Provence Lavender Foodie Retreat 2025

Provence Lavender and Foodie Retreat

The magical Village of Gordes is just a few minutes walk away.

Provence Lavender Foodie/Wine Retreat at Domaine de l'Enclos

July 16 - July 21, 2025

Provence house with pool
Provence Estate Domaine de l'Enclos where we'll stay

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the picturesque Provence countryside, where lavender fields meet gourmet cuisine and world-class wines. This exclusive retreat offers a perfect blend of relaxation, culinary exploration, Roman ruins, and cultural immersion.

Guests attending the Provence Foodie Retreat will experience a perfect blend of luxury, culinary delight, and relaxation. Your journey begins with a scenic shuttle ride from Avignon Train Station to Domaine de l'Enclos, your exclusive retreat nestled walking distance to Gordes. Enjoy daily gourmet meals prepared by a private chef Camille, a Provençal native, a hands-on Provençal cooking class, and a visit to the vibrant Menerbes Farmers Market. Explore the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region and savor dinner one evening at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other highlights include a visit to the Valensole Lavender Festival, a sunset photography class, and leisurely afternoons by the pool. With sunset cocktails, local wines, and exquisite cuisine, this retreat promises an unforgettable Provencal experience.

 

Provence lavender field

The Importance of Lavender in Provence

Lavender is a symbol of Provence, turning the landscape into a sea of purple during summer and filling the air with its sweet, calming scent. With deep roots in Provençal culture, it's valued for its fragrance, healing properties, and use in traditional products like soaps, oils, and honey. Lavender festivals, including the one in Valensole, celebrate this beloved plant and its vital role in the region's life and economy.

Provence in Literature and Film

The Luberon region became famous thanks to Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence, which beautifully captured the charm of this idyllic area. His vivid descriptions of the landscapes, local markets, and food have inspired many to visit.

Marnie, founder of Solstice Savory Pies, fell in love with Provence through Mayle’s words. Her passion for the region inspired her to create this retreat, inviting guests to experience the same magic.

In the Luberon, every moment feels like stepping into a painting or beloved story, surrounded by lavender fields and timeless villages.

People come from all around the world to experience Provence in the middle of summer and to attend lavender festivals. It's a bucket list trip for many.

Pricing (All-Inclusive, Airfare Not Included):

  • Double Occupancy : $8,000 for two people total ( 5 rooms avail)
  • Single Occupancy: $7,500 per person
  • (We can add another bed for one of the rooms for triple occupancy. We are limited to 11 guests for this retreat)

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - Arrival in Gordes

  • 3 PM: Shuttle pickup from Avignon Train Station to Domaine de l'Enclos.
  • Afternoon: Settle in, enjoy the pool or explore Gordes.
  • Evening: Sunset cocktails and gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Camille.

Day 2: Thursday, July 17, 2025 - Menerbes Market & Culinary Class

  • Morning: Breakfast and visit Menerbes Farmers Market with Chef Camille.
  • Afternoon: Culinary class back at the inn, using fresh market ingredients.
  • Evening: Sunset cocktails and dinner by Chef Camille, featuring local wines.

Day 3: Friday, July 18, 2025 - Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Region

  • Morning: Breakfast and guided tour and  wine tasting.
  • Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Evening: Return to the inn for a relaxing afternoon; dinner by Chef Camille at the Inn.

Day 4: Saturday, July 19, 2025 - Gordes & Sunset Photography

  • Morning: Breakfast and guided tour of Gordes, visit Sénanque Abbey and lavender fields.
  • Afternoon: Lunch at a local café and free time at the pool.
  • Evening: Sunset photography class with Patrick, followed by cocktails and dinner by Chef Camille.

Day 5: Sunday, July 20, 2025 - Valensole Lavender Festival & Picnic

  • Morning: Breakfast and visit the Valensole Lavender Festival.
  • Afternoon: Picnic among lavender fields.
  • Evening: Farewell cocktails and dinner by Chef Camille at the inn.

Day 6: Monday, July 21, 2025 - Departure

  • Morning: Breakfast, final stroll, and checkout.
  • Midday: Shuttle back to Avignon Train Station.

Getting to Avignon Train Station( We offer free roundtrip shuttles to the Estate)

From Paris Airports (Charles de Gaulle or Orly):

  1. By Train:

    • Travel Time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
    • Distance: About 700 km (435 miles).
    • Details:
      • From Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): You can take a direct TGV (high-speed train) from the airport's TGV station to Avignon TGV station. The journey takes around 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Gare de Lyon in central Paris, which offers more frequent service.
      • From Orly Airport (ORY): Take the Orlyval light rail to Antony station, then transfer to an RER B train heading to Gare de Lyon, where you can catch a TGV to Avignon. This option takes slightly longer, around 3.5 hours total, including transfers.

  2. By Plane:

    • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour by air, plus additional time for airport procedures.
    • Details:
      • Direct flights are available from both Charles de Gaulle and Orly to Marseille-Provence Airport. From there, you can take a shuttle or taxi to the Marseille-Saint-Charles train station and catch a train to Avignon.

