Provence is a dream destination for food lovers. With vibrant and colourful fresh produce markets, sun-drenched vineyards, and centuries-old culinary traditions, it provides a feast for your senses. If you love to explore new flavours, Provence is an unforgettable experience.
Provence’s Iconic Markets
The fresh produce markets are the beating heart of local food culture. They are brimming with colour and aromas, offering a chance to rub shoulders with local farmers and producers, shopping alongside locals, searching for the freshest, seasonal, and local ingredients. Each market celebrates local and seasonal produce and based on what is in season, it decides family meals each day
- Aix-en-Provence Market – this vibrant market offers a wide selection of local produce and products, including lavender honey, heirloom tomatoes, fresh peaches, and artisan cheeses
- Lourmarin Friday Market – this weekly market offers a selection of truffles, olives, tapenades, pastries, and olives
- Marseilles Old Port – an essential market for those looking to buy the freshest seafood, directly from the fishermen when they return from their morning catch. Here you experience the authentic roots of Provençal cuisine
Exploring the local markets in Provence is a chance to connect, sample, and learn about regional delicacies.
Provence’s Sun-Drenched Vineyards and Wineries
Provence is the French Rose capital, home to some of the most elegant pink wines. The regional also produces excellent red and white wines, thanks to the mineral rich soils and Mediterranean sunshine in the area.
- Cotes de Provence – the largest and most diverse winery in the area. This family-run vineyard welcomes visitors for tastings and tours
- Bandol – a favourite for red wine lovers. This winery is known for its Mourvedre red wines, which are perfect for paring with Provençal stews
- Cassis Bodin – this small winery produces crisp white wines with herbal and citrus notes, ideal for pairing with Provençal seafood dishes
The majority of wineries in Provence offer tastings, tours, along with food-pairing sessions.
Provençal Cooking Classes
After spending time exploring the local markets, sampling a range of dishes, and enjoying a host of local wines, the next step is to learn how to cook like a local, recreating your favourite dishes. Cooking Classes in Provence are hands-on experiences, where you learn local techniques and dishes that have been passed down generations.
Classes often start with a tour to the local market, where you are introduced to producers and farmers, guided on how to select the freshest ingredients, while learning how flavours define the regions favourite dishes. Once you return to the kitchen, whether in your holiday home or a kitchen workshop in the area, you can learn how to prepare:
- Ratatouille
- Tapenade
- Pissaladiere
- Bouillabaisse
- Tarte Tropezienne
- and more
Cooking Classes in Provence end with the opportunity to share the meal you prepared, paired with your selection of local wines, enjoying chef to table service. You also receive recipe cards to recreate the dish in your home kitchen when you return.
Conclusion
Provence is a paradise for food lovers, offering you a chance to explore, taste, and cook like a local. From vibrant markets to elegant family-run vineyards, to hands-on cooking experiences, you get the chance to celebrate the culture surrounding Provençal cuisine. If you are looking for an authentic, flavour-filled food experience in Provence, contact Cooking Classes in Provence today.
