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In Avignon, you will not find the heavy cream inspired dishes that are typical of traditional French cuisine. Rather, Provençal dishes tend towards a lighter interpretation of French food and a reliance on fresh, locally grown produce, especially vegetables, olive oil and spices from Provence, like rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano and marjoram. Garlic dominates and blends with Mediterranean influences that encourage an abundant use of seafood and grilled meats. Specialties include black truffles, goat and sheep’s milk cheeses, beef stew (Daube de Boeuf), rabbit stuffed with tomatoes and olives and Ratatouille. Enjoy a day of Provençal cooking and dining.

Morning to Lunch

There is nothing more gratifying than preparing your own delicious meal and being able to share it with others. This morning’s Provençal cooking class at the Marmiton Restaurant at La Mirande Hotel will give you this opportunity and a chance to learn a number of traditional Provençal recipes from some of the best chefs in the region. Create classic Avignon dishes like Pâtes aux coquillages (seafood pasta), poivron farci (stuffed bell pepper), soupe de lentilles Provençale (lentil soup) and tourton du champsaur (stuffed beignet).The restaurant’s sommelier will then choose the appropriate wine to accompany your meal and you will dine with new friends you make during the class.

Dinner

Christian Etienne is considered one of the city’s finest dining establishments with changing seasonal menus and a spectacular terrace. It is housed in a Middle Ages palace located in the city center, next to the Palace of the Popes. The restaurant’s namesake and chef is a Maître Cuisinier de France (Master Chef of France) and he specializes in inventive regional cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and game. Dine on exceptional selections like cauliflower in choux pastry and lobster meat with tarragon, powdered broccoli and lamb’s lettuce; Saffron sea bass, gratin of razor clams and braised cockles with fennel; Whole lobster sautéed with Reinette apple quarters, rum sultanas and hazelnut oil foam; or Confit of pig cheeks with ginger and licorice, Arborio risotto and meadow mushrooms.

Details:

Marmiton Restaurant at La Mirande Hotel
-4, place de la Mirande, 84000 Avignon
-Tel. +33/4-9014-2020
-Bilingual classes from 9am to 1pm including lunch afterwards: €80 to €135

Restaurant Christian Etienne
-10 rue de Mons, 84000 Avignon
-Tel. +33/4-9086-650
-Open Tuesday to Saturday lunch and dinner
-Tasting Menu: €120, Grand Palais Menu: €65, Lobster Menu: €80, Pork Menu: €65

Journey Time: 2hr40
Frequency: 30
Departure Station: Paris Garde de Lyon
Arrival Station: Avignon TGV
Prices From: 112 (Economy) to 466 (Premier / Comfort Flexi)
(prices subject to change)

Uselful Links:

• http://www.la-mirande.fr
• http://www.christian-etienne.fr

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