Contact Us

frequently asked questions- picnics in provence

How do I make a booking?
Simply visit our contact page or booking request page and we will contact you shortly.

If I make an enquiry or booking with you is my personal information safe?
Of course, please refer to our privacy statement page for further information.

How many people are on each tour?
Our speciality is small, intimate group tours so we only take a maximum of 8 people.  If you would like to book out a tour in its entirety for your family or friends we can take up to 12 guests.

I don't speak French, is that a problem?
Not a problem at all, all our tours are lead by your host Nikki Maxwell who speaks French and will be accompanying you throughout your stay with us.

What's the itinerary like?
Please check out our sample itinerary to get an idea of the delightful treats we have in store for guests on our tours of Provence.  We can also cater for group bookings where your itinerary is carefully planned and matched to your individual preferences.

What's the accommodation like?
We stay in lovely boutique hotels in the south of France and at a choice of delightful villas in Haute Provence, all chosen for their high levels of comfort, ambience and location.

How much does each tour cost?
Prices are competitively tailored to fit specific tour schedules and itineraries and are available on application.

What is included in the price?
All hotel and villa accommodation is included as are all cooking classes, transport costs and transfers whilst on the tour.  Daily breakfasts are also included plus all scheduled lunches and dinners (based on menu fixe prices). 

What's average age of the other guests?
We have  a  wide age range of guests joining us, from 20 to  mid 70's but generally the age range is between mid 30's and 60's.

Do you offer cooking courses?
Yes we organise a wonderful cooking course in the kitchen of a famous local restaurant run by a renowned chef.  On some of our tours we are accompanied by our very own guest chef, who will cook in the villa for you and also run cooking classes for those interested.

Are the classes in English?
Yes, all our classes and any guest speakers are fluent in English.

What level of cooking expertise is required?
Our meal preparation and cooking courses cater for both beginners and more experience home cooks.

Are there any activities for my partner/spouse who is not as food and wine focused?
Certainly.  The areas we visit are very diverse in nature.  In the Cote d'Azur, there is hiking, golf, water skiing, boating and even the odd casino!  When we stay in northern Provence the area is a cyclist's paradise plus there is fishing, golf and marvellous hiking nearby.  We are also close to the historical centre of Avignon and the Roman town of Orange, plus the longest running archaeological dig in France is only 10kms away in Vaison la Romaine - itself a great place for watching the world go by in a Provencale café with a cold beer/wine or excellent coffee.  Of course there is also the fantastic view one gets while chilling out at the pool.

Where do I find out the currency exchange rate?
Please go to our currency converter  section.

Are you a travel agent?
No we are not but if you like we are happy to recommend a leading specialist travel agent in your area

What will the weather be like and what should I wear?
During summer in Provence most days are sunny but the evenings can still get quite cool.  On the coast there are refreshing sea breezes from late in the afternoon so it's best to bring a light jacket, perhaps a sweater a wrap and/or shawl.
Casual and comfortable clothes are best with appropriate dress for restaurant meals, some of our meals are in very reputable restaurants so smart casual evening wear is advisable as the French do tend to get dressed up to go out.

For current weather in North East Provence click here

For current weather in the Tarn et Garonne region click here.

Getting There

Check out our getting here page for more information.

How do I arrange my travel before and after the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Provence so you will need to make your own arrangements to get there.  If you live in Australia or the USA we can happily recommend a travel agent or give you advice on booking tickets, travel within France and Europe plus any car hire you may require.
Our meeting points are designed to be easy to get to and we will provide all the information and assistance that you or your travel agent require in order to facilitate your trip.
Please see our Sample itinerary page for our rendezvous points.
We are more than happy to give you advice about your travel arrangements should you so require.

What is the best way to get there by train or plane?
From Charles de Gaulle international airport in Paris, you can take the high speed TGV train to Marseille where we will pick you up.
Marseille has an airport with connections to most European cities.
If your tour starts in northern Provence you can take the TGV to Montelimar or Avignon or fly to Avignon where you will be met.
If you are leaving from Nice there is an international airport and a train station.
For French trains and schedules go to … Getting Here

Where is the closest airport?

  • Marseille is the closest airport to Cassis if your tour is starting in Cassis
  • Avignon airport is less than an hour's drive from Seguret if your tour starts in Haute Provence
  • Both Lyons and Marseilles airports are within two hours drive of Seguret
  • Nice is about three hours away from Seguret and has an international airport

Getting there by train?

  • Marseille station is about a 20 minute taxi ride to Cassis
  • Avignon station is about 40 minutes away from Seguret
  • Montélimar is about an hour from Seguret
  • Orange is another possibility since there are a few direct TGVs there from Paris..
  • Click here for Train Schedules and to make reservations from Australia

The French rail system is excellent and runs generally on time, its' also a lovely way to see the countryside. It is recommended that you buy a first class rail ticket as the cost differential is not too great but the upgrade in service is well worth it.

The train takes around 4 hours to reach the south coast and abut 3 hours to Avignon.

Useful Links

What is the exchange rate?

  • Use xe.com to figure out the currencies.

Where can I learn to speak some french?

Itineraries

Can I make my own itinerary?