French Cooking Lessons in Provence France

Be ready to discover all that Provence offers. We'll shop the local markets together in search of local ingredients and return home to prepare traditional Provençal meals in a relaxed atmosphere. Most evenings we'll meet on the kitchen terrace for an apéritif and dish of olives. You can join in and learn to prepare the regional specialties we will serve for dinner. You'll soon discover that I emphasize market-based cooking with a respect for traditional dishes plus a large pinch of originality. We'll make tapenade, aïoli, vegetable gratins (tians), roasted lamb, rustic tarts with fruit from the garden, and plenty of authentic dishes à la Provençal.

The combination of good food, good wine, and good conversation is the cornerstone of the Taste of Provence experience. You'll meet daily and mingle in the kitchen and across the table with old and new friends. There will be plenty of time to explore the rich natural and cultural attractions of the area. I'll share my discoveries learned over 20 years in the area, and help you plan activities and excursions. It won't take long before you're returning with discoveries of every sort — flea market treasures, an unusual wine from a one-of-a-kind wine maker, or local fruit to last the week!

A Taste of Provence offers programs in April, May, June, September, and October. There are three double guest rooms each with private bath. Limited to six guests a week. Ideal for small groups of family and friends.

The classic Taste of Provence program includes accommodations, tuition, five breakfasts, three lunches, five dinners with all drinks and wines, local visits. Air fares and local transportation are not included. A deposit of $1,000 is required at the time of reservation and is not refundable but can be transferred to another person or week this year. The balance is due 60 days before arrival. If available, single supplement is $750.

Programs for 2008 Reserve your place now!

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MARKET MENU We'll forage the farmers' markets for ingredients (and tastes), go home for a cooking class, and enjoy a long Provençal lunch together.

$295 per person (min. 2 persons)

April. 21 - 27	Cooking and Antiquing with Maison Rêve - visit www.maisonreve.com More info here!	$3,850
May 10 - 16	Fitness & Feasting with Mary Sherman More info here!	$3,500

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Breakfast is served every day, either on your own sunny terrace or in the dining room. Warm croissants, brioche or baguettes are served with home-made preserves and lavender honey, bowls of café au lait or tea and fresh fruits.

Click here and drop in on some of the activities.

Day 1: Afternoon arrival. Explore house and grounds and take a walking tour of the village. Welcome apéritifs and local hors d'oeuvres. Provençal dinner at home.

Day 2: Trip to the market day in Vence where we'll meet some of the growers and sellers and buy ingredients for dinner. Wine tasting and outdoor picnic in a local vineyard. Cooking class and dinner at home.

Day 3: Morning cooking class with Serge Chollet of the Roger Vergé Ecole de Cuisine in Mougins where we'll taste the results of our labor for lunch. Olive oil tasting in a Roman cellar. Dinner out at a restaurant or bistro of choice.

Day 4: Visit to Grasse and the Fragonard perfume and costume museums or to a goat cheese farm. A grand French Sunday lunch at the home of friends in the back country. Home via Gourdon and the Gorges du Loup.

Day 5: Visit to Nice and its wonderful Monday flea market. Shopping in Old Nice for our dinner. Opportunity to visit Matisse and Chagall museums. Class at home followed by a festive dinner.

Day 6: Linger over breakfast with late morning departure.