Provence has been a top destination for food lovers for decades. Boasting vibrant produce markets, sun-soaked vineyards, Mediterranean flavours, and artisan produces, this region offers visitors the chance to slow down, savouring every moment of this gastronomic experience.
Provence offers foodies an unforgettable experience, whether you are tasting crisp rose wine in the Luberon region, learning to cook with a private-chef in your rental villa kitchen, or trying a local favourite at one of the village cafés or bistros, surrounded by lavender fields.
The Finest Fresh Produce Markets
Provençal fresh produce markets are not only lively and colourful, they are a way of life. The markets bring local together, looking for fresh ingredients to prepare their family meals. You also get to meet local farmers, artisan cheese makers, bakers, and olive oil productions, who are showcasing their regional specialities. Some of the best markets in Provence includes:
- Aix-en-Provence market – a daily market held in the old town where you will find a fantastic selection of herbs, figs, lavender, olives, and seasonal, local produce. Wander through the stalls brimming with goat’s cheese, vine tomatoes, and courgettes, to name a few
- L’Isle-sur-la Sorgue – best known for its antiques market, you will find a vibrant Sunday food market, with a selection of crusty breads, truffle-infused oils, along with a chance to enjoy tapenades
- Saint-Remy-de-Provence – This market is overflowing with a lively atmosphere. Held in Alipilles, the market takes place every Wednesday. Here you will find warm pastries, fresh herbs, and aromatic rotisserie chicken
Each market offers it’s own colours, excitement, and opportunity to meet local farmers, producers, and artisans. It’s a great opportunity to collect some picnic items that you can pair with a local wine and enjoy under the shade of a tree.
An Abundance of Gastronomy
Provence has no shortage of dining options from rustic family-owned cafés to Michelin-star restaurants. You can try everything from a traditional farm-to-table lunch, to a tasting menu at one of the fine dining restaurants, where you can enjoy flavours that are rooted to the local, fresh ingredients. Where to eat:
- Bistros and Farmhouse restaurants – These dining outlets often offer simple Provençal dishes, ranging from slow cooked beef stew, known as Daube Provencale, to aioli platters. Visit a family-run bistro in Gordes or Menerbes to experience a menu that changes daily based on what fresh ingredients are available
- Fresh Seafood – Provence is on the Mediterranean coast and offers a big selection of fresh seafood. Visit Cassis or Bandol to experience authentic bouillabaisse, or sea bass prepared with lemon and olive oil. Try a light rose or crisp white wine to pair with your meal
- Michelin-Star Experience – Provence is home to numerous Michelin-starred chefs that elevate the Provençal flavours with creative and modern cooking techniques. Top Michelin-starred restaurants in Provence include L’Oustau de Baumaniere, located near Les Baux-de-Provence, or La Bastide de Capelongue in Bonnieux.
World-Class Wines
No trip to Provence is complete without exploring the fabulous vineyards. The region is known for its fantastic rose wines, but the vineyards also produce a selection of sophisticated red wines, along with refreshing white wines. Our recommended vineyards to visit during your foodie trip to Provence includes:
- Chateau La Coste – located in Aix-en-Provence, this vineyard offers guided tastings, along with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing lunch as you gaze across the rolling hills
- Domain de la Verriere – this vineyard can be found in Ventoux, offering tasting pairing with artisan goat’s cheese, sourced by nearby farms
- Cotes de Provence Wineries – these are wineries that can be found in the Maures and Esterel mountains, specialising in pale and dry rose wines, often with notes of peach, citrus, or herbs.
Private Cooking Classes in Provence
One of the highlights of any foodie trip to Provence is a private cooking class, where you learn the top Provençal dishes, learning age-old techniques that have been passed down through generations, from an experienced and private chef in the area. Top Cooking Classes in Provence include:
- 3 Course Meal – You select a starter, main, and dessert. The chef arrives at your private home kitchen or at the workshop kitchen, showing you and your friends how to select ingredients, prepare, and cook your top chosen three items
- Pastry Workshop – lose yourself in a morning of calissons, éclairs, and macarons with a private chef. Learn the techniques, ingredients, and recipes for these popular Provençal pastries
- Children’s classes – get the whole family involved with Children’s cooking or pastry workshops, where they learn the basic techniques, learning how to create Provençal favourites
Cooking Classes in Provence are offered in your rental property kitchen, or in a workshop kitchen in the area. Both offer an excellent opportunity to understand the local dishes, living like a local for a day.
Conclusion
Provence is a foodies paradise with vibrant morning markets, relaxing afternoons surrounded by vineyards, to hands-on cooking classes. Provence offers endless opportunities to learn, drink, and eat. Contact Cooking Classes in Provence today to discuss our selection of hands-on, private cooking classes in Provence.
