Madeleine Vedel

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

231 432 0499

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.

Winter Truffle Tours

An all inclusive week in the land of truffles and fabulous wines. Indulge your senses for seven decadent days and nights in the villages of Provence:

- hunt black truffles in the hills of the Lubéron
- prepare truffles, foie gras, fresh pasta & more
- shop the outdoor farmers’ markets like a local
- taste exquisite chocolates by top chocolatiers in the region
- savor rich red wines (and some rare white) of the Rhône Valley crus: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras and Gigondas
- feast among friends; meet local artisans and sample their wares
- hike the olive groves and limestone hills
- dine at our favorite restaurants, both simple and elegant
- explore Avignon, the city of the Popes and the nearby 2000 year old Roman-built Pont du Gard

$3500 per guest in double accommodation. $600 single supplement

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Beautiful & convenient accommodations in a private home.

The divine simplicity of a fresh black truffle, olive oil, salt and a crunchy baguette.

The divine simplicity of a fresh black truffle, olive oil, salt and a crunchy baguette.

6 people per tour - 1 spot for a single room available. CLICK on the links below to sign up.

Winter 2025

February 17-24 (mon-mon)

Single supplement

Private group dates possible. Email if interested.

Sign up for my email missive to learn about upcoming trips and special chocolate offerings.

You can also email me any questions you have. 

Payment can be made by check or credit card (through paypal or this web site).  For bank information and /or address to send the first 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 (winter travel), you do not forfeit your train ticket. The TGV station is a very short ride by shuttle to the city of Avignon.

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 (Sunday) and concludes after breakfast on the following Sunday morning.

Psst. It's even more fun to travel with a friend to share the experience.

Sign up for my email missive to stay in touch and learn about future offerings.