 |
|
| France | | Provence of Alain Ducasse | Prices and
Dates |
| | | | |
|
 About the location: La Bastide de Moustiers. It is in the Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, in the Alpes de Haute-Provence region in Southern France, close to the Gorges du Verdon, that the famed chef Alain Ducasse chose to open this country inn. Formerly the property of a master-potter, La Bastide was has been lovingly renovated with the help of local crafts people into a simple but beautiful property. Along with his good friend, Tonia Peyrot, they have created a welcoming and warm country inn, combining simplicity and luxury, traditional cuisine and the finest most delicate dishes. The location seems well suited to embody the spirit of a certain kind of Provence the Mr. Ducasse is passionate about; authentic and inspiring for its rich culture and natural beauty. This is a real haven, and a symbol of fine food that is a marvelous illustration of Mr. Ducasses's approach to cooking. Each of the twelve bedrooms are individually decorated and are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, direct telephone and fax, television and FM, minibar, individual safe, and hair dryers in the bathroom.
 About the lessons: In the kitchen you will find Head Chef Vincent Maillard, who earned a Michelin star in February 2002, and his team, all former pupils of Mr. Ducasse. The cooking you will learn has the flavors of both Provence and the Mediterranean. They also make the most of the home grown produce from the vegetable garden and at local markets.
About the location: Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle. After La Bastide de Moustiers, Alain Ducasse and his friend Clement Bruno have brought new life to the Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle, located in surroundings steeped in history, on the site of a royal Abbey in the very heart of the Coteaux Varois vineyards. It is one of the Var's most beautiful residences and once played host to General de Gaulle. This 18th century building has ten bedrooms, all personalized with objects and antique furnishings that Mr. Ducasses has collected during his travels all over France.
About the lessons: Head Chef Benoit Witz and the staff chosen and trained by Alain Ducasse will be leading you in your cooking lessons. Menus offer simple cooking, depending upon authentic and traditional foods, also using produce from their own gardens, as well as fare purchased in the local markets. Here you will also have the opportunity to savor truffles!
Provence of Alain Ducasse
Alpes de Haute-Provence
Itinerary
 Day
One - Sunday
- Check- in at La Bastide de Moustiers after you arrive on your own. Afternoon: teas, coffees and homemade cookies by the fire place in the Lounge.
- In the evening pre dinner aperitif and canapés with the Hotel Manager, dinner with selected wines in the restaurant.
|
 Day
Two - Monday
- Morning: Breakfast in the restaurant and introduction to the program
- Cooking class and food tasting in the kitchen with selected local wines.
- Afternoon: Excursion to the Gorges du Verdon and to the famous Fayence's china makers.
- Evening : Aperitif and canapés in the Bar and dinner in the restaurant with selected local wines.
|
 Day
Three - Tuesday
- Morning: Breakfast in the restaurant. Cooking class and food tasting in the kitchen with selected local wines.
- Afternoon : Truffles hunt (December January February) or olives picking with visit of the Olive mill,
- Mountain bikes and electric bikes are always available to visit the all around beautiful countryside.
- Evening :Aperitif and canapés, themed "Truffles" dinner in the restaurant with selected wines.
|
 Day
Four - Wednesday
- Morning: Breakfast in the restaurant. Optional Air Balloon excursion (at additional cost) in the morning, or visit to the local market of Riez and surroundings. Picnic lunch.
- Departure to the airport/train station if you are on the 3 night program. If continuing full itinerary, on the way to La Celle, stop to visit the wine cellar of La Curnière with a private wine testing.
- All groups meet at L'Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle ! Welcome hot drink (coffee, tea or chocolate) and fresh home made cookies, in the evening aperitif and canapés together with the General Manager and gourmet dinner in the restaurant with selected wines.
|
 Day
Five - Thursday
- Morning: Breakfast in the Veranda Lounge
- 9:00 - 12:30: cooking class with Head Chef Benoit Witz in the kitchen,
food tasting with selected local wines;
- Afternoon: Transfer to the village of Le Val to visit the Animated Museum of Santons, the botanical Garden of Les Gorguettes and the House of Olives.
- Return to the hotel and "five o'clock" afternoon's selection of teas and coffees with fresh home made pastries.
- Evening: Aperitif and canapés at the Bar followed by a "Gastronomic" dinner with a selection of wines in the restaurant;
|
 Day
Six- Friday
- Morning: Breakfast in the Veranda Lounge
- 9:00 - 12:30: cooking class with Head Chef Benoit Witz in the kitchen,
food tasting with selected local wines.
- Afternoon: Visit to the Chateau de Trians' cellars and private wine tasting.
- Return to the hotel and five o'clock afternoon's selection of teas and coffees with fresh home made pastries.
- Aperitif and canapés at the Bar followed by a "Gastronomic" dinner with a selection of wines in the restaurant.
|
 Day
Seven - Saturday
- Morning: Breakfast in the Veranda Lounge
- 9:00 - 12:30: cooking class with Head Chef Benoit Witz in the kitchen, food
tasting with selected local wines.
- Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure. Wine shopping at the House of Coteaux Varois (Region of Var wineries' Association) with possibility to choose from a large selection of wines or promenade in the small village of La Celle and visit of the Royal Abbey, just steps away from the hotel.
- Five o'clock selection of teas and coffee with fresh home made pastries.
- Aperitif with canapés at the Bar and farewell dinner "La Rabasse" (with truffles) or "La Bouillabaisse" with a selection of wines;
|
 Day
Eight - Sunday
- Breakfast in the Veranda Lounge and you're free to leave after checkout.
|
2008 Price Per Person
Please inquire. |
 |
|
2008 Tour Dates
Not available in 2008. |
Included in the 3 Night Program:
- Welcome gift
- Arrival welcome selection of teas and coffees with cookies
- Pre dinner aperitif and canapés at the Bar
- Dinner with selected wines in the restaurant
- Daily continental breakfast
- Two morning cooking classes with food tasting and selected local wines
- One themed "Truffles" dinner with selected wines
- One afternoon discovery excursion to the Gorges du Verdon (European' breathtaking Grand Canyon) and to the famous master china makers of Faience, followed by picnic lunch.
- Farewell dinner with selected aperitif and wines
- Farewell gift from La Bastide staff: the book of Alain Ducasse, Flavours of France .
Also included if doing 7 night program :
Included in the 4 Night Program:
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily selection of teas, coffees and home made pastries
- Pre dinner aperitif and canapés in the Veranda Lounge with
the Manager
- Gourmet dinner in the restaurant with selected wines
- Daily continental breakfast
- Three morning cooking classes with food tasting and selected local
wines
- Two dinners "gastronomiques" in the restaurant with selected
wines
- Afternoon visit to the Animated Museum of Santons in the village
of Le Val, to the Botanic Gardens of les Gorguettes and to the Olive
House (olives' museum)
- Afternoon visit to the Chateau de Trians' winery with private wine
tasting
- Visit to the local market of Brignoles on Saturday morning
- Special farewell dinner "La Rabasse" (with truffle) or
"La Bouillabaisse" with selected wines
- Farewell gift from L'Hostellerie de l'Habbaye de la Celle staff:
Alain Ducasse's book On the Gourmet Trail
|
|
|
|
|
Cooking Vacations 
Printer Friendly Page