French Cooking Classes, Market Tours, Ancient Villages and Provencal Hospitality
This is a Premium, Fully Hosted Tour
Provence is a magical place where the sights, sounds, and fragrances will make your senses come alive. From the rich, vibrant colors in the open markets and the locusts humming in the trees, to the aroma of the fresh produce, you will know you're in the heart of Provence. You'll be immersed in the scenery and discover the hilltop villages, the cobbled streets, the breath-taking landscapes, and the rich history. The Luberon region offers its own distinct culinary & cultural identity, which you will experience firsthand. Your week long culinary adventure is filled with visiting local producers, hands-on cooking classes, market tours, wine tastings, and several guided tours where you'll visit ancient castles and learn about the rich history of the region. There is truly a flavor for everyone in Provence!
Discovering the Culinary & Cultural Delights of Provence
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ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•6 Nights Village Lodging
•Round Trip Transfers to/from TGV Avignon
•Provencal Breakfast Buffet Each Morning
•6 Breakfast, 4 Lunches, 2 Dinners
•2 Hands-On Cooking Classes
•Domaine De Marie Winery Tour & Tasting
•Roussillon Village Visit
•Ochres Trail Walk
•Cheese Farm Visit
•Visit to Gordes & Sénanque Abbey
•Lourmarin Market
•Olive Oil Producer Visit & Tastings
•Lavender Museum
•Visit L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
•Bonnieux Village & Oppede
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
Available dates include: May 12 - 18, 2024; October 6 - 12, 2024. Groups of 4 or more may request alternate dates.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Arrival | Check-In | Welcome Dinner with WineYour chauffeur will meet you at Avignon TGV station or you can pick up your rental car directly at the TGV station and you're off to Le Moulin, a lovely hotel in the village of Lourmarin. You'll have time to settle into your room, unpack, explore a bit, maybe even have a quick swim. Enjoy dinner this evening at Restaurant L'Estellan, with a menu featuring local cuisine with fresh and seasonal products. The classics of Provence, revisited with exotic spices and touches, are the common thread. Your dinner with wine will set the tone for the week!
Day 2
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Provencal BreakfastServed on the terrace or restaurant in the quiet of the morning with the birds singing in the background, your breakfast includes a wide range of high-quality, regional products such as traditional, organic jams from Provence, Luberon honey, several kinds of "home-made" cakes, local cottage cheese and jams, cereals, fresh fruits from the region, pastries, deli meats, eggs to order, and a wide range of regional cheeses. If you have any gluten or lactose restrictions, please inform the hotel and a special offer can be prepared for you.
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Domaine De Marie Winery Tour & Tasting | Lunch in Ménerbes | Roussillon Village | Ochres Trail Walk | Cheese Farm VisitAfter breakfast, you will depart for a tour of the Domaine De Marie Winery — a 57-acre vineyard in the heart of the Luberon, a top wine-growing region. Here, the head winemaker will welcome you for a visit of the winery, followed by a tasting of reds, whites and rosés. Following the winery tour, you'll enjoy lunch at the Bistrot du 5 in Menerbes. Next, you'll head over to the village Roussillon, land of Ochres (which are amazing clay deposits that have been carved over time by the wind & rain). First, you can stroll around the small streets of Roussillon, yet another beautiful and historic hamlet in France. This village is like no other, with its explosion of colors that you will discover around every corner. Your guide will explain all the secrets of Ochres and will lead you along the Ochre Trail where you can fully experience this geological wonder. As you walk along the trail, take a moment to be delighted by the richness of colors ranging from deep red to light orange or gold-yellow, all in a landscape that is truly magical. You'll end today with a visit to a local cheese farm to experience how goat cheese is produced, and of course how it tastes. Dinner tonight is on your own.
Day 3
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Provencal BreakfastServed on the terrace or restaurant in the quiet of the morning with the birds singing in the background, your breakfast includes a wide range of high-quality, regional products such as traditional, organic jams from Provence, Luberon honey, several kinds of "home-made" cakes, local cottage cheese and jams, cereals, fresh fruits from the region, pastries, deli meats, eggs to order, and a wide range of regional cheeses. If you have any gluten or lactose restrictions, please inform the hotel and a special offer can be prepared for you.
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Chef-Guided Hands-On Cooking Class with Lunch | Visit to Gordes & Sénanque AbbeyToday, you'll be having you're first hands-on cooking class and learn some of the secrets of French gastronomy. This traditional cooking class, in the heart of Provence, will feature local seasonal products. You will work with Chef Jean Marc Villars to create a delightful three-course lunch. Chef Villars was a teacher at Bocuse Academy in Lyon before settling in Luberon. After your cooking class and lunch, you'll head off on a short drive to Gordes, the stone sentry of the Luberon. Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, stands on the top of a rocky spur. Here, you'll enjoy a private tour of Abbey of Sénanque to view this 12th century masterpiece - probably the most famous site of Luberon. A masterpiece of the Cistercian art, from the 12 century, the Abbey is still inhabited by a community of 5 monks. Discover this magical place from another time. Dinner tonight will be on your own.
