Holiday itinerary
Go learn to cook in Provence with a Michelin star Chef in the pretty hilltop village of La Cadière d’Azur overlooking the Bandol vineyards and learn the secrets of Provencal cooking from an expert whose first passion is teaching visitors to cook.
Stay in beautiful family run hotel accommodation and learn to cook in a nearby magnificent 19th century country house the Bastide des Saveurs used specifically for cooking lessons. Boasting a well equipped kitchen and kitchen garden, guests will cook with the fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables grown in the gardens.
This Provencal cookery course offers a unique opportunity to discover the secrets of French cooking from a Michelin star Chef who will take you on a cultural as well as a culinary journey.
This is a wonderful introduction to Provence’s rich culture of wine and food set in the beautiful and relaxing surroundings, a must for any French food and wine 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 group for a compulsory single room supplement
- To check availability, please contact us on 08445020445 or email with your preferred dates and someone will get back to you very quickly
French Cookery Holiday Start Days
- This course runs on set dates year round
- All arrivals are on a Sunday, departures on Tuesday morning
- Cookery lessons only take place on Monday mornings
- 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
Day 2 – Cooking Class Monday
- 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
- Your cooking lesson will last around 3 hours and will focus on cooking a 4 course menu of typical Provencal dishes learning all of the secrets from a Michelin Star Chef
- After the cooking lesson, sit down and enjoy eating the meal you’ve just prepared
Day 3 – Departure Day Tuesday
- 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
- You will learn to cook a 3 course menu together with an appetiser
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
-The cuisine of the sun is Rene’s passion and he is keen to pass on his love of Provence with cooking guests to lead them on not just a culinary journey but also a cultural one
- Although Chef has won numerous awards and is held in the highest esteem by his peers, his true love is teaching and passing on his passion for cooking
The Accommodation at Hotel Berard
- Your accommodation is set at the Hotel Berard, a luxury hotel and spa set in the heart of the peaceful Provencal village of La Cadière d’Azur
- There are a total of 40 twin/double rooms and suites, all with a private bathroom
- Note: Prices are based on two sharing a twin or double room with en-suite bathroom
- Single travellers can book a twin/double room with en-suite bathroom for sole occupancy for a compulsory single room supplement (subject to availability)
- Please note that shared rooms for solo travellers are not offered on this holiday and singles must pay a compulsory single supplement for their own room
- The hotel is made up of three seperate accommodation options, each showing their own characher and with their own special charm
- The beautiful rooms offer every comfort of a hotel with the relaxed and easy going feel of a family run Provencal countryside retreat
- Bedrooms are decorated in a beautiful and traditional French style in neutral colours
- All rooms offer picturesque views over the Bandol vineyards vineyards and the surrounding quaint villages
- Each bedroom has a private bathroom, air-conditioning, safe, satellite TV, mini bar, free Wi-Fi, and a hairdryer
- Hotel Berard also has a luxury spa on site
- The spa is inspired by ancient Roman Baths, and is the perfect place to relax and unwind
- You can book a wide range of therapeutic treatments and massages for an extra cost during your stay
- There is a stunning outdoor swimming pool for your use and a spacious fitness room
- Bikes can be hired from the hotel for an extra cost
- Accommodation is included for 2 nights/3 days
- Check in by 2pm on day 1 and check out by 11am on day 3
Meals
- Breakfast is included each day
- A gourmet welcome dinner is included on your arrival day and you can choose to purchase wine from the extensive wine cellar
- You’ll also enjoy the lunch you’ve learned to cook on day 2
Sample French Menus
Many herbs and vegetables are picked from the garden, dishes vary according to the season and what food is available and but 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
Slow down to a Provencal village pace of life to appreciate good food and fine wine and pursue your passion for all things French on this cookery holiday with a difference.