France Itinerary 2025

Overview
Guest Chefs
Itinerary
Accommodation & Pricing
Inclusions

Join me where at Simca Beck’s former home the magic happened!

The trip of a lifetime for Julia Child and Simca Beck fans.

Surrounded by mountains, the sea, olive groves, wineries, and rows of cypress, we’ll stay seven nights at the home of Simone Beck next-door to Julia’s former home. 

Four 2025 Trip Options

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

This trip has been curated by me to be much like the food we'll cook - lovingly grown, organic, and "built on friendship" as Julia and Simca did. Excursions for our small group of no more than fourteen are unique. They're structured but organic with wiggle room to adjust our plans or menus according to the season.

Our culinary focus will be on “slow food” — meaning the made-from-scratch traditional and regional dishes of the area and France itself, as well as Julia and Simca’s cookbooks of course!

We’ll shop where they did in the open markets and meet growers and purveyors of quality products including organic and homegrown produce, cured meats and French cheeses. With friendships forged over food, we’ll spend our days visiting some very special people who are committed to the culinary traditions of France as well as quality products.

Sightseeing will also be enjoyed as we visit some of the highlights of the Côte d’Azur. Evenings will be spent in the kitchen with cooking classes and delicious dinners. Julia and Simca will be our muse!

Contact Me To Reserve a Spot

Sample Itinerary

DAY 1:


Welcome

Arrive and settle in. You’ll have time to rest, explore the grounds, and meet fellow chefs over a glass of rosé as we prepare our first meal together.

DAY 2:


A visit to Old Nice

The history of Cours Saleya (old Nice) dates back to the 18th century. During the week, the market is full of food and flower vendors. On Mondays, it turns into a sprawling antique market or ‘Brocante,’ where you can find collectibles and French bric-a-brac. Shop, meander the streets of the old town and the sea, and enjoy an outdoor lunch.
Lunch is on your own.

DAY 3:


Pigs & Parfum

Day two includes a visit to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, where we'll visit Fragonard, the oldest perfume factory in Grasse. We then visit Frederique and Isabelle, who raise heritage black pigs at the beginning of the Alps. These pigs live as nature intended, foraging primarily on roots, nuts, and fruit. Michelin chefs are Frederique's customers who appreciate the care and respect for the animals and the quality of the meat. After visiting the pigs, we'll feast at their home, featuring Frederique's home-cured and cooked meats.

DAY 4:


To Market

We’re off to Julia’s favorite open-air market in Cannes. We’ll gather groceries for dinner, basket in tow, and search out traditional regional specialties like tapenade, cheeses, and lavender honey. We’ll also visit the surrounding area.

DAY 5:


A Day in a Michelin Kitchen

Today, aprons on, we’ll head down to the kitchen for a cooking class with Michelin Chef Alaian Llorca or his head chef and help prepare our entree for lunch. We then dine overlooking the Meditteranean, starting with an amuse-bouche and then a three-course lunch overlooking the sea. Très magnifique! To top the day off, we visit a ninety-plus-year-old candy factory specializing in candied fruits and flowers.

DAY 6:


Medieval Villages & Stunning Views

Today, we visit medieval villages, including Tourrettes-sur-Loup, which dates back to the sixteenth century and features many artists and craftsmen. Next, on to Saint Paul de Vence, surrounded by ramparts dating from the 12th Century. Picasso, Chagall, and Renoir have stayed here, inspired by the magical light and superb environment. There will be time for lunch and shopping. Lunch is on your own.

DAY 7:


A relaxed visit in Valbonne

On Fridays, the village of Valbonne has the best open-air market known far and wide. Unlike most medieval Provencal villages, Valbonne was built according to an urban grid pattern (the streets intersect at right angles), dating back to the early 16th century.
In the center of the village is a beautiful square that hosts many vendors. Vendors also spill out onto the walking streets in the old village. In addition, there are small shops featuring everything from handmade candies to clothing and gifts. There’s also time to people-watch at one of the cafés while enjoying lunch or an espresso. Lunch is on your own.

Contact me to reserve your spot or ask any questions.
Contact me to reserve your spot or ask any questions.

PRICING OPTIONS


Mas Bramafam

$6350

per person:
Based on shared room & en suite bathroom with shower

$6850

per person:
Shared master suite, en suite soaking tub, shower & private porch
(one suite available)

$7350

Single occupancy:
 Double bed & en suite bathroom

PRICING OPTIONS


Mas Des Lavande or La Campanette

when available

$6850

single occupancy:
Queen bed and en suite bathroom

$5450

per person:
Double occupancy,
double bed or twin beds, shared bathroom

Contact me to reserve your spot or ask any questions.

Inclusions

Program Fee includes

  • Seven nights at Mas Bramafam / La Campanette
  • Daily petit déjeuner - light buffet breakfast
  • Three to five cooking classes
  • Seven dinners, see itinerary
  • House chosen wine and nonalcoholic beverages at all planned meals at home and while on planned excursions
  • All planned excursions, see the itinerary
  • Private transportation on all planned excursions
  • Planned restaurant meals, see the itinerary
  • Note: We have rented the homes “Airbnb style,” meaning there will be no daily maid service. We will have mid-week service if you desire. A washer and dryer is on the premises for your needs
  • We will happily wash and restock towels

Program Fee does not include

  • Airfare to and from France and/or the Nice International Airport
  • Transportation to and from Mas Bramafam at the beginning and end of the trip. We can help you arrange your arrival and departure
  • Personal shopping and expenses
  • Food and drink not included in the itinerary
  • Any costs incurred during free time
  • Optional excursions or extensions
  • Trip insurance
  • Nonrefundable passport fees
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Airport taxes that are collected on the spot in foreign airports, departures taxes, airport fees, airline and federal security fees and ticket handling fees, surcharges due to changes in currency, any mandatory new or increased fees/taxes/fuel surcharge (if any) levied on airline tickets, hotels, incidental expenses in hotels, and hotel room upgrades.
  • Tips for Community Cuisine staff, drivers and/or house concierge

Trip Insurance:

Trip insurance is required for your physical safety and financial protection. Trip funds are non refundable should you decide to cancel 90 days before trip departure date.

I am an affiliate for International Medical Group, Inc. which has the best coverage that I have found with multiple choices as well as clear information about Covid coverage.

Disclaimer: Community Cuisine and Barbie/Barbara Aknin have the right to cancel trips should their not be enough attendees to make the trip feasible.

Cancelations could occur due to:

  • Lack of attendees - trips must have a minimum of six guests

  • Impending issues such as pandemics, health emergencies, civil unrest, etc.

  • Severe weather

  • Illness or other emergencies pertaining to host and/or guide

  • Unforseen accommodations cancelling by rental home owner

  • Other

Trip Insurance Information

 Flight & Travel Assistance

Contact Albert Zimmermann of A TO Z Travel for your flights and travel needs. Full-service travel experience with full support from beginning to end, with no waiting on hold for hours if something comes up. He’s fabulous!

tel: 408-363-9966 e-mail: [email protected] 

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Campbell, CA

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