Madeleine Vedel

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

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.

Fall Riviera Art & Markets Tour - October 22-31, 2025

 
Musée National Marc Chagall

Musée National Marc Chagall

Come with me to explore the spectacular museums and sites dedicated to the artists who lived and loved on the Côte d’Azur… And eat superbly well along the way. (or as I might say, like a local).

See why so many artists made the Côte d’Azur their home: Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Renoir, Bonnard, Léger, Cocteau… T here is so much to see and it’s even better up close.

We’ll stay in a five bedroom house in the picturesque hill town of Biot, with views of the Mediterranean below. We’ll visit the prettiest of the outdoor markets to gather supplies for future meals and picnics, and treat ourselves to little gifts. I’ve planned an exquisite cooking class inside the walled city of St Paul de Vence at the famed L’Amandier restaurant.

Each day will be an adventure - exploring the tiny, curving streets of a walled cities - those perched on steep hills, and those by the water - , perusing markets, learning about an artist’s work and life, viewing the dramatic coastline from the gunnels of a boat, discovering new cooking techniques, or simply taking in the age and majesty of monasteries and chapels.

We’ll pace ourselves, making time for tea, coffee and cocktail stops. And we’ll be sure to include some downtime to enjoy the beautiful pool, house, and walks in the hills nearby.

  • A guided tour by a local (and truly delightful!) guide to the old city of Antibes and the Picasso museum;

  • An introduction/discussion with a local art specialist about the artists who chose this region as their home;

  • Nice and the museums devoted to Marc Chagall and Matisse;

  • A visit by boat to the Île St Honorat and the Monastery there;

  • A chance to discover (and purchase) Glassworks of Biot (Verrerie)

  • Le Cannet & the intimate museum devoted to Pierre Bonnard

  • The Matisse Chapel in Vence

  • A visit to the dramatic sculpture garden and fascinating building that is the Fondation Maeght.

  • A boat excursion to view Ville-Franche sur Mer and the fascinating coast line and dramatic views of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat by sea (weather depending)

  • A chance to explore the gastronomic city and stunning perched village of Eze.

Do bring good walking shoes as each day will include a good bit, be it through markets, over old cobble streets, or moving slowly over the marble floors of museums. There may also be an optional 5 km descent from Eze to the sea.

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The bubble filled blown glass of Biot

The bubble filled blown glass of Biot

The tour is limited to 5 participants.

The price per person is $4475.

Single supplement $800

This includes:

Accommodations for 9 nights.

All meals but for 2 lunches (whether they be at the house or in restaurants).

Local wines with our meals.

All museum entries and guided tours.

Transportation during the tour. - including pick-up/drop-off at the Antibes Center City/TGV Train Station.

For more information, click here.

Schedule may shift due to availability and/or last-minute closures.

 
 
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