambience of any good bouchon will warm the coldest heart. The majority of these establishments are family-run, and most of the chefs are women. Quaint culinary customs, like totting up the bill on the paper tablecloth, or serving wine in a glass bottle wrapped with an elastic band to stop drips make this an authentic culinary experience. Various piggy parts drive Lyonnais cuisine but, have faith, this French city is said to be the gastronomic capital of France. Dine and decide.
Overnight in Lyon, 2 nights with breakfast
Enroute, we will learn about Le Bouchon Lyonnais, butchering ... and fat! No nation knows more about mastering fat than the French: cheese, pâté and especially butter, whether melted to make a silky hollandaise or bearnaise, or folded cold into pastry to make croissants or puff pastry.
After we drop our bags, we will have time for quick lunch near the hotel (not included) before we are transferred to our private French Pastry Class. Get hands-on experience with the creation of a medley of choux pastry based desserts and savory appetizers. In this workshop, you will make your own éclairs, mini Paris-Brest, chouquettes, and learn to make gougères. You’ll also learn crème patissière and pralined hazelnuts, essential elements of every pastry professional’s repertoire, but not as difficult as you might think!
Tonight, included Bouchon Dinner. Tonight we explore Le Bouchons. Cooks in and around Lyon learned long ago how to use the plethora of products that surround this central city to create hearty, simple family dishes. Bouchons are a type of bistro, their decor is simple, but the food and ambience of any good bouchon will warm the coldest heart. The majority of these establishments are family-run, and most of the chefs are women. Quaint culinary customs, like totting up the bill on the paper tablecloth, or serving wine in a glass bottle wrapped with an elastic band to stop drips make this an authentic culinary experience. Various piggy parts drive Lyonnais cuisine but, have faith, this French city is said to be the gastronomic capital of France. Dine and decide.
Overnight in Lyon, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 4: A DAY IN LYON |
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Lyon is one of France’s oldest cities and the gourmet capital of France.
Our private morning tour will wind us through the historic quarter of Le Vieux Lyon, a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings, over the river to the highlights of Lyon and finish up at the famous food market, Les Halles de Bocuse. This market dates back to 1859 and home to no less than 56 specialty food shops and restaurants. Each stall is a small gastronomic oasis.
We'll spend the afternoon sampling delicacies, filling our workbooks with recipes, and learning about the Lyonnaise aperitif, how to create the perfect French cheese plate, charcuterie, quenelles (light and airy fish dumplings swimming in a gorgeous creamy sauce made with crayfish), pralines, tarts and more.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Lyon at your leisure.
Overnight in Lyon
Our private morning tour will wind us through the historic quarter of Le Vieux Lyon, a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings, over the river to the highlights of Lyon and finish up at the famous food market, Les Halles de Bocuse. This market dates back to 1859 and home to no less than 56 specialty food shops and restaurants. Each stall is a small gastronomic oasis.
We'll spend the afternoon sampling delicacies, filling our workbooks with recipes, and learning about the Lyonnaise aperitif, how to create the perfect French cheese plate, charcuterie, quenelles (light and airy fish dumplings swimming in a gorgeous creamy sauce made with crayfish), pralines, tarts and more.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Lyon at your leisure.
Overnight in Lyon
DAY 5: WINE TOUR AND SWEET INDULGENCES THROUGH THE RHONE VALLEY |
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This morning we head to Provence, traversing one of the world’s most famous wine regions, the Rhone Valley, and making wine stops along the way with our local Sommelier.
We will take a deeper dive into the region's local wines and "why's and how's" of food pairings.
Lunch and wine tasting in a castle. We’re then on to the vineyards in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The Southern Rhone Valley is distinguished for its big, bold red wines. The best known of these is Chateaubriand-du-Pape, created from several of the region’s 13 different grapes, notably Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah.
After lunch, we’ll make a stop at the Monastère St-Paul-de-Mausolée. Although it was a short time that Vincent Van Gogh was hospitalized there, it was a time of great creative energy. Despite, or because of, his fragile mental state, the year he spent here was one of his most productive—Van Gogh painted Starry Night and many self-portraits and landscapes during his time there.
We’ll finish our day in San Remy, a lovely little town to stroll and shop for those luscious Provençal goodies and crafts.
Overnight in San Remy. 3 nights with breakfast
We will take a deeper dive into the region's local wines and "why's and how's" of food pairings.
Lunch and wine tasting in a castle. We’re then on to the vineyards in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The Southern Rhone Valley is distinguished for its big, bold red wines. The best known of these is Chateaubriand-du-Pape, created from several of the region’s 13 different grapes, notably Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah.