Day 4
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Provencal BreakfastServed on the terrace or restaurant in the quiet of the morning with the birds singing in the background, your breakfast includes a wide range of high-quality, regional products such as traditional, organic jams from Provence, Luberon honey, several kinds of "home-made" cakes, local cottage cheese and jams, cereals, fresh fruits from the region, pastries, deli meats, eggs to order, and a wide range of regional cheeses. If you have any gluten or lactose restrictions, please inform the hotel and a special offer can be prepared for you.
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Lourmarin Market | Lunch in Lourmarin | Olive Oil TastingAfter your breakfast, you're headed to the Lourmarin Market. Lourmarin has a market every Friday morning, which takes over the plane tree-lined avenue into the centre of the village, as well as the square above it. It is a large market where you can find cookware, crockery, baskets, soaps, carved olive wood, jewelry, and honey, wine and olive oil, and more. Following the market tour, you'll sit down for lunch at La Récréation, whose menu highlights the fresh local produce. After lunch, you will visit a local olive mill where you'll meet a local olive oil producer for a tour and tasting of their products. Dinner tonight is on your own.
Day 5
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Provencal BreakfastServed on the terrace, in the quiet of the morning with the birds singing in the background, your breakfast buffet includes a wide range of high-quality, regional products such as traditional, organic jams from Provence, Luberon honey, several kinds of "home-made" cakes, local cottage cheese and jams, cereals, fresh fruits from the region, pastries, deli meats, hard-boiled eggs, and a wide range of regional cheeses. If you have any gluten or lactose restrictions, please inform the hotel and a special offer can be prepared for you.
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Chef-Guided Hands-On Cooking Class with Lunch | Lavender Museum | Visit L'Isle-sur-la-SorgueToday, you'll have your second hands-on cooking class with Chef Monik. Monik fell in love with the Luberon and her cooking is a reflection of that love. Monik works with local fruits and vegetables, with the goal of maintaining their freshness and color, in order to design beautiful dishes (with a touch of Asian influence). Enjoy a three-course lunch of your delicious creations. Following lunch, you'll visit a Lavender Museum in Coustellet. Created by a family of lavender producers, the museum reveals all the secrets of the "blue gold" of Provence: How to use the essential oil, why lavender is so precious, distillation, perfume and so much more. You will also discover the different types of lavenders and their fragrances. Next, you're off to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Referred to as the Provençal Venice, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was a former fishermen's town that's kept a strong bond with the river Sorgue, along with its heritage. Wander around the streets of this charming town and enter one of many antique shops where you may find a treasure that you can't live without! Dinner tonight is on your own.
Day 6
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Provencal BreakfastServed on the terrace or restaurant in the quiet of the morning with the birds singing in the background, your breakfast includes a wide range of high-quality, regional products such as traditional, organic jams from Provence, Luberon honey, several kinds of "home-made" cakes, local cottage cheese and jams, cereals, fresh fruits from the region, pastries, deli meats, eggs to order, and a wide range of regional cheeses. If you have any gluten or lactose restrictions, please inform the hotel and a special offer can be prepared for you.
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Visit to Bonnieux Village & Oppede | Provencal Farewell DinnerToday, you will visit Bonnieux, which is one of the most impressive Luberon villages. The village is packed full of restaurants, cafes, shopping, and even a bakery museum! To take advantage of the abundance of restaurants and variety of menus, lunch is on your own today. You'll also visit Oppede, which is a charming old village perched on the foothills of the Luberon. Tonight, a typical Provencal farewell dinner awaits you.
Day 7
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Provencal BreakfastServed on the terrace or restaurant in the quiet of the morning with the birds singing in the background, your breakfast includes a wide range of high-quality, regional products such as traditional, organic jams from Provence, Luberon honey, several kinds of "home-made" cakes, local cottage cheese and jams, cereals, fresh fruits from the region, pastries, deli meats, eggs to order, and a wide range of regional cheeses. If you have any gluten or lactose restrictions, please inform the hotel and a special offer can be prepared for you.
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Check-Out | Train Station TransferIt is now time to pack up your souvenirs and gather your newfound memories of Provence. After breakfast you will meet your chauffeur who will take you back to Avignon TGV train station for your onward journey.
Le Moulin, a Beaumier Hotel
Located in the storybook village of Lourmarin, this boutique hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool and 24-hour front desk. Acknowledged by Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of Europe's best boutique hotels in Provence, Le Moulin features a full service restaurant, bar and lounge, multilingual staff, and a lobby fireplace. Part of the Beaumier Hotels Collection, it offers 25 accommodations housed in a former mill with tablet computers, bathrobes and premium bedding. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Coffee/tea makers and minibars are provided. Bathrooms include showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily, and irons/ironing boards can be requested. English and French spoken.
Gordes, France•L’Isle sur la Sorgue, France•Roussillon, France•Luberon, France•Lourmarin, France
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What Currency is being quoted?
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
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Do you recommend Travel Protection?
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and
your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include
coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency
Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information
on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex
Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
Gifts and Gift Cards
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
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