From Marseille Airport (Marseille-Provence Airport):

  1. By Train:

    • Travel Time: Approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
    • Distance: About 100 km (62 miles).
    • Details:
      • From Marseille-Provence Airport, take a shuttle bus or taxi to the Marseille-Saint-Charles train station. From there, board a regional train (TER) or a TGV to Avignon TGV station. The train journey is approximately 30 minutes.

  2. By Car:

    • Travel Time: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
    • Distance: About 90 km (56 miles).
    • Details:
      • Driving from Marseille-Provence Airport to Domaine de l'Enclos in Gordes takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. The route is scenic, taking you through the beautiful Provence region.

Driving to Domaine de l'Enclos in Gordes:

  1. From Paris:

    • Travel Time: Approximately 7 to 8 hours by car.
    • Distance: About 740 km (460 miles).
    • Details:
      • If you prefer to drive from Paris, the journey will take you through the heart of France, passing through stunning countryside and charming towns. The drive can be a great way to explore more of France at your own pace.

  2. From Marseille:

    • Travel Time: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
    • Distance: About 90 km (56 miles).
    • Details:
      • The drive from Marseille-Provence Airport to Domaine de l'Enclos in Gordes is straightforward and takes you through the scenic Provence region. It's a short and pleasant journey that allows you to arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy your stay.

Avignon Train Station:

  • Avignon TGV Station: This is the main station where high-speed TGV trains arrive. It is located about 5 km (3 miles) outside the city center. Taxis, buses, or a shuttle service are available to take you to your destination in Avignon or surrounding areas.
  • Avignon Centre Station: This is the smaller station located in the heart of Avignon, mainly serving regional trains. If your train terminates here, it’s easy to reach the city center and nearby accommodations on foot or by a short taxi ride.

Payment Options

  • Contact Marnie for Payment: Payments can be made directly to Marnie via wire transfer, ACH, Check, Credit Card(3% fee added) or Zelle.

Cancellation Policy

  • Deposit: $750 deposit (per person) required at booking.
  • Balance Due: Remaining payment due four months prior to arrival day.
  • Cancellation 6 months before trip: 25% of deposit refunded.
  • Cancellation less than four months before trip: Non-refundable.
  • Wait list Refund: If we fill your spot, 90% of the trip cost refunded.
  • Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for unexpected cancellations.

Additional Notes

  • Booking and Assistance: Contact us for any further assistance or queries. We are dedicated to ensuring your journey to  Domaine de l'Enclos is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

 Note: 

  • Please no children under 15, as this is a more adult type foodie trip with alcohol and guests wanting time to relax.

See gallery of photos below:

Provence house view                                    The views of the Luberon from the Inn.

Walking distance to one of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Gordes. 
The Inn, pool and grounds are for you to make home for 6 days!
The living space to relax during your stay.
Spacious and well appointed rooms with en suite bathrooms
Secret Garden areas to read a book and relax
The pool with views of the Village of Gordes and the Luberon. We've rented the entire Inn, so you'll be able to explore and walk into the village at your leisure.
We'll visit the The Abbey of Notre Dame de Senanque, famous for it's lavender fields.
The nearby Menerbes Farmers Market we will visit!
Visiting Farmers Markets is a part of the Provence experience. Chef Camille and Marnie will create Provencal meals to enjoy along with local wines every evening. 
Camille and I searching for the perfect veggies!
Our Provençal Chicken  and Ratatouille. The preparation for Ratatoulle is prepared differently from the north. It's delicious!!!
Pissaladière." This dish is more akin to a tart or an open pie than a traditional Italian pizza and is a classic dish from the Nice region in southern France. It's distinguished by its caramelized onions, anchovies (or sardines, in some variations), and olives, typically served on a thick bread dough. I loved this pizza and Rosé together.
Cafe life is taken seriously in France and one of my favorite pastimes while visiting.
We'll visit centuries old wineries in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC. It is one of the most renowned appellations of the southern part in the Rhône Valley. After wine tasting we'll lunch in the nearby village.
My husband Patrick and I enjoying the Rhone region wines and winds! 
 The Mistral winds are strong, cold winds that blow from the north or northwest across the Rhône Valley.
You'll explore the world of Southern French wines, sampling a variety of Rosé wines that we'll expertly pair with meals or enjoy on their own.
One of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Provence. Just a 10 minute walk from our Inn. Go to have a glass of wine, read a book in a local cafe or just explore it's steep and tiny streets.
I'm enjoying a glass of wine where the movie "A Good Year"
was filmed in the heart of Gorde. 

 

We will be visiting only one of four lavender festivals in all of Provence! Valensole hosts one of the most beautiful and largest lavender festivals each year to celebrate the beginning of the harvest.

Provence lavender field

Join Marnie for these unforgettable retreats to one of her favorite places in the world.

To be a part of the retreat contact Marnie directly at 1-530-409-2097 or Marnie@solsticesavorypies.com

santé

Marnie