Madeleine Vedel

The Curious Writer, Chocolate-maker and Guide to Food, Wine, & Travel in Provence

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Madeleine Vedel is a writer, photographer and teacher. Over a peripatetic life she has become an accomplished goat cheese maker, a culinary tour guide in Provence, a translator and writer of articles and stories. Trained in France, she brings her culinary, wine and cheese know-how across the Atlantic to Northern Michigan. During the winter, she organizes culinary tours out of her home in Avignon, France.

Cooking with Artisans in Provence

October 7-17, 2025

 
 

Come along with me…

for a 10 day tour amidst the herb-scented fields, the limestone cliffs of the Alpilles, the gold-leafed vineyards and the cobbled streets of Provence. Meet my favorite food artisans and explore cooking with their specialties: honey, goat cheese, olive oil, chocolate, wild herbs.

From our 5 bedroom and 5 bath accommodations in a private home beside the village of St Rémy de Provence we’ll head off each morning to visit an artisan or two, taste local wines, and then picnic or lunch in a lovely village or stunning spot in the country.

We’ll wander through vineyards and olive orchards, explore little villages, nibble on pastries with the baker and learn about the roles of bees in our fragile world.

On market days we’ll pick up ingredients for cooking classes and meals, picnics and snacks, exploring the smaller market of our village and the glorious Arles Saturday market. You’ll be cooking with two local chefs, my goat cheese maker, and a special class with my favorite chocolatier

In between our excursions and cooking classes you’ll have free time to explore the local village of St. Rémy de Provence, the Roman ruins of Glanum and to hike into the hills out our back door. I will also include a day in Avignon, and a day visiting local monuments, Roman and Medieval located nearby.

Most meals included excepting 2 lunches on market day and one dinner (suggestions for good restaurants will be provided). Local wines and beverages included. Transportation from the Avignon TGV train station to and from our home included on the first and last day of the tour (recommended arrival time between 2-3pm, and recommended departure time between 10-11am).

All ages welcome.

This is a small group tour of maximum 6 participants. $4250 person.

For accommodations in a single room, there is a supplement of $850.

Click here to sign up.

For the Single supplement click here.

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To Pay, click here. Payment can be made by check, wire transfer or credit card.  For bank information and address to send the first two options, please email me by clicking on the envelope icon at the bottom of this page.

The closest international airport to Avignon is Marseille Marignane - an hour by taxi (expect to pay about 120E for the taxi ride, though Uber has arrived in France and is now an option).

Alternatively, you can fly into Paris and take the TGV to Avignon (the train station is located inside Charles de Gaulle airport). Be sure to opt for a train ticket with an extended window and/or insurance so that should your plane be delayed, you do not forfeit your train ticket.

You might also consider a longer trip to France/Europe and spend a couple days in Paris or up north before taking the train to Avignon.

The tour begins with a welcome dinner on the first evening and concludes after breakfast on the last morning.

Looking forward to touring Provence with you!

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