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The YaYa French Tour: Divine secrets of Provence
The Ya Ya French Tour
….Divine Secrets of Provence
With Ken Jourdan
Location: The Rhône Retreat, Gaujac France
Level: For Ya Ya’s of all ages!!!!
“The Ya Ya French Tour” is all about life and living it to its fullest……oh yeah…with a little shopping also. What better way to start off this tour than with a quote from the divine Ya Ya herself…..
“This is a cardinal Ya-Ya rule: you must meet each person’s eyes while clinking glasses in a toast. Otherwise, the ritual has no meaning, it’s just pure show. And that is something the Ya-Yas are not.” ― Rebecca Wells, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
Your guide is prepared to show you the ropes in Provence with a bouquet of fun. Whether enjoying Flower arrangement classes or learning to make macaroons, you are heading for a week full of savors, smells and shopping. With each day bringing a new adventure and classrooms full of laughter, Ken will make your stay one to remember.
He invites you to learn the art of bouquet making from a French florist. Create your own macaroons with an acclaimed local pastry chef. Market days in Uze’s and St. Remy de Provence. Boutique shopping wherever your credit cards are accepted. With a grand finale in Avignon…….for those who want to go away with a new look…..an afternoon with acclaimed hair stylist Greg at Hardwax Concept….before heading to Avignon Opera House for a night of Ya Ya Priestesses!
Our culinary delights at the Rhône Retreat will be prepared by local chef Jerome Gargallo. Be prepared to be wowed by his blend of French cuisine and a very fresh Mediterranean diet. The Rhône Retreat, a gorgeous property with three separate cottages, a main house, beautiful gardens and a sparkling pool, provides a home base for all YaYa participants with all meals included. It was built in the early 1800’s and offers a glimpse of life in a quaint village surrounded by vineyards and historical sites. There is no better way to experience the provincial lifestyle in a prestigious setting than what you will find behind the gates of the Rhone Retreat.
So bring your favorite Ya Ya’s and be ready to giggle……..
“Of all the secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood the most divine was humor.” ― Rebecca Wells, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
Package Options: Ideal for 4 to 6 Ya Ya Priestesses but can accomodate 8. Pricing may vary depending on single or doulble occupancy. Ideal in July or fall but can be anytime.
Preistess Package Cost of the 7 day tour starts at $3500 per YaYa. That includes…..
Six nights accommodations at the Rhone Retreat in Gaujac.
All meals.
Ground transportation to all outings.
A one hour massage for each guest.
Transfer to/from Avignon TGV or Avignon Airport.
All wine tastings and vineyard visits.
Princess Package Cost starting at $4000 USD per YaYa. That includes…..
Everything included in the Priestess package plus:
Reception in Paris or other major French city.
1st class train tickets to Avignon, brunch and champagne service.
1st class train tickets to your next French destination after leaving the Rhone Retreat.
Optional Extras ….pricing available on resquest.
YaYa’s Go Rodeo …two additional days in the famous Camargue with horseback riding and flamingo watching while lodged at the fabulous 4 Star “Le Mas de la Fouque.”
YaYa French Riveria ……endless possibilities that we can help you select from such as St. Tropez, Nice , Eze, Monaco…to name a few.
Not included in the tour:
Airfare.
Tips for personal services.
Cost of any extra charges such as telephone calls and insurance.
There is no refund or discount for staying less than 7 nights.
Itinerary
Day 1 Thursday
We will meet you at Avignon TGV train station. After arriving in Avignon, it is a 25 minute drive to Gaujac and the Rhone Retreat where you will enjoy a relaxing afternoon; you will get your first taste of local specialties served around the pool. Dinner will be on property with your first sip of our 5 generation neighbor/winemaker’s excellent variety…literally a stone’s throw away.
Day 2 Friday
Breakfast/Brunch at your own speed, whether an early bird or a late bloomer. A stroll around Gaujac to familiar yourself with the surroundings, visit the winemaker and see how he brings grapes to us in a bottle. Dinner is a walk away at the fabulous La Maison, where Christine Teste, recently awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin, explores French Provencal cuisine revisited with worldly spices and her husband, Pierre, a sommelier, introduces us to local wines that blend with any palate.
Day 3 Saturday
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An early breakfast and then we are off to Uzes. The gem of our region, Uzes, a haven of Dukes, today is transformed into arguably one of the most picturesque villages in the south of France. And market days are magical! Here we will purchase all our provisions necessary for the afternoon’s class, straight from the farmers who grow them. After the baskets are full, you may stroll around and find the café that best fits your desires for lunch.
With the bellies full, we will migrate slowly back to Rhone Retreat, with those interested, stopping in St. Quentin la Poterie, widely known for … yes… artisanal pottery, before make it back to Gaujac. Next up, our first class at the old church school…… time to put on the aprons, because tonight we enjoy what we have prepared. Bon appétit!
Day 4 Sunday
After an early breakfast we push off for Avignon, the city of the Popes. The double walled fortified city, home for 180 years to many Popes, and the infamous and often sung about… Pont d’Avignon or Avignon Bridge. We will explore the churches, cobbled streets and for those who wish, tour the Palais-du-Pape or Palace of the Pope. After, with a little direction, you may select one of the many numerous and charming sidewalk bistros for lunch. We meet up and head back to Gaujac for another culinary adventure....... remember we dine on our creations.Day 5 Monday
Breakfast and a relaxing morning..... massages when possible. Then off to Chateau-Neuf-du-Pape for wine tasting and a visit to the Brotte museum. Afterwards, we will head up to the ruined castle with spectacular views of the entire region and enjoy a fresh picnic. With the eyes and appetites nourished, we will head back to Gaujac for a relaxing afternoon. Dinner in the garden will be inspired by local cuisine and in a casual atmosphere.Day 6
Breakfast and then off to discover some of our local producers. Nothing sweeter than going to the source, we will visit a local honey producer and learn the basics of their production. Then off to the olive farmer, another staple in the provincial lifestyle. Back to Gaujac for a lunch inspired by our visits. About 2pm, we will be required to walk up the hill, to La Maison where Christine Teste will lead us in a 2 hour cooking workshop. Dinner will be out at the fabulous Chateau Saint Maurice, located roughly 10 minutes away in Laudun, for a wonderful way to finish our day.Day 7 Wednesday
Breakfast in the garden and prepare for the market in Bagnols-sur-Ceze. After selecting the necessary provisions for our afternoon class, you will have the chance to pick a local café to grab a bite to eat before heading back to Gaujac. Massages are available before our afternoon class. With the final preparations behind us, we will sit down to enjoy your ultimate culinary treat.Day 8 Thursday
Early breakfast, then bags will be loaded and off to Avignon to say our first farewell…. because remember…. ”Once you Gaujac, you always go back.”[/list]
