Detailed course itinerary

Go learn to cook in this beautiful country house amidst the Bandol vines and the olive trees in Provence. Your Michelin star Chef will teach you the fine art of Provencal cuisine in this pretty hilltop village of La Cadière d’Azur.

Learn to cook in a magnificent 19th century country house ‘La Bastide des Saveurs’. Boasting a well equipped kitchen and a delightful vegetable allotment, you will cook with the fresh Provencal herbs and seasonal vegetables grown in the gardens.
 
During your 5 night / 6 day course you will be taken on four culinary afternoon excursions where you will visit a local vineyard, honeybee farm, olive grove and cheese farm and see the producers of these fine local ingredients at work.

This hands-on Provencal cookery course offers a unique opportunity to discover the secrets of French cooking from a Michelin star Chef who will be your passport to Provencal cuisine and the Mediterranean way of life..

This is a wonderful introduction to Provence’s rich gastronomic culture set in relaxing surroundings, a must for any French food enthusiast.

Suitability
- Suitable for all levels from complete beginners to experienced cooks
- Your hosts are French but speak perfect English and will teach the classes in French and English
- Minimum age 18
- Note: We strongly recommend car hire to fully explore the area as there is no public transport available and taxis can be expensive in the area
- Note: You will also need a car/taxi to go from the hotel to the cooking kitchen which is around 3km drive each way and transport is not included

Solos Holidays
- These courses make great singles holidays and if you are travelling solo you can join an existing cookery group
- To check availability, please contact us on 08445020445 or email with your preferred dates and someone will get back to you very quickly

French Cooking Course Start Days
- This course runs on set dates year round
- All arrivals are on a Sunday, departures on Friday morning
- If this course appears ‘on request’ we can usually accommodate your requirements, to check availability, email us on or call us on 08445 020445 with your preferred dates and someone will get back to you very quickly

French Cookery Course Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival Day Sunday
- Check-in to your accommodation anytime after 2pm
- In the evening you will enjoy a 4 course gourmet welcome dinner served in the hotel’s restaurant
- Please note that drinks will be charged as an extra and if you would like wine, the hotel boasts an extensive wine cellar

Days 2-5 – Cooking Classes and Excursions
- Enjoy a leisurely French buffet breakfast when you rise for the day
- After breakfast around 9am-9.30am head to the cooking school location (3km away from the hotel – transport is not provided) for your cooking lesson
- Each cooking lesson will last around 3 hours and will focus on cooking typical Provencal dishes learning all of the secrets from a Michelin Star Chef
- After your cooking lesson, sit down and enjoy eating the meal you’ve just prepared with drinks included
- In the afternoon you will go on an excursion to a vineyard, honeybee farm, olive grove or cheese farm

Day 6 – Departure Day Friday
- After breakfast guests are asked to check-out of their rooms by 11am ready for departure taking home with them new cooking skills and an insight into French life that will stay with them long after the holiday is over

What Will I Learn?
- The cooking course will concentrate on the typical cuisine of Provence: its meats, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, herbs and sauces
- At the start of your course, your Chef will discuss menus with you to ensure you cover any particular skills you want to learn during your cookery class

About Your Chef
- Born in the village, Chef Rene's superb and richly innovative cuisine is based on the traditional flavours and fragrances of Provence and the Mediterranean
- Using only the finest local products, Chef Rene deserves his Michelin star status and along with his son Jean Francois will teach you to cook to the highest standards in a fun and friendly environment
- Flavours produced by the warm Provencal sunshine are Rene’s passion
- Although your Chef has won numerous awards his true love is passing on his skills and enthusiasm to others

Sample French Menus
Many herbs and vegetables are picked from the garden, dishes vary according to the season and what food is available may include:
- Tapenade
- Salmon with lime and ginger apples shot steam and fresh spinach
- Provencal stuffed meat
- Daube casseroles
- Tarte tatin du tomate
- Roulade
- Cripsy pastry with strawberries and thyme from the garden
- Caramelized apple feuillatage

Immerse yourself in the Provencal sunshine and way of life to pursue your passion for fine French Cuisine on this one day cookery holiday with a difference.