Avignon is a historical city of great beauty. The 14th century Palace of the Popes dominates the old city-center as the most prominent remaining example of the town's long and prestigious history, overlooking the Rhone river and the famous Saint-Benezet bridge from a hilltop. The city-center is filled with winding mediaeval streets with cobblestones glowing in the warm southern sun, and ancient buildings nestled into each other along the pathways.

Choosing Avignon in Provence as your French destination is having the guarantee of an elegant place to stay. Besides the four-star hotels, you can also find real treasures… Private mansions have been renovated and transformed into luxury guesthouses of four and five rooms each, with a garden or a roof terrace. All rooms and suites are luxuriously decorated with stylish antiques and furnished with modern comforts and amenities including a private bathroom. These lovely houses have a central location in a quiet environment, walking distance from the Palace of the Popes and the cooking school. On entering in these places, you feel like at home, and you will be granted a very warm welcome.

Le Marmiton is one of the most reputed cooking school in Provence. It boasts a ninetheenth century kitchen which has been entirely renovated while maintaining the charm and authenticity of the ancient building. Around a huge wood-block table you will share the secrets of the most renowned chefs coming from the all region of Provence to share their passion for the French cuisine. They run hands-on cookery classes of ten participants maximum. The classes are dedicated to the Provencale cuisine and taught in English. You will be with the same chef during all the week. The program includes 3 hands-on cooking classes of three-hour each, scheduled in the morning from 9:30am to 12:30pm or in the evening from 4:30 to 7:30pm. The classes are followed by the lunches to enjoy the fruits of your labor. This is the time to relax and continue the discussions with your chef. According to the season and the freshest produces from the market, you will experience different recipes and keep the right techniques to success your meals. The last class is followed by a food & wine harmony dinner.

Aside from your schedule of learning the French culinary secrets, you will visit Avignon with an English-speaking guide. You will also enjoy the excursion on the Wines Route of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. As you know this appellation has been recently awarded in the US magazine Wine Spectator, recognizing the Grand Cru “Clos des Papes” 2005 as the best wine of the year. You will meet with Paul-Vincent Avril, visit his vineyard with a wine expert, and enjoy a unique wine tasting. Unpossible to be in Provence without experiencing the Lavender Route… The tour begins in Sault (pronounce SO) the capitale of the lavender in Provence. In this village, shops sell not only lavender bouquets and sachets, but also lavender-filled ceramic cicadas, lavender-scented candles, potholders with lavender designs and honey from the nectar of lavender-fed bees. The route continues to the villages of Aurel and Saint-Trinit, surrounded by lavender fields which stretch on miles down the hills, flowing like a river in the valley, clinging to the rocks.  The landscapes are of breathtaking beauty!
A visit of an olive grove and mill is also included in the program, the time to see how the black and green fruits are transformed into the finest “virgin extra” nectar. The visit is followed by a tasting.