After lunch, we’ll make a stop at the Monastère St-Paul-de-Mausolée. Although it was a short time that Vincent Van Gogh was hospitalized there, it was a time of great creative energy. Despite, or because of, his fragile mental state, the year he spent here was one of his most productive—Van Gogh painted Starry Night and many self-portraits and landscapes during his time there.
We’ll finish our day in San Remy, a lovely little town to stroll and shop for those luscious Provençal goodies and crafts.
Overnight in San Remy. 3 nights with breakfast
DAY 6: A DAY IN THE KITCHEN |
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Today we we take over the kitchen at a beautiful farmhouse in Uzes. We'll make a few local dishes, perfect our knife skills, learn to make the classic seven sauces and stocks, omelets, aioli ... and, of course, enjoy the day with food, friends, music and plenty of local wine.
Our Workbooks will be filled today with great recipes that, of course, have been adapted for the American kitchen.
Overnight in San Remy
Dinner is on your own - if you can!
Our Workbooks will be filled today with great recipes that, of course, have been adapted for the American kitchen.
Overnight in San Remy
Dinner is on your own - if you can!
DAY 7: THE LUBERON AND TRUFFLE HUNTING |
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Today we will explore the area of Provence called the Louberon. We'll stop and walk amidst the winding narrow streets, lovely old restored houses, and shaded public squares, immersing ourselves in the gentile Provençal ambience. We will also visit the countryside and taste the area's local honey, olive oil and wines.
We are then on to our truffle hunting experience in the misty woods of Provence. Truffles are a very expensive delicacy. Like mushrooms, they grow underground, so hunting is really more of an exercise in digging. Knowing where to dig and exactly how deep to dig is the trick. During our hike, we’ll learn about the history of truffle hunting while we watch the truffle-hunting dogs use their noses to find them and dig them up.
We’ll return to the farm kitchen and learn about the produces and fresh herbs of the area as we watch our chef prepare our included dinner - featuring truffles, of course!
Enroute, we'll learn about cooking all kinds of mushrooms and truffles, including how to store, clean and serve them. We'll also focus on olive oil and honey, including what to buy, how to store, and some good information on the importance of bees.
Overnight in San Remy.
We are then on to our truffle hunting experience in the misty woods of Provence. Truffles are a very expensive delicacy. Like mushrooms, they grow underground, so hunting is really more of an exercise in digging. Knowing where to dig and exactly how deep to dig is the trick. During our hike, we’ll learn about the history of truffle hunting while we watch the truffle-hunting dogs use their noses to find them and dig them up.
We’ll return to the farm kitchen and learn about the produces and fresh herbs of the area as we watch our chef prepare our included dinner - featuring truffles, of course!
Enroute, we'll learn about cooking all kinds of mushrooms and truffles, including how to store, clean and serve them. We'll also focus on olive oil and honey, including what to buy, how to store, and some good information on the importance of bees.
Overnight in San Remy.
DAY 8: AIX-EN- PROVENCE |
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We are out early this morning to head to Aix-en-Provence, one of France’s most beautiful cities and known for its gorgeous architecture as well as its vibrant culture and abundance of cafes and shops. It was the hometown of famous painter Cézanne. We’ll start at the Le Grande Marche, a Provençal cornucopia of produce, honey jars, cheeses, olive oil, tapenade, anchovies, octopus salad, sun-dried tomatoes, artisanal sausages, and of course, the local calissons — small, almond-shaped pastries that are an Aix specialty. Sniff, taste and sample. This will be the time to stock up for your trip home.
We'll add to our Workbooks today what the French call bouquet garni. A little bundle of bay leaves, sage and thyme to flavor stocks and stews. Then there is the classic French mixture of chopped fresh tarragon, chervil, chives and parsley (fine herbes) that is delicious over anything made with egg, chicken, boiled potatoes, fish or in a vinaigrette.
The rest of the day is yours to explore the small cobblestoned streets of the historic center. You also may want to venture on to the Cours Mirabeau, which is the city’s main avenue and cultural hotspot. The avenue is lined with beautiful plane trees and beautiful Roman architecture. The Cours Mirabeau also boasts many beloved cafes and restaurants.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Aix, 2 nights.
We'll add to our Workbooks today what the French call bouquet garni. A little bundle of bay leaves, sage and thyme to flavor stocks and stews. Then there is the classic French mixture of chopped fresh tarragon, chervil, chives and parsley (fine herbes) that is delicious over anything made with egg, chicken, boiled potatoes, fish or in a vinaigrette.
The rest of the day is yours to explore the small cobblestoned streets of the historic center. You also may want to venture on to the Cours Mirabeau, which is the city’s main avenue and cultural hotspot. The avenue is lined with beautiful plane trees and beautiful Roman architecture. The Cours Mirabeau also boasts many beloved cafes and restaurants.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Aix, 2 nights.
