Introduction
Provencal Cuisine Discovery.
Price $2,345 CAD*

La Cadière d'Azur is a charming ancient Provençal hilltop village, where the love of traditions - good living, fine foods and wines has been carried on for many centuries and continues today.  It’s just a step away from the Mediterranean Sea…so if you are a lover of nature you’re sure to find Mediterranean plants and sun-drenched scents of wild thyme and rosemary in the village.

Welcome to the Country Inn.

Situated in a stunning location in the heart of the Bandol vineyards, the elegant Hostellerie is set around a heated pool in a cluster of beautifully-restored ancient buildings.  The buildings include an 11th Century monastery with a vaulted room.  You will also spend time at the magnificent country house the "Bastide des Saveurs" – set amidst age-old olive trees and lavender (3km from the village).   

The Week.

This culinary program offers an exceptional introduction to Chef René Bérard's Provençal cuisine and its fabulous flavours and fragrances.  Chef Bérard delivers the hands on cooking lessons at the "Bastide des Saveurs" country house with a focus on pairing wines and foods.  There is also a kitchen garden that grows herbs and fresh produce throughout the year and allows you to discover local products right then and there.  There are also four afternoon excursions throughout the week:  a local vineyard visit to discover the Bandol Appellation wines with the vintner, a visit to an olive grove with olive oil tasting at a mill, a visit with a cheese artisan at a cheese farm with tasting and a visit to a honeybee farm with honey tasting.

The Chef.

Born in this very village, Chef René Bérard's superb and richly innovative cuisine is based on the traditional flavours and fragrances of Provence, the Mediterranean and the finest local products.  The "cuisine of the sun" is René's passion and his way of sharing his love of the seasonal produce of Provençal terroir (land) and local traditions with his guests.  The produce is bought fresh every day at the local Provençal market. 

Michelin Guide.

And the restaurant has also been awarded one star on the Michelin Guide this year (the Michelin Guide awards restaurants between one and three stars, and they are highly coveted).

The Truffle Program.

Every year the Truffle Program is offered around the end of November, beginning of December.  Spend 3 days learning all about the delicious mouth-watering ‘Truffle.’  Travel to a Truffle Market with Chef René Bérard, have lunch at a specialized farm and savour the ‘black diamond’ for 3 glorious days.

The Vineyards and the Wine Route.

Ideally situated in the very heart of the A.O.C. Bandol and Côtes de Provence wine-growing region, near such famous "appellations" as Cassis and La Palette, the area offers fascinating walks among the vines to discover these famous vineyards and the secrets of its growers.  In 2002 the Wine Spectator awarded the Hostellerie Bérard the award of excellence for its restaurant and wine list.

A 3-day Introduction to Wine Tasting is also available:

Spend 2 nights in the lovingly restored 11th Century monastery (or other historic building); take a 2-day course with a wine expert, savour 2 lunches, a welcome dinner with a local wine grower, as well as wine-related excursions.  The wine cellar also stores 8,000 bottles referenced under 500 “Appellations”.

Don’t hesitate to ask us for more information.

By Air

Marseille/Provence Airport : 65 km    

Nice International Airport : 130 km

Toulon/Hyeres Domestic Airport : 40 km

Le Castellet Airfield : 10 km 

By Road

A50 Highway: Exit n 11 : 1.5 km

By Train

Toulon : 25 km Bandol : 8 km

St. Cyr Sur Mer : 6 km

By TGV from Paris  : 3 hours arrival in Marseilles