Lavender I Truffles I Wine I Cuisine I Art I History
Imagine yourself staying in a 19th century stone farmhouse in the south of France surrounded by fields of sunflowers, lavender and poppies. Join Le Chat Gourmet and Chef Denene Vincent on this unforgettable tour in Provence – from fields of lavender, private Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tasting to truffle hunting in the Luberon, our vacation is designed to immerse you in the local history, culture, wine and cuisine through daily excursions to nearby historical sites, vineyards, markets and hands-on cooking classes creating regional cuisine – savouring
all things Provence. Small group size, maximum 8 persons!
DATES
2 Openings! WEEK 1: Saturday, June 6th – Friday, June 12th, 2026
Second Week – Just Added!
8 Openings! WEEK 2: Saturday, June 13th – Friday, June 19th, 2026
COST
$4,295 per person, based on double occupancy
(we often have solo persons looking for a travel partner – please inquire)
Day 1
WELCOME TO PROVENCE FRANCE!
Late afternoon group transfer from the Avignon TGV train station to our private 1812 stone mill farmhouse in the heart of Provence with 5 spacious ensuite bedrooms with air conditioning, professional chef’s kitchen complete with French Lacanche stove and outside barbecue area. The property is located on 1½ acres of picturesque gardens that include a championship pétanque pitch, 43’x 16’ private swimming pool with pool house and surrounded by Provencal fields and villages. Welcome aperitif and hors d’oeuvre buffet, tour of farmhouse, time to enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool. Dinner at the farmhouse prepared by Chef Denene Vincent.
Day 2
PROVENCAL COOKING CLASS
French breakfast at the farmhouse of coffee, fruit juice, creamy Normandy butter, French jams, yogurt, assorted fruit, toasted crusty artisan bread and warm flaky croissants. Morning cooking class creating classic Provençal entrées and desserts, that may include lemon lavender tart and daube de boeuf in the farmhouse’s professional kitchen, directly followed by lunch. Free afternoon to stroll in the gardens, enjoy a game of pétanque, swim or relax poolside under the Provencal sun. Dinner at the farmhouse by Chef Vincent.
Day 3
PONT DU GARD, VINEYARD PICNIC & PRIVATE WINE TASTING
French breakfast at the farmhouse. Morning departure to visit France’s most famous ancient landmark the Pont du Gard. A Roman aqueduct bridge built around 50 AD during the reigns of the emperors Claudius and Nero with three spectacular tiers of arches that supplied the city of Nîmes with large quantities of pressurized water for its Roman baths and fountains for over five centuries. Next stop, Châteauneuf-du-Pape where we’ll enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in a vineyard. Following lunch, a visit to The Pope’s Castle, now a ruin built by Pope John XXII when in exile from Rome, which offers spectacular views across the Rhone River to Avignon and surrounding vineyards. Then enjoy a private tasting in a 13th century vaulted cellar of five white and red Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines personally selected by a master sommelier. Dinner at the farmhouse.
Day 4
MARKET DAY in GORDES, SANTONS & OLIVE OIL TASTING
French breakfast at the farmhouse. Morning departure for market day in the village of Gordes with one of the most incredible hilltop views in all the Luberon, voted the ‘most beautiful village in the world’ by Travel & Leisure magazine. Wander ancient cobblestone streets as you explore the market filled with local artisans selling foie gras, jams, lavender products, honey, salamis, olives, cheese, herbs, spices, truffles, pottery, handmade soaps, Provencal table linens to original artwork. We’ll visit a Santon shop featuring the works of top local artists. Santon figures originate from Provence representing the colorful people and traditional trades of the region. After the market enjoy a private tour and tasting at an olive mill. Dinner at the farmhouse by Chef Vincent.
Day 5
TRUFFLE & LAVENDER ADVENTURE
French breakfast at the farmhouse. Morning departure for truffle hunting in the Luberon. If you’ve read Peter Mayle’s book ‘A Year in Provence’ you know the location of truffles are a well guarded secret, for you to accompany a truffle hunter and his dog into the Luberon is a truly amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience! Along the way we’ll forage for wildflowers, mint, thyme and arugula. After our truffle hunt we’ll return to a private farm for a truffle tasting and Provencal wine toast. No visit to Provence would be complete without taking in the beauty of rolling purple fields of lavender. We’ll end the day in Roussillon ranked one of ‘The Most Beautiful Villages of France’ a lovely village filled with art, quaint shops and famous magnificent ochre cliffs streaked with colors from bright yellows to deep orange reds. Dinner at the farmhouse by Chef Denene Vincent.
Day 6
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF VAN GOGH
French breakfast at the farmhouse. Morning departure to to Saint Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh took refuge in 1889, inspired by the quality of light and beauty of the landscapes he produced 143 paintings within 53 weeks, creating many of his most famous works, ‘The Irises’, ‘Starry Night’ and ‘Vincent’s Room in Arles’. Then it’s on the 14th century village of St. Remy de Provence where we will visit the birthplace of Nostradamus and even delight your taste buds with a chocolate tasting! Free time to wander the cobblestone streets exploring the picturesque squares, fountains and St. Martin church with its majestic pipe organ. Our final stop, Carrières de Lumières, tucked inside a former quarry, for a magical art-based multimedia show that will envelope you with images of famous paintings from ground to ceiling at heights of 45 feet all set to music. Evening 4-course dinner at farmhouse prepared by Chef Vincent.
Day 7
TRUFFLE BREAKFAST
French ‘summer truffle’ breakfast at the mill farmhouse. Morning group transfer to Avignon TGV train station. Alas, your vacation and culinary experience with Le Chat Gourmet in Provence must draw to a close but never an end. You depart with new found friendships, wonderful memories and your cooking class recipes to recreate and reflect back on for a lifetime – Bon Cuisine!
DATE
2 Openings! WEEK 1: Saturday, June 6th – Friday, June 12th, 2026
Second Week – Just Added!
8 Openings! WEEK 2: Saturday, June 13th – Friday, June 19th, 2026
COST
$4,295 per person, based on double occupancy
(we often have solo persons looking for a travel partner, please inquire)
Join us for an Adventure in Provence!
To reserve your spot or for more information…
Call 517.663.7322 or Email [email protected]
“Coming from South Carolina, we have never been to Le Chat Gourmet, but after talking with friends about their experience, we knew we had to participate in this culinary adventure! From our warm welcome to our bittersweet farewells, every moment left us with memories that we will forever treasure. The aromas wafting through the farmhouse every day, learning new cooking techniques, laughter with new friends, the beauty of Provence, a lovely local guide who is passionate about her region, and a magnificent chef made our time unforgettable! The icing on the cake was receiving the recipes after we arrived home. Merci beaucoup, Chef !’’ – Jeff & Cheryl Lambert 2025
“Thank you for a truly unforgettable experience!
Provence was a dream come true.” – Cheryl Lieblang 2024
“Thank you. I still am thinking about what a great trip this was with fabulous food and lifetime adventures!”
“So many fabulous memories” – Holly & Tom Dimmer 2022
“We can’t thank you and Lori enough for such a wonderful week. We had such a fantastic time and have never eaten so well.
The recipe booklet is so amazing! It captures delicious food, fun times, new found friends and such great memories.
Thank you for such a memorable week!” – Hugs, Steve and Cassandra Pitts 2022
“What an adventure…thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip!
Special memories abound.”
– Sue Ziel 2019
“What a fantastic trip we had!”
– Kathy Annis 2019
“Bonjour mes amis!
“The first thing I did when we got home was order duck breasts 🙂
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon…thanks again Denene
for a truly unforgettable trip!”
– Leslie Aguirre 2019
