French Cooking Vacation: Cooking School in Lorgues, Provence

Chateau De Berne
Lorgues, Provence

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About the location: This cooking school is located in the heart of Provence, between Nice and Marseille near Lorgues, Chateau de Berne’s heart beats to the rhythm of the vines and wine. Here the tradition of winemaking has been deeply rooted since 1750; the winemakers live out their passion and give of their knowledge with generosity, talent and care. Entering onto the property is really like coming to a small Provencal village. The Chateau de Berne and its Auberge are a luxurious, calm, and sophisticated place, having hosted events for such large international companies as Mazda, L’Oreal, Ferrari. Each bedroom is uniquely decorated with elegant accents, and has its own balcony or sun terrace. The grounds are complete with a luxurious outdoor pool, gardens, tennis and boules courts, and miles of wonderful biking trains. Or, if you prefer, there is workout equipment in a glass enclosure by the pool, where you can watch TV or simply soak in the glorious vistas. A newly renovated spa with a hamman and beauty services, a gorgeous new restaurant in the auberge, a charming bistro in the winery (complete with a Provencal boutique filled with enticing local products) complete some new additions to this amazing estate. And in the afternoon, enjoy a stop in the lounge by the fireplace for afternoon tea! Although due to the size of the property this is a somewhat isolated setting in the beautiful Provencal countryside, you will have the feeling of spending time in on of the little charming spots throughout Provence.

About the cooking lessons: Chef Sebastien Nouveau and his team will introduce you to his own style of cooking; an instinctive and intuitive creative cuisine, with his credo of simplicity and authenticity. Chef Sebastien worked in famous and recognized gourmet restaurants, gaining recognition for his work in many Relais & Chateaux restaurants, and ending up at the Michelin recognized “Jacques Chibois.” Chef Sebastien speaks limited English (there is a translator), and will transmit his respect for raw ingredients. He will work closely with the head gardener of the newly installed—and quite spectacular—vegetable, herb and flower garden on the property of the Chateau, choosing the best and freshest ingredients for your hands-on class, as well as seasonal products from the famous market in Lorgues.

Chateau De Berne Itinerary

Day 1

Depending on season and theme, itinerary details and order of activities may vary.

  • Arrival at hotel.
  • Dinner on half board (beverages not included) at the gastronomic restaurant l’Orangerie.
  • Overnight in a Deluxe room.

Day 2

  • Breakfast at leisure.
  • 10.00am to 2.00pm, your culinary instruction takes you into the early part of the afternoon when the result of your day’s work will be served for lunch (beverages included) at the Cookery School.
  • 4pm: Guided visit of our cellar followed by a tasting of three Chateau de Berne wines (1 hour)
  • Dinner on own.
  • Overnight in a Deluxe room.

Day 3

  • Breakfast at leisure.
  • 8.00am to 9.30am: Transfer to Lorgues to visit the Provencal market where you will find vegetables and typical food and other local and craft products.
  • 10.00am to 2.00pm, cooking class followed by lunch with beverages included.
  • Afternoon at leisure, you can take time to lay down by the pool, to work out in the gym, enjoy a spa treatment.
  • Dinner on own.
  • Overnight in a Deluxe room.

Day 4

  • Breakfast at leisure.
  • 9.00am: Guided visit of the traditional French vegetable garden of Château de Berne (Please note that the visit to the French vegetable garden can also be done another day depending on availability, to be confirmed by the reception on arrival).
  • 10.00am to 2.00pm: cooking class followed by the lunch (beverages included).
  • 2.30pm: Transfer to Flayosc to visit of an olive oil mill. Then, transfer to Salernes to visit the ceramic museum (Please note that the visit of the ceramic museum can also be done another day depending on availability, to be confirmed by the reception on arrival).
  • Dinner on half board (beverages not included) at the gastronomic restaurant l’Orangerie.
  • Overnight in a Deluxe room.

Day 5

  • Breakfast at leisure.
  • 10.00am to 2.00pm, cooking class followed by the lunch with beverages included.
  • Afternoon at leisure, you can take time to lay down by the pool, to work out in the gym, enjoy a spa treatment. Do not hesitate to contact the reception if you need some information about the activities.
  • Dinner on half board (beverages not included) at the gastronomic restaurant l’Orangerie.
  • Overnight in a Deluxe room.

Day 6

  • Breakfast at leisure.
  • Departure.

Sample Menus

Sample entree menu:

  • Provençal vegetable terrine with balsamic vinaigrette
  • Courgette flowers stuffed with Mediterranean fish mousse
  • Fillet of sea bass roasted in its skin, lemon vinaigrette
  • Terrine of foie gras, rosemary biscuits and country bread
  • Salad of veal sweetbreads on puff pastry flavoured with celery
  • Fillets of Red Mullet simply pan-fried, salad with olive oil and chives

Sample dessert menu:

  • Lavender crème brûlée
  • Baked fresh fruits with orange-flower water sabayon sauce
  • Cherries baked in batter pudding with vanilla sauce
  • Puff pastry case with pears and rosemary honey caramel
  • Mousse of plums from our orchard
  • Baked figs with thyme ice cream
  • Pears baked in wine and cinnamon

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