From September, when peak season crowds thin, Provence has a more intimate feel to it. It’s the perfect time to savour local products - while learning how to cook them. Famous for its mushrooms, figs and chestnuts, not to mention the truffles that come to the fore as early as November, here are 6 addresses to fully relish the flavour of fall!
Study with the stars at La Villa des Chefs in Aix-en-Provence
Around 27 chefs: Michelin starred, world champions and best in their class in France, participate at this unique cookery school. In the Aix countryside, Villa des Chefs brings together a vast range of talents in a state-of-the-art kitchen. After a welcome coffee, it’s on to more serious things, this is all about achieving savoire-faire with support as you create the Chef's menu. Set-up, cook and learn "dressage à la minute" – the art of plating up in front of your guests (very trendy right now). Fried mushrooms, poached eggs, truffle-flavoured olive oil and delicate shavings of brebis (sheep cheese) are enough to impress any audience!
Villa des Chefs (French only)
Share a morcel of the Mediterranean at MuCem in Marseille
Museum visit or culinary workshop? In Marseille there’s no need to choose: Mole Passedat cooking school is located in the heart of MuCem! A foodie harbour where you’ll learn about Mediterranean cuisine under the leadership of chef Gérald Passedat. Among the dishes to master with the three Michelin star chef of the restaurant Petit Nice includes “loup Lucie Passedat” a sea bream dish, a tribute to the chef’s grandmother who loved this fish. Cooked with a hint of truffle, it has a tasty link between sea and land.
Le Môle Passedat Cooking School (French only)
Discover the Provencal way of life in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Chef Gilles Conchy learned at an early age how to cook with his mother and grandmothers between Nice and Marseille. As a result, his workshops truly illustrate the bon vivre of Provence! In Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, start with a visit to the market to buy seasonal produce, followed by a wine tasting at a chateau. You’ll enjoy a scrumptious appetizer and participate in a workshop at your host’s beautiful, ancient Provencal house. On the menu this autumn: mashed potato with truffle, cabbage stuffed with chestnuts and gratin of pumpkin...
Accommodating nature with the Adventures of Taste in Brantes
Before donning an apron, you must put on comfy shoes! Because the adventurers of taste - Jacqueline, a plant specialist, and Odile, a lecturer on cuisine, will take you on a walk through the pretty village of Brantes facing Mont Ventoux. The goal? Pick your own lunch! You’ll discover edible wild plants and learn how to make an uncommon medley, such as hummus and plantain pesto served with cabbage!
Les Aventurières du gout (French only)
Shop by tuk tuk at the market in Avignon
Shop at the market Les Halles d'Avignon with a chef, then take a tuk tuk tour through the historic centre, before arriving at a restaurant in a former mechanics workshop... Beneath a large glass roof, transform the contents of your baskets into a divine Provençal meal under the watchful eye of chefs Pascal Barnouin and his wife Marie, you’ll feel welcomed at the Maison de la Tour!
Find out more: - Prepare your stay in Provence - Explore gastronomy from Provence
By Anne-Claire Delorme
Globetrotting journalist anneclairedelorme@yahoo.fr
