Culinary & Wine Tours> France> Authentic France

France: Authentic France
Provence, France - 3 or 6 nights

Discover the authenticity of Provence by staying in a beautifully restored traditional 19th century farmhouse in the heart of the countryside surrounded by woods and fields. Enjoy breathtaking views where every scene is a photograph and the air is fresh and invigorating. The farm is truly a haven of tranquility. You will enjoy a continental breakfast, including homemade jams and preserves each day.

The farmhouse has 6 bedrooms located in a separate area of the house. Each bedroom is equipped with an en suite bathroom and toilet. The decoration of every room has been carefully chosen to reflect some aspect of the local flora and fauna, and the natural beauty of the surroundings. A spacious living room with library, music and board games is placed at the disposal of all the guests.

Your hostess, who ran a successful restaurant before deciding to live in the country, will seduce you with the delicate flavours of her Mediterranean and Provençal cooking. You will use organic ingredients which come from local farmers and producers, and of course, from her own delightful vegetable and herb garden. This really is a very authentic experience in every way. If you want to immerse yourself in all that is French, this is the holiday for you!

Your three hour hands-on cooking lessons will take place in the morning after breakfast. Your instructor will show you many different cooking techniques including steaming, salt crust, oven simmering and more with the use of many Provençal spices and herbs. The menus will vary according to the time of year the workshop take place. You will learn how to make delicious and simple Provençal dishes that you can easily re-create at home for friends and family.

A number of dishes can be prepared all year round including Bouillabaisse, Daube Provençale, Stuffed Rabbit, Gratin Dauphinois, Crespéou d'omelettes, Confit de Canard and much more. Other dishes vary according to the season such as Truffles, Foie Gras, Petits Farcis Provençaux, Salade Niçoise.

There are many walks, bicycle tracks, and picturesque country roads that will enable you to discover the Drôme Provençal, with its perched villages, castles, street markets and local artists and crafts people. Your hosts will be happy to give you suggestions on what to do during your spare time such as visiting Dieulefit to buy some beautiful handmade pottery to take home with you and visiting some of the amazing medieval villages like Poet-Laval.
 

*Inquire about a truffle weekend, available December to early March.


HOW TO ARRIVE

Closest Airports/Train Stations:
Lyon, Avignon, Grenoble Airports
Train: TGV from Paris to Valence or Avignon

"Dear Jo-Ann - What a lovely, cozy home in the mountains ... very peaceful and a great place to cook. What a wonderful teacher, explaining things very simply and I enjoyed my private cooking lessons. I really learned a lot about French cooking (Provence style) with very simple and delicious recipes. I was also able to practice my French as our cooking lessons were a mix of French, English and Franglish. Their English is very, very good but it helped both of us that I understood French pretty well. They are very kind and generous... Thank you, Jo-Ann, for setting up my special weekend and checking to make sure I arrived safely. The decor in and around the house is just wonderful - authentic French to be sure". - Warm Regards, Janice S., Paris, France

"A very rewarding and restful experience. A great chance to experience traditional French cuisine and way of life." – Fiona and Justin S., Sydney, Australia