An autumