DAY 1:

Welcome

Arrive at the former homes of Simone Beck and settle in. You’ll have time to explore the grounds and enjoy a cup of tea and a good book like Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Meet fellow chefs over a glass of rosé as we prepare our first meal together

DAY 2:

Pigs & Parfum

We'll visit Frederique and Isabelle, who raise heritage black pigs in the local mountains. These pigs live as nature intended, foraging primarily on leaves, roots, nuts, fruits, and flowers. 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 smoked meats. Day two includes a visit to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, where we'll visit Fragonard, the oldest perfume factory in Grasse.

DAY 3:

To Market

Off to the open-air market in Cannes which was Julia’s favorite market. We’ll gather groceries for dinner, basket in tow. Friend Beatrice Levinson, Naturopathe - spécialisée GAPS, will guide us through the market. We’ll search out traditional regional specialties like tapenade, olive oil, goat cheese, spices and lavender honey. We’ll also visit the surrounding area. In the evening, Beatrice will join us for dinner and prepare one of her specialties

DAY 4:

A Day in a Michelin Kitchen

Into the kitchen with chef Alain Llorca at Michelin-starred restaurant Alain Llorca. After arriving for coffee and croissants we’ll head down to the kitchen for a cooking class with chef and his staff. Then, champagne and amuse bouche followed by a Michelin lunch overlooking the sea below. Très magnifique!

DAY 5:

Medieval Villages & Stunning Views

A tour through the French Alps and medieval villages. On to Gourdon from which the whole French Riviera can be seen and Saint Paul de Vence which is surrounded by ramparts dating from 12th Century. Picasso, Marc Chagall and Renoir have stayed here, inspired by the light and superb environment. There will be time for lunch and shopping.

DAY 6:

A Monk’s Island & Winery

A boat takes us to Saint Honorat, an island that is home to 30 Cistercian monks and their monastery which was founded around the year 410. We’ll have a picnic and tour the grounds including the original monastery searched on the seas as well as where the monks live now. If the weather is warm, we’ll stick our toes in the sea. The day will continue with visits to seaside towns.

DAY 7:

A visit to the village Valbonne

On Fridays, the village of Valbonne has the best open-air market that is 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. In addition, there are small shops featuring everything from handmade candies to clothing and gift shops. Or perhaps, you'd like to people-watch at one of the cafés and enjoy an espresso or glass of rosé.

DAY 8:

Goodbye for Now

This morning we say our goodbyes ...Consider extending your trip for a day or two in Nice. Nice sits on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. There’s the Musée Matisse and Musée Marc Chagall and Roman ruins. The Cours Saleya open market, dating back to the early 18th century, is located in Vieille Ville (Old Nice) off the Promenade des Anglais. Monday is the open air antiques and bric-a-brac market.