DAY 8: A DAY AT YOUR LEISURE IN AIX-EN- PROVENCE |
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Enjoy a relaxing day.
Hike or E-Bike the Luberon. There is an extensive and accessible network of walking paths and trails for every level. Walking paths take you through farms, vineyards, orchards and woods, past beautifully-restored homes and simple farm dwellings, up on the mountains, through the gorges, alongside massive cliffs. The countryside is rich with bits of history and evidence of life from other times, and you will discover special places that aren't in the tourist guidebooks.
The Lavender of Provence. Depending on the weather and growing season, think about a trip through the lavender fields and surrounding area. We'll begin with a visit to the picturesque town of Manosque, where the celebrated L'Occitane Museum is located. Our route will continue to a lunch stop at a quaint village which is also home to creators of quality earthenware and ceramics. We will then take a relaxing stroll through the amethyst fields while learning about the cultivation and farming of lavender.
The Life of Cezanne. Visit the streets, places and landscapes that marked the life, the outlook and the work of the father of modern painting ... "the father of us all!" Picasso said. Our optional walking tour includes the house and his grave in the St-Pierre Cemetery and his studio where he painted in his later years.
Overnight in Aix
Hike or E-Bike the Luberon. There is an extensive and accessible network of walking paths and trails for every level. Walking paths take you through farms, vineyards, orchards and woods, past beautifully-restored homes and simple farm dwellings, up on the mountains, through the gorges, alongside massive cliffs. The countryside is rich with bits of history and evidence of life from other times, and you will discover special places that aren't in the tourist guidebooks.
The Lavender of Provence. Depending on the weather and growing season, think about a trip through the lavender fields and surrounding area. We'll begin with a visit to the picturesque town of Manosque, where the celebrated L'Occitane Museum is located. Our route will continue to a lunch stop at a quaint village which is also home to creators of quality earthenware and ceramics. We will then take a relaxing stroll through the amethyst fields while learning about the cultivation and farming of lavender.
The Life of Cezanne. Visit the streets, places and landscapes that marked the life, the outlook and the work of the father of modern painting ... "the father of us all!" Picasso said. Our optional walking tour includes the house and his grave in the St-Pierre Cemetery and his studio where he painted in his later years.
Overnight in Aix
DAY 10. TO MARSEILLES |
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This morning we head to the sea! Diving into Marseille’s multicultural stew, we’ll begin our time in this fishing village with a walking orientation of Marseille.
We’ll explore Le Vieux Port, where local fishermen spend the mornings trading their catch in the bustling market and learn how to shop for fish and prepare the classic Marseille recipes:
Moules mariniere, also known as sailor mussels, is another seafood staple from the region, which is served in a sauce loaded with garlic, onion and herbes de Provence.
Bouillabaise is undoubtedly Marseille’s signature dish, a traditional fish soup that typically includes five different local fish types – rockfish, red mullet, conger eel, red scorpion fish and spider crab, although monkfish and crayfish are also sometimes used – that is served with croutons and a rouille sauce.
We will finish up our tour Workbooks with lot of great information on how to buy, cook and serve seafood.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy this vibrant town.
Included Farewell Dinner.
Overnight in Marseilles. 1 night
We’ll explore Le Vieux Port, where local fishermen spend the mornings trading their catch in the bustling market and learn how to shop for fish and prepare the classic Marseille recipes:
Moules mariniere, also known as sailor mussels, is another seafood staple from the region, which is served in a sauce loaded with garlic, onion and herbes de Provence.
Bouillabaise is undoubtedly Marseille’s signature dish, a traditional fish soup that typically includes five different local fish types – rockfish, red mullet, conger eel, red scorpion fish and spider crab, although monkfish and crayfish are also sometimes used – that is served with croutons and a rouille sauce.
We will finish up our tour Workbooks with lot of great information on how to buy, cook and serve seafood.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy this vibrant town.
Included Farewell Dinner.
Overnight in Marseilles. 1 night
DAY 11. TRANSFERS FOR FLIGHTS OUT OR CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY TO THE FRENCH RIVIERA |
Included transfers to the Marseilles airport to connect to your flights home
POST-TOUR OPTION TO NICE AND THE FRENCH RIVIERA
Day 1. Transfer from Provence to Nice. One of the oldest French cities, Nice became Capital of the French Riviera in the 1800’s and today is the 5th largest city of France. We'll enjoy a driving panoramic tour of Nice, including the cities Roman sites, Baroque churches, and the Belle Epoque and Art Deco architecture that characterizes the city. We’ll drive along the Promenades des Anglais and finish at our hotel where you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy the boardwalk.
