Passport to Provence

Happy guests…

Confidence to try new things
“Really relaxed and informal, cared for in a genuinely intimate way. A small glimpse into a lifestyle I’d like to become permanently accustomed to!

Lovely place, great food, charming and generous company, glorious weather, and aperitifs every day in the sunshine!

A cosseting place, with a garden I’m very envious of, that is clearly the result of a lot of hard work and attention (as is everything about the holiday). The chef is very imaginative. He demystified many things as well as helping in both practical advice and confidence to try something more complex.”

Louise S., London, UK

Postcard-gorgeous
” My mom and I had a wonderful time in Provence. The setting for the cooking course was postcard-gorgeous. The garden surrounding the Bastide, where we had our lessons, was lush, beautiful, and full of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and fragrant herbs.

We enjoyed the cooking classes immensely – we appreciated that we weren’t just listening or doing menial tasks, but actually preparing each and every step of the 3-course lunches that we enjoyed each day. The food was absolutely delicious – the dishes we created are sure to impress my friends, yet are possible to recreate at home. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the chef – he was a fantastic teacher, very patient, kind, and fun to work with. I could hardly believe that a Michelin-starred chef was sharing so much knowledge with us and then sitting down to a lovely meal with us each day. He was always happy to answer all our questions and seemed to be having as much fun as we were.
Also, the translator, Miriam, added immensely to the experience – the way she worked with the chef was very natural, and she had a lot of knowledge about the region, Provencal history, culture, and cuisine to share…..

Finally, I especially enjoyed the “extras” and field trips, such as when the chef showed us around his garden, picking herbs for us to smell, and the morning when we travelled to a nearby coastal town to visit the fish and produce market……

All in all, it was definitely one of the most enjoyable, memorable vacations I have ever had. The location and the cooking course were even more incredible than I had dreamed they would be. Thanks so much!”

Colleen K., California, US

Much more than I imagined
“The cooking course and the stay were wonderful. Much more than I had imagined it would be and just what I was looking for.
The professionalism and reputation of Mr Berard was unexpected, not to mention the ‘three hat’ restaurant.
Breakfast every morning looking out at Provence was pure luxury. I loved visiting the surrounding countryside and beaches.
The hotel was very comfortable and well organised by the extra-ordinary energy of Mr Berard.”

Yvonne T, Australia

Stepping into a different world
“ The cooking course was a wonderful interlude and I am very pleased I went.
The setting — the village of La Cadiere d’Azur — is simply magical; a marvellously preserved medieval gem. It, alone, is worth the journey. The Hostellerie is delightfully in keeping with its surroundings, while lacking nothing in modern comforts. And what a position — those panoramic views from the restaurant! I must mention the staff — they conduct themselves with aplomb, and in a friendly and unforced way they both accommodated my broken French … and were themselves happy to speak in English.
Pleasingly, the strong sense of place — Provencale — along with echoes of long-cherished tradition, is carried through to the bastide where the cooking itself takes place. There is a true sense of stepping for a few days into a different world, away from the meaningless noise, rush and sameness of our more familiar world.

M. Berard himself embodies all the Provencal virtues — full of charm, bonhomie and, of course, most knowledgeable about his topic — the food of Provence. He is a most likeable man and it is a pleasure to spend a few days in his company. I learned a great deal from him and I came home with my culinary knowledge much enriched. And I had a very good time doing it.

I was the only non-French speaker attending the course last week. I did not find this a problem. Being surrounded by the French language in the kitchen somehow contributed to the atmosphere. At the end of the week I told M. Berard – in French! – that if I stayed for three weeks I would be speaking entirely in French. Nevertheless, I very much appreciated the presence of Miriam, a delightful woman, to help with translation.

…I would love to go back.

Thank you for the part you played in the smooth conduct of the arrangements.”

Lester V, UK

Everything was perfect. Passionate Chef.
“I had such a wonderful time. Everything was perfect. The hotel was beautiful and the staff was warm, friendly and more than accommodating. Chef Berard made us feel so comfortable. It was so nice to see someone who loves what they do and is so passionate about sharing it with others.
I am back to the “real world” and stil catching myself smiling thinking about my experiences there.”

Jenny C., US

Wonderful experience
“We loved the cooking course in La Cadiere and have shared your website with many friends since returning home. The setting was so beautiful and Rene and Mirian were wonderfully patient and accommodating…..the friends we made, the setting and the yummy food made it a wonderful experience…. Thank you for everything and hope to come on to another course sometime in the future!”

Diana & Trevor, New Zealand

Enjoyable vacation to rest and to learn at the same time
“Provence is fantastic.
For a novice like me, it was definitely a relaxing and enjoyable vacation to rest and to learn French cuisines at the same time. Provence is so awesome. La Cadiere d’Azur is wonderfully located on a hilltop with a perfect view of the surroundings. The Bastide, where we had our lessons and afternoon meals, is a wonderful place to spend a few days.
The course is well-rounded to cover meats, fish / sea foods, vegetables and desserts. Tuesday morning visit to Senary to buy fishes was fun. June is definitely a good month to visit this region before the Summer heat arrives in July / August. Jean Francois, the son of Rene, was wonderful, energetic and hands-on.”

Kok-Loong C., Malaysia

Great teacher
“It was wonderful. Chef Rene was a great teacher and the translator Miriam was just as accomplished….. can’t wait to try the recipes.”

Kathie L., US

Beyond my expectations
“The Hostellerie and the cooking course went beyond my expectations! Because it is a family run business, everyone seemed invested in our well being and experience. Rene is a dear man. . . kind . . .patient. . . with indefatigable energy! He was so helpful to my daughter (a non-chef) and sparked a hopefully life long interest in Provencal cuisine. We were both so appreciative of his expertise and demeanor. I just kept wanting to hug him! Besides the Hostellerie itself, the location is superb for touring north and south. Miram, our translator, was like a friend after a day, and helpful to us in every way. Tous c’etait magnifique!!!

Lucinda M., US