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Tour Itinerary |
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Monday, August 31, 2008 B, D
Relax and settle in at the charming country Hotel St. Marc, a member of the logis France , before beginning your adventure. This evening we'll welcome you with an aperitif to toast our upcoming week followed by an informal country dinner chez nous (in our home) at Maison Mollans.
Tuesday, September 1, 2008 B, L
After breakfast, we'll head out mid-morning to the busy Vaison market. Meet our favorite cheese vendors, pinch produce, talk herbs, taste olives and smell the region's best lavender products. Stop at the grand Mas Colombier to meet Annette Ramseyer, our favorite Vaison gourmet, for a market lunch on her terrace. Annette spent 20 years in Paris teaching English at the Sorbonne and loves to talk all things food and wine. After lunch, we'll drop by the award-winning Gros Pata vineyard for a tasting before heading back. Take a stroll, enjoy a set of tennis or relax by the hotel pool. The evening is free to enjoy a neighboring village restaurant if you wish or snack on market finds.
Wednesday, September 2, 2008 B, D
Spend the morning exploring our village with us. Stroll by the only church built during the French revolution, the chateau, clock tower and olive oil mill. Our first hands-on cooking class at Maison Mollans begins at 2 p.m. Learn the secrets of ratatouille and a lamb daube, plus the specialty of Mollans, fresh white beans. Mary, trained at the renowned Lenôtre Baking School in Paris will demonstrate a lemon-almond tart. Wines from Mr. Tyrand, our friend and neighbor, will be featured, along with a sweet Muscat from nearby Beaumes-de-Venise.
Thursday, September 3, 2008 B, L
Here's our day to discover the famous olives of Nyons and all roads that lead there!
We'll begin by stopping at Domaine des Arches, a wonderful family run market with homemade jams, produce and honey. Then on to Nyons for the Thursday market and the cooperative where you'll find oil, wine and naturally wonderful olives perfumed with herbes de Provence . We'll continue into the countryside to La Charrette Bleu. This is the place to sip rose, order a long lunch and slowly comprehend the delicious Provençal pace.
Friday, September 4, 2008 B, L, D
Our next cooking class will be presented at the Hotel St. Marc. Chef-owner Bernard Deuwille will take you on a Provençal tour as he demonstrates just how the local professionals use their own ingredients. Watch as he prepares a typical Provençal dish followed by a tasting. After a pissaladiere lunch, we'll discover several top Rhone vineyards each with its own personality. This evening taste these wines along with a cheese sampling at Maison Mollans.
Saturday, September 5, 2008 B, L, D
Today we'll venture into Buis les Baronnies, a village some 10 minutes away. There will be a quick stop at our local candle maker and at Bernard Leget, the well known herb specialist. At the Buis distillery, taste, smell and learn about liqueurs made with apricots, thyme and Provençal flower liqueurs. We'll lunch en route and, after a breathtaking drive, we'll stop in St. Jalle at Domaine Reiu Frais for our favorite white wine of the region and a bottle of the apricot vinegar perfumed with cinnamon. There will be an evening demonstration of tapenade served with the local rustic bread, fougasse, and a tasting of local sausages.
Sunday, September 6, 2008 B, L
Sunday lunch is sacred in France and Provence is no exception! After a leisurely morning, drive into the mountains. Land in the tiny village of Plaisians for a fabulous country lunch. The route is as beautiful as the food is tasty. Settle in for a classic Provençal meal with local fish, lamb and cheese plus dishes like caillettes that are some of the best in all of Provence . After lunch we'll head back to Mollans
Monday, September 7, 2008 B, L, D
On our last day together we offer you the GRAND MOLLANAISE, our farewell feast. Begin cooking preparations in the morning, followed by a picnic lunch. Finish organizing in the afternoon then enjoy our special banquet of Provençal tastes before saying au revoir.
B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner
Tour Price: $2795.00, double occupancy*. Includes transfer to and from Avignon TGV train station, hotel, classes, transportation for itinerary items and all meals noted. Click here for Additional Terms.
*Single supplement: $200.00 additional fee.
For further information contact:
HALLIE HARRON: (602)690-8308 or MARY EVANS: (612)822-6114
premcru@yahoo.com Evanscook@comcast.net