Day 2. A Tour along the French Riviera. Our morning tour will begin with a stop at the Nice market, followed by a drive along the Cote d’Azur, or Blue Coast, with a visit to the Rothschild Mansion and its beautiful gardens. The heiress Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild had an Italian-style pink palazzo erected on the beautiful Cap Ferrat peninsula at the start of the twentieth century. After, our coach will drop us off at the nearby town of Eze. We'll enjoy a long winding walk up the seaside village, stopping at charming galleries and overlooks on the way and finishing at our Michelin lunch stop overlooking the Mediterranean.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Nice
Day 3. A Day of Choices in Nice:
• Stroll the Promenades des Anglais. Sit on the blue Riviera seats that are lined up along the boulevard and watch the rollerbladers and bikes go by.
• Walk around the Port of Nice to see the impressive yachts and colorful fishing boats.
• The Chagall Museum. Chagall was involved in the construction of the museum and produced his artworks to fill the rooms. You’ll see different works from different stages throughout his life.
• Explore the culture and cooking of Nice. We’ll begin the morning at Nice’s famous Cours Saleya market with with our chef to sample seasonal produce and meet the local producers. Then we’re off to her kitchen to create the beloved Nicoise dishes for our lunch.
Add some days to your stay. You might want to think about:
• Take the train or hop a bus to Monte Carlo. Live out your inner 007 at the Casino while gawking at the fancy people with their fancy cars. Then hike up to Monaco Ville and see the Grimaldi Palace and the very well-done Aquarium.
• Channel your inner-Hollywood with a day trip to Cannes and the perfumeries of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world.
• An excursion to Antibes and Biot. If you are interested in art and glassware, think about choosing this excursion to Antibes and Biot. The Picasso Museum in Antibes is situated in the old Grimaldi chateau and features not only a superb Picasso collection but also other important 20th century artists and a permanent collection of sculptures on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Biot, between Antibes and Nice, is a picturesque hill village renowned for its pretty glassware. There are several glass works where you can watch the glass blowing process and of course, shops to buy the finished product. Suggested reading for a colorful insight into Antibes: Mediterranean Summer by David Shalleck.
• St. Paul de Vence and Vence. These little towns tick all the boxes of Provence: winding streets, old men playing pétanque, beautiful views, manicured gardens, stone fountains and art galleries. You’ll have the whole day to explore and finish with a dinner of to-die-for rotisserie chicken and lavender creme brûlée.
Day 2. A Tour along the French Riviera. Our morning tour will begin with a stop at the Nice market, followed by a drive along the Cote d’Azur, or Blue Coast, with a visit to the Rothschild Mansion and its beautiful gardens. The heiress Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild had an Italian-style pink palazzo erected on the beautiful Cap Ferrat peninsula at the start of the twentieth century. After, our coach will drop us off at the nearby town of Eze. We'll enjoy a long winding walk up the seaside village, stopping at charming galleries and overlooks on the way and finishing at our Michelin lunch stop overlooking the Mediterranean.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Nice
Day 3. A Day of Choices in Nice:
• Stroll the Promenades des Anglais. Sit on the blue Riviera seats that are lined up along the boulevard and watch the rollerbladers and bikes go by.
• Walk around the Port of Nice to see the impressive yachts and colorful fishing boats.
• The Chagall Museum. Chagall was involved in the construction of the museum and produced his artworks to fill the rooms. You’ll see different works from different stages throughout his life.
• Explore the culture and cooking of Nice. We’ll begin the morning at Nice’s famous Cours Saleya market with with our chef to sample seasonal produce and meet the local producers. Then we’re off to her kitchen to create the beloved Nicoise dishes for our lunch.
Add some days to your stay. You might want to think about:
• Take the train or hop a bus to Monte Carlo. Live out your inner 007 at the Casino while gawking at the fancy people with their fancy cars. Then hike up to Monaco Ville and see the Grimaldi Palace and the very well-done Aquarium.
• Channel your inner-Hollywood with a day trip to Cannes and the perfumeries of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world.
• An excursion to Antibes and Biot. If you are interested in art and glassware, think about choosing this excursion to Antibes and Biot. The Picasso Museum in Antibes is situated in the old Grimaldi chateau and features not only a superb Picasso collection but also other important 20th century artists and a permanent collection of sculptures on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Biot, between Antibes and Nice, is a picturesque hill village renowned for its pretty glassware. There are several glass works where you can watch the glass blowing process and of course, shops to buy the finished product. Suggested reading for a colorful insight into Antibes: Mediterranean Summer by David Shalleck.
• St. Paul de Vence and Vence. These little towns tick all the boxes of Provence: winding streets, old men playing pétanque, beautiful views, manicured gardens, stone fountains and art galleries. You’ll have the whole day to explore and finish with a dinner of to-die-for rotisserie chicken and lavender creme brûlée.