Bonjour Provence at Domaine de Valmouriane

We had a marvelous time. ... The room and view was lovely. We were the only students so had Pascal - who is marvelous - all to ourselves and Philippe was our tour guide. The food was wonderful in the evenings. We thought [our last trip with The International Kitchen] was never to be exceeded. We think this trip proved us wrong. Where do you want to send us next? By the way Martina and the boys are also great but were away for 3 days and we did not get to know Martina as well. Our favorite dish we made was zucchini blossoms stuffed with salmon mousse in a saffron cream sauce. Robert S., USA

It was a wonderful trip! Thanks for everything! The International Kitchen staff was wonderful to work with...very courteous and prompt in their responses. Andrea S., VA

This was a marvelous trip and experience. Everything from our driver to our hosts, Phillipe and Martina, who made us feel at home, was wonderful. Phillipe and Martina are very attentive, and you can see how much they love what they are doing. Valmouriane was heaven for us, we liked it so much we changed our plans for the following week so we could stay longer. Phillipe was a great host and tour guide, very knowledgeable about the food, wine, and the interesting things to see. Pascal, our chef, was great. He has quite the wry sense of humor and made us feel like we really did know what we were doing. We learned a lot and can't wait to share it with our family and friends. The two things that were both mine and my husband's favorite, were learning to make a fabulous eggplant dish, and the trip to the goat farm and tasting all the cheeses. We would certainly recommend this trip, and The International Kitchen, to others. We have traveled to Europe many times before this, so much of the basic travel information in the packet we already knew, but I felt everything was done very professionally. The only thing I wish they had done differently would have been to give us the recipe booklet earlier so we could have made notes in it. while our group did write notes everyday to share, it would have been nice to have the booklet in the beginning. We were very happy with the whole experience. The staff at International Kitchen were very helpful, great at responding to emails, phone calls, and answering questions. Nancy H., CA

The Chef, Pascal, was great. The hotel was very comfortable and lovely. The owner, who took us touring in the afternoon was very accommodating to our wishes and seeing the area with someone who knew his way around added a lot to our enjoyment. The cooking classes which were in the morning were fun, informative and we learned from them. We were a class of three students, which allowed Pascal to tailor the class to our interests and he was very flexible. We have e-mailed him since returning to refresh us on details of the recipes which we left off our notes on the copies that he provided and he answered clearly and promptly. My only negative was the local wine which I did not enjoy. Instead after the first meal we purchased Cheateau Neuf de Pape which were very good. I would not include wine in the program since the economic choice for wine to fit in the budget for the cooking school is not going to be at the level of the excellent food. Joan G., CO

I was on the fabulous trip to Provence. It was a great week and the Domaine de Valmouriane was wonderful. Martina and Philip are the most gracious hosts and the grounds, building and rooms were great. Very charming and warm atmosphere!!! I so enjoyed the setting, the outdoor patio, the tranquil pool area, the tennis courts (although they need some TLC) and the ability to walk and take in the glorious countryside added to the essence of the trip and the whole Provence experience. While I did not participate in the cooking classes there was never a lull in what to do! I enjoyed the excursions to the various villages and loved visiting the markets and having time to browse and dine. While my stay at the Domaine was superb I was also fortunate to spend the last two days in Nice. (Being so close...how could I resist!!!!) With the help of Karen & Lauren our stay was EXCELLENT!! [It was] a fabulous hotel and the location just the bomb!! So much to do and see in Nice, Monaco, Monte Carlo...I cannot wait to return. I will be sure to be in touch! Thanks for planning this fabulous trip!! Laura M., CT

I am a cooking teacher from Connecticut, and for four years I have asked The International Kitchen to "create" a trip that I can offer to my students. This year we decided on Provence, and Karen immediately recommended Bonjour Provence at Domaine de Valmouriane. I reserved two weeks, back to back, to accommodate everyone who wanted to go. It could not have been a greater trip! The hotel is so beautiful and in such a scenic setting. Pascal was just wonderful, doing anything we wanted to do! Martina and Phillip who own the hotel are there all the time, doing everything they can for you. While we were there, Martina's mother was visiting from Germany and cooked an Oktoberfest meal!!! On behalf of the 40 people who attended this year, a very big THANK YOU. The International Kitchen never lets us down; a great trip every time. It is a pleasure to go on a trip where I do not have to worry because I know every detail will be taken care of, and it is! Our last group took the train from Avignon to the airport and Karen had someone to meet us on the train platform to help us get to the right terminal. It was a good thing she was there, we would never have made it on time on our own. Betty Ann D., CT

This was one of the most wonderful trips I have ever taken. Beginning with the beautiful ride from the train station, the "oh, wow!," when we drove up to the hotel, to the last breakfast, everything was perfect. Pascal is adorable (a little shy at first, but then his sense of humor comes out), Martina and Phillip are the best hosts ever, doing everything possible to make sure you are happy. The excursions were great, I loved all the beautiful little towns we visited, Avignon is a gem. Great food and wine, the whole experience was the perfect Provencal dream, I left wishing I could stay longer..... Karen E., IL