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Join me on a European adventure

where we meet world-class chefs, visit bespoke destinations, cook, and eat amazing cuisine.

Four 2025 Trip Options to choose from:

April 12 to
April 19
April 19 to
April 26
September 27
to October 4
October 4
to October 11

​​We stay at the former summer homes of Simca Beck, where recipes were created for the Mastering the Art of French Cooking series of books. 

 

Julia’s former home is next door!

The Story of Mas Bramafam,
Mas Des Lavandes, & La Campanette


Simone Beck, known as "Simca," and her husband Jean Fischbacher lived in Paris when, in 1949, Simone and Julia Child met at a party in the Bois de Boulogne. They forged a sisterly bond that lasted throughout their lifetime.

The two started "Ecole des Trois Gourmandes" along with Louisette Bertholle in 1951. In 1961, the threesome started their next project together, Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume One. In 1970 Simca and Julia published their second book together, Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume Two.

Simca and Jean moved to the old Fischbacher family property in Provence near Nice in 1974. The property was known as "Vieux Mas in Bramafam." Here they built La Campanette with the kitchen and pegboard wall that Simca wanted.

In 1961, Julia and Paul moved back to the United States, where Julia soon became America's first kitchen celeb. As the cooking show and fame increased, Paul and Julia went back to visit Jean and Simca for a vacation two years later. The Côte d'Azur weather, farmers markets, and smells of lavender called to Julia and Paul. With a handshake, Julia and Paul leased a plot of the potato patch and built La Pitchoune. "La Peetch" which means "the little one" was "built on friendship." Paul and Julia relished part of every year at La Pitchoune, hosting many famous friends.

Eventually, once Paul, Jean, and Simca passed, Julia no longer found joy in visiting La Peetch and gave the house back to the Beck family. La Pitchoune was sold. Simca's nephew Christian Beck eventually purchased Mas Des Lavandes and owns it still. 

Today, architect and designer Alexandra Lacarrère owns the original Le Vieux Mas Bramafam. "Mas" is the term for a traditional farmhouse found in the Provence region of France. Beautifully restored with a blend of the old stone house and sleek, modern design, Alexandra has opened up the home to the outdoors and the French countryside.

Read the full story in the memoir, "My Life in France" in which Alex Prud'homme, Julia Child's grandnephew, collaborated. 

Our week will be filled with cooking, sightseeing, and soaking up the spirit of these beloved homes in Provence.

Where We’ll Stay 

Option 1: Mas Bramafam

Mas Bramafam is a stunning farmhouse which dates back to the 18th century and has been lovingly restored.

Located in the heart of three hectares of olive groves, it stands in a south facing position with breathtaking panoramic views from the house and the infinity pool. There are five en-suite bedrooms spread over 3 floors. Stone walls, wood floors and modern touches make this home an exceptional property. 

(Click the images to expand)

 

Option 2: Mas Des Lavandes
& La Campanette

While Julia and Paul loved to entertain the who’s who of the food world, Simca used her home as a secluded, quiet refuge. Now owned by Simca’s nephew Christian Beck, it has been kept just as it was with traditional French country decor. Only the bathrooms have been updated “for the Americans.”

(Click the images to expand)

See Itinerary & Pricing
See Itinerary & Pricing

 

Option 2: Mas Des Lavandes & La Campanette

While Julia and Paul loved to entertain the who’s who of the food world, Simca used her home as a secluded, quiet refuge. Now owned by Simca’s nephew Christian Beck, it has been kept just as it was with traditional French country decor. Only the bathrooms have been updated “for the Americans.”

Our Guest Culinary Instructor

Katherine Burns, Guest Chef, France Sept 27-Oct 4, 2025

September 27 - October 4

Katherine Burns

Katherine works in commercial real estate by trade but spends all her free time in the kitchen. She is a Seattle-based Francophile, avid cook, and the creative force behind the Instagram account @rue.dauphine.paris. Through her vibrant feed, she shares her deep love for France - its delicious food, culture, and way of life - offering a window into the French culinary techniques and traditions that has inspired her cooking throughout the years.

Her annual trips to France and studies at various French cooking schools fuels her culinary inspiration. An enthusiastic advocate for the simple pleasures of French cooking, she celebrates the connection between the kitchen and garden, creating seasonal, French inspired recipes for the home cook. Her approach to French cuisine is rooted in the belief that food should be both nourishing and beautiful, and most importantly eaten in season, with the goal of bringing a taste of France right at home.

“ France with Barbie was the best trip I ever took. The people, the food, the outings, the scenery, the day trips.

A week I will never forget. I’m from Germany and I have traveled all my life and this was the most fun I’ve had in one week. I have now signed up for Sweden 2022.”

— Blogger Sunnycove Chef
 

My magical trip to France!

When I was able to join Barbie on her trip to the south of France and stay at Julia Child's former summer home, I thought it would be lovely, but I had no idea how truly magical and life-changing it would be. Every day my mind still dances with the memories of all the experiences we had. I loved all of the fantastic food we cooked and ate in the villages we visited, the people we met, swimming in the sea, museums, and new friends! I cannot imagine I could've enjoyed anything more.”

—Rebecca, France 2019

“ Community Cuisine expertly delivered a thorough and enriching getaway.

The attention to detail with recipes, activities, cultural experiences, and community building will never be forgotten. Thank you, Community Cuisine!”

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