|
Frequentely Asked Questions
Q. I want to take a 2 week session - will the menus be the same? A. No! We vary the menus so that you may take 2 weeks of cooking classes and never repeat a menu!
Q. I want to take a shorter session - is it possible? A. We can organize short sessions with the same exclusive services. Please ask us if you are interested.
Q. When is the best time to come? A. Each season has its own charm... In Provence people celebrate “la joie de vivre” all over the year. If you like the sun and the remote nature, the Luberon in Provence is a must. July and August are hot in Provence and on the Côte d’Azur (but... crowded!). It’s the peak season and the time of Art and Music festivals, the time of local exuberant feasts. From September to November and from March to June weather is very pleasant and places of interest are not crowded. Winter is cold in Provence and cool on the Cote d'Azur.
Q. My traveling companion doesn't want to cook. Can she or he come along ! A. Bien sur! (But of course!) Your traveling companion can share your room and join all our wonderful meals for a discounted price. Please, ask us for more information.
Q. How do you select the places where we will stay? A. We have visited and checked dozens and dozens of B&B's in Provence and on the Cote d'azur. Our selected B&B has a large kitchen with the best equipment appropriated for our classes, beautiful location and charming facilities, including gardens or park and swimming pool. All room must be spacious, pleasantly decorated with modern private bath rooms. Discover our favorite B&B in Provence .
Q. I want a room with a queen-size bed, at least. Can this be confirmed? A. Each of the rooms are personalized, and if you have a preference we will try to accommodate it.
Q. I want to make my plane reservations soon . When will I have a confirmation from you? Sending your deposit means that we save you a place in a class. We will send you a booking confirmation after we receive your deposit. As the final payments are due 60 days before the class, we can definitively confirm your place as soon as we receive this final payment. So, we advise you not to buy any non-refundable airline tickets until then. Please, see our General Conditions.
Q. Where exactly are Provence, Luberon and Côte d'Azur? A. There is a saying that "when the butter of the north gives way to the olive oil of the south ... that is Provence". It is generally used to refer to the southern regions of France. And it's true! Traditionally the "Provence historique" designates in the south east of France the regions of Avignon - and Luberon - (Vaucluse) , Aix-en-Provence (Bouches du Rhone) and the county of Nice (on the coastline of Côte d'Azur). Those three areas are known as the heart of Provence. However you will find the Provencal way of life in a quite larger area called: Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (PACA). PACA includes the "departements" of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhúne, Var & Alpes-Maritimes (Côte d'Azur) with a population of 4,500,000. Note : The East part of the Gard department (along the Rhone river) and the Southern part of the Drome department (along the North of Vaucluse) are considered today as parts of Provence!
Q. I don't speak ANY French. How will I get along! A. Pas de problem! (No problem) All our classes are taught in English. Philippe and Marie-Pierre both speak fluent English, and will help guide you through the idiosyncrasies of French life. They will even teach you a few of the phrases that will help you get along (Philippe wrote Easy French Grammar, a memento of the French grammar for foreigners)
Q. I have children. Can they come? A. Some B&B doesn't accept any children. But in the B&Bs with less restricted policy we can design a class for specifically for those with children over 12 (when cooking). We will chose accommodations that are appropriate for them. Note that in that case, cooking and non cooking participants should be part of a group of friends or relatives. The cost of the trip will depend on the extra needs for the children, whether you want separate rooms for the kids, and other kid considerations.
Q. I'm a vegetarian. Are the classes for me? Do you organize full vegetarian cooking sessions ? A. The Provencal diet is terrific for a vegetarian. The markets are a cornucopia of some of the most beautiful fresh fruits and vegetable in the world! The Mediterranean supplies us with the freshest fish. And while most of our menus do include a meat course, we will gladly help show you how to customize it for your needs. Or better yet, get together a group of your vegetarian friends and we will design a special week just for you!
Q. I'm on a low-fat diet? Are the classes for me? A. Many Provencal meals begin with olive oil, shown to be one of the most "heart-healthy" foods known. It will be very easy for you to eat a low-fat diet without feeling like you are sacrificing, one bit!
Q. I want to stay at the most luxurious place possible! A. All our B&B's are chosen for their charm and comfort. However, we can design a trip staying at some of the ultra luxurious inns if we have a minimum of 4 like thinking customers, willing to pay the extra cost!
For other questions please write to |
|
View onto the mountain range of the Alpilles |
|
Garlic, oinons, bell pepers, fresh Provencal herbs... |
|
© Art and Cooking Classes in France |
|
Culinary Adventures in Provence |
|
Cote d'Azur |
