1 testimonial about this trip

1. Reviewer: Kate V.

   Hello! I just wanted to write to tell you how much we enjoyed our "Provencal Adventure" this April! ... We had an absolutely fabulous time: my parents, my husband and myself. The B&B where we stayed (Le Jardin de Bacchus) was stunningly beautiful, as was the village where it was located, Tavel. It is rustic, unspoiled and lovely, surrounded on many sides by miles and miles of vineyards. The weather during our stay was 70's and sunny, with only a few windy days (the famous Mistral, as recounted by Peter Mayle). We thoroughly enjoyed our cooking lessons, set as they were in our host Christine's sunny kitchen, with doors open on to the terrace. We made herb-crusted chicken, Coq au Vin, Brandade de Morue (salt cod mixed with cream and potatoes and baked in pastry), goat cheese wrapped in eggplant slices, 3-chocolate mousse, strawberry/basil/lemon terrine, Pissalidiere (a kind of sweet-onion "pizza" with black olives and anchovies), among other dishes. With those dishes, we enjoyed aperatifs of muscat and Pastis, jaw-dropping local wines (Tavel rose and red Lirac by La Genestiere) during the meals. On nights when we didn't have a lesson, we enjoyed one of Tavel's exceptional restaurants, all within walking distance of the B&B. Our host Christine, who is fluent in English, assisted us in planning our day trips to le Pont du Gard, la Camargue, the Uzes market, Castillon du Gard and the Popes' Palace at Avignon. We had been slightly worried about driving in France, but it was no trouble: everything is very clearly signed at the various roundabouts, and driving from Marseille to Tavel via the highway was equally easy. What a fantastic vacation: we were all very sorry to leave. If we had searched elsewhere for months, we would not have found such a lovely and enjoyable place. Thank you!

2 testimonials about the provider, The International Kitchen:

• Reviewer: Thomas & Christine L. located in NC USA

  I'd like to start by saying, this was the best vacation of our lives. The Relais Oasi Olimpia is a five star hotel with a four star rating. Every member of the staff was warm hearted and friendly, and totally dedicated to our needs and well being. The rooms were large and comfortable, especially compared to the so-called four star hotel we stayed at in Rome. Carmen Mazzola the general manager was extremely competent, resourceful, and accommodating. Whenever we made a request, or a scheduling change was necessary due to weather or some other reason, she handled all with speed and good nature, always exclaiming, "It's nothing!" when we thanked her. The cooking lessons with Marco the Chef were just what we had hoped them to be. Nothing too intense, (after all we were on vacation) but informative and easy to execute. I'm happy to say, Christine and I are quite competent now in producing a variety of delectable dishes we would be proud to serve anyone. Our boat tour to Positano was wonderful, our host Antonio piloted the boat to the picturesue little town, and later stopped at a cove where we swam in the Mediterranean and had an expertly prepared lunch. Our favorite tour was of the Mozzarella Factory, I won't say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Suffice to say, don't miss it. Being Italian-American, this vacation awakened feelings in me long hidden. Personality traits that I have are prevalent in Southern Italy. I felt like I was among my own kind at last. I want to go back.

• Reviewer: Katie P located in UK

  I just wanted to let you know that Chris and I had a wonderful time at Chateau de Berne last week. Mayung took very good care of us as ourhostess, and Jean-Louis is great! And of course the location is absolutely beautiful, as you know. We were made to feel very welcome the whole time we were there. I'm a few months pregnant, and Mayung did a great job of juggling our schedule so that I got some rest when I needed it but we also managed to fit in a lot of activities (including a visit to the market, a winery tour and wine tasting and a visit to a local abbey as well as some shopping on our own).And the cooking lessons were very well done. Chris and I were the only students (and in truth, Chris was the only one really cooking with Jean-Louis -- my job was to take notes and pictures!), so it felt like a one-on-one tutorial. Jean-Louis is a patient teacher and he did a good job of explaining everything he was doing. As the week progressed, Chris took a more and more active role in the food preparation, and the hands-on approach was very educational too. Everyone at Chateau de Berne was warm and friendly, and they really did make us feel very welcome there. This program was Chris's birthday present (his 40th) and I'm very pleased with how well it worked out! Thank you!