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Imagine yourself staying in a 19th century stone farmhouse in the south of
France surrounded by fields of sunflowers, lavender and poppies.
Join Le Chat Gourmet and Chef Denene Vincent on this unforgettable culinary
tour in Provence, France – from fields of lavender to a Châteauneuf-du-Pape
wine tasting, our culinary vacation is designed to immerse you in the local
history, culture, wine and cuisine through daily excursions to nearby historical
sites, vineyards, markets filled with pottery, linens and artisan foods, a wine
maker’s lunch and hands-on cooking class creating regional cuisine
with seasonal ingredients – savouring all things Provence.
Small group size of 6-8 persons guaranteed!
DATE
Saturday, June 21st – Friday, June 28th, 2014
COST
$3,595.00 per person, based on double occupancy
NEW! If you have 8 people, we can book a private trip at your selected time to travel.
Prices will vary due to seasonal rates and will be quoted based on double-occupancy.
Call us to inquire!
Day 1
Late afternoon group transfer from the Avignon TGV train station to our private
restored 1812 stone mill farmhouse in the heart of Provence. The farmhouse has
5 spacious ensuite bedrooms, professional chef’s kitchen complete with French
Lacanche stove and outside barbeque area. The property is located on 1½ acres
of picturesque gardens that include a 43’x 16’ private swimming pool with pool
house, championship pétanque pitch and is surrounded by Provencal fields
and horses. Welcome aperitif and hors d’oeuvre buffet, tour of farmhouse,
time to freshen up and enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool.
Dinner at the farmhouse prepared by Chef Denene Vincent.
Day 2
French breakfast at the farmhouse – coffee, fruit juice, creamy French butter,
farm fresh jams, yogurt, assorted fruit and toasted crusty baguettes or croissants.
Free morning – begin with a stroll in the gardens, enjoy a game of pentanque,
swim or relax poolside under the Provencal sun. Lunch at the farmhouse.
Late afternoon 3-course provençal cooking class in the farmhouse’s
professional kitchen, followed directly by dinner.
Day 3
French breakfast at the farmhouse. Morning departure for a Rhone Valley wine
and lavender adventure, first stop Château Pesquié vineyard for a wine and olive
oil tasting. We’ll then travel on and explore the hilltop village of Gigondas which
rises up from the surrounding vineyards, followed by a winemaker’s lunch at
La Caveau des Gourmets – dine on a selection of savory verrines (gourmet small
servings) created from local seasonal ingredients and paired with complimenting
local wines. After lunch we’ll visit the lavender fields of Provence.
Dinner at the farmhouse.
Day 4
French breakfast at the farmhouse. Morning departure for market day in the
village of Gordes with one of the most incredible hilltop views in all the Luberon.
Gordes is home to artists and movie stars; the village is famous for Peter Mayle’s
best selling book ‘A Good Year’ and movie staring Russel Crowe. Wander
ancient cobblestone streets as you explore the market with local artisans selling
foie gras, lavender products, honey, salamis, jams, olives, cheese, herbs, spices,
olive oil, handmade soaps, pottery, Provencal table linens to original artwork.
Dinner at the farmhouse by Chef Vincent.
Day 5
French breakfast at the farmhouse. Morning visit to Saint Paul de Mausole Monastery
where Van Gogh took refuge in 1889 – inspired by the quality of light and beauty of the
landscapes he produced 143 paintings and over 100 drawings within 53 weeks, creating
many of his most famous works, ‘The Irises’, ‘Starry Night’ and ‘Vincent’s Room in
Arles’. Picnic lunch in the olive grove amongst the trees Van Gogh once painted. After
lunch we’ll visit one of France’s most famous attractions, the Pont du Gard an
ancient Roman built aqueduct bridge with three spectacular tiers of arches. Then on to
Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a private cellar tour followed by a wine tasting.
Dinner at the farmhouse.
Day 6
French breakfast at the farmhouse. Morning departure to the medieval and renaissance
town of Orange, founded 35 BC – we’ll enter via the famous Arch de Triumph and then
explore the Théâtre antique d'Orange – a first century AD ancient roman amphitheater
that remains the best preserved theater of the Roman Empire. Thursday is market day,
enjoy the remaining morning browsing through the stalls or exploring the sites of
Orange. Free afternoon to swim, play pétanque in the garden or lounge poolside.
Evening 4-course farewell dinner at the farmhouse prepared by Chef Denene Vincent.
Day 7
French breakfast at the farmhouse. Morning transfer to Avignon TGV train station. Alas,
this wonderful Le Chat Gourmet international culinary experience in Provence must
come to a close but never an end. You’ll have your memories and cooking class recipes
to recreate culinary delights – Bon Cuisine!
DATE
Saturday, June 21st – Friday, June 28th, 2014
COST
$3,595.00 per person, based on double occupancy
INTERESTED IN JOINING US?
Please contact Chef Denene Vincent at 517.663.7322
or via email at
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Chef Denene Vincent, Provence
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