Have you been dreaming of a flavourful and aromatic culinary trip to Provence from the US or UK, but you need help in planning? The good news is that Provence is easy to get to, whether catching the Eurostar from the UK, or flying in from the states.
At Cooking Classes in Provence, we have put together a useful guide to help you plan your culinary trip to Provence from the US or the UK:
Getting There
Firstly, in order to plan your culinary trip to Provence, you need to determine the best way to get here. We recommend:
- From the US – Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Once through customs and immigration, you can catch the high speed train to Aix-en-Provence
- From the UK – Catch the Eurostar from London to Lille, changing to the high speed train to Aix-en-Provence
Getting Around
Once in Provence, you will find that buses and trains can whisk you between major cities, but they are very limited when it comes to the smaller villages. We recommend hiring a small car, giving you the freedom to explore the local attractions, visit the local fresh produce markets, and explore the small picturesque hillside villages.
Where to Stay
For a true culinary trip to Provence, you can choose between a central location, such as Aix-en-Provence, or you can select a countryside retreat. You can book a choice of accommodation types from quaint cottages to châteaus, and best and breakfasts to apartments. Booking your own private space enables you to explore the local culinary scene like a local.
Culinary Experiences Not to Miss
Provence is bursting with culinary experiences that are guaranteed to get your taste buds excited, from the calming scent of lavender to the mouthwatering flavours of local ratatouille or bouillabaisse. Our top culinary experiences you don’t want to miss on your culinary trip to Provence includes:
- Place Richelm e & Place des Precheurs, Aix-en-Provence open daily
- Vieux Port, Marseilles, is a daily fish market open Monday to Saturday
- St Remy de Provence opens on Wednesday mornings
- Aries provides fresh produce on Wednesday and Saturdays
- Apt is a Saturday morning market
Local markets operate in the mornings, usually opening around 8am. It is the perfect way to start your day, selecting the local and seasonal produce you need to create your daily meals.
Private Cooking Class
A private cooking class is the perfect way to soak up the rich history, traditions, and cultures behind Provençal cuisine. These hands-on classes provide you with the opportunity to learn traditional Provençal recipes from an experienced private chef, where you prepare local ingredients together. At the end of the class, you enjoy the meal you prepared with chef to table service.
Wine Tasting
Wine is an important part of Provençal cuisine, enjoyed with almost every meal. Provence is known for its crisp and refreshing rose wines, but they also offer a great selection of reds and whites. Take a wine tour or book a wine tasting at one of the renowned vineyards in the region, where you can enjoy guided tastings.
Local Products You Must Try When Holidaying in Provence
Provençal dishes are based around local and seasonal products, from the selection of Mediterranean seafood to local herbs, spices, and olive oils. Here are our must try delights you don’t want to miss when in the region:
- Herbes de Provence (Herbs of Provence), a blend of local herbs that are important to add flavour and aroma to local dishes
- Olive oils are a must to try, made in local olive groves, using age-old pressing techniques and bursting with flavour. Olive oil is another essential Provençal cooking ingredient
- Cheeses are a must. Provence is known for its wonderful selection of local goats cheese, often paired with lavender honey and/or fresh figs
- Bread and pastries can be purchased from traditional bakeries, offering a selection of delectable pastries, including Pissaladière, a flat bread brimming with caramelised onions, olives, and artichokes
- Seafood and game can both be purchased, enabling you to make Provençal hearty stews, or traditional bouillabaisse.
Conclusion
Provence is a culinary delight for anyone looking for an authentic and enjoyable culinary trip from the US or the UK. Provence is brimming with rich history, culture and traditions when it comes to cooking. Book a private cooking class with Cooking Classes in Provence to learn how to prepare and cook your favourite Provençal dishes, complete with recipes, and chef to table service. Contact us today to find out more.
