Sample Itinerary
Monday. Arrive in Provence!
We’re there to meet you when your high-speed train arrives at the station in Avignon. After you settle into your luxurious Provençal chambre, we gather poolside for a glass (or two) of champagne and head to near-by Michelin starred bistro for a opening night wine and food pairing dinner.
Tuesday. Market Day & Cooking Class
A weekly market is featured in many villages but Vaison-la-Romaine's is especially good – and it's been held every Tuesday since 1483! We shop for the ingredients for our afternoon cooking class and have time to shop for linens, Provençal soaps and to explore the château in the medieval village.
Wednesday. Wine Villages of the Côtes-du-Rhône
Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Beaumes-de-Venise are some of the famous wines of the Côtes-du-Rhône, but they are also gorgeous villages dotted around the base of the Dentelles de Montmirail. We learn about the wines from directly from the winemakers and take time to discover the beauty of the villages.
Thursday. Lavender, Olives and Honey
The jet-black tanche olives from the town of Nyons are world famous and are alone worth the trip to their weekly market and at the local huileries (olive oil mills). We fill our shopping baskets with local honey, goat cheese, and lavender, and get a behind-the-scenes look at a small olive mill. Back home at the villa, there’s time to relax before we meet poolside for a wine and cheese tasting.
Friday. Picnic Lunch in the Vines
We head to vineyard for a guided walk through the grapevines, learning about varieties and cultivation, and then stop at a shady spot for a catered picnic. Our local wine expert will be on hand to describe the wines to us and talk about pairing wines with food.
Saturday. Cooking Class & Lunch
After a leisurely morning around the pool, or exploring on your own, we travel to nearby Cairanne for a cooking class in the restaurant of a renowned regional chef. Lunch is served on the terrasse overlooking the vines. On the way home we stop in at the local olive oil mill for a tour, a tasting, and shopping!
Sunday. Lunch in the Country
The day starts with Sunday lunch beneath a canopy of grape vines on the terrace of a restaurant that’s been run by the same family since 1929, where the Provençal sun dapples the tables set with colourful tablecloths and pitchers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. After lunch we meander up to the medieval chateau overlooking the village and explore the back roads of the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Monday. Breaking Up is Hard to Do
After breakfast we say our goodbyes and return you to the Avignon station (unless you have your own car) where you’ll catch your train to your next fabulous destination.