Sun-drenched Provence is a land that enchants, where the people are exuberant and outspoken and the cooking is a miraculous straightforward blending of the simplest ingredients. The tomato, the olive, and garlic reign supreme, with garlic and onions pulled from the earth, dried in the sun, and woven into braids hanging everywhere, ready to be married with the abundance of vegetables and herbs for which Provence is famous. Full-bodied red Bandol wines and spicy white wines from Cassis pair beautifully with this delicious flavorful food.

Come celebrate these riches with us as we join Xénia and Bernard Saltiel at La Royante, their charming 19-th century manor house, which was once the home of the archbishop of Marseille. A couple with exquisite taste, Xenia and Marseille native Bernard have completely restored and decorated their home with their collections of art and unusual objets. Each room is a treasure, beautiful, unique, and supremely comfortable. La Royante is nestled in the heart of French novelist and film director Marcel Pagnol’s beloved Provence. Driving through the countryside, you are sure to be reminded of his books and films, My Father’s Glory and My Mother’s Castle. This is the Provence of yesteryear. Lavender, almonds, and olives scent the air and grace the dinner plate. Just up a narrow, winding road from La Royante is the idyllic restaurant, La Ferme Auberge. Here, chef Jean-Louis Zenesini will share with us the secrets of his sublime Provencal cuisine in hands-on cooking classes. While both La Royante and La Ferme are hidden in the countryside, this delightful area is only minutes away from the Mediterranean and the stunning cliffs near Cassis, which we will visit by boat. Excursions to nearby Aubagne and Marseille will round out this incredible insider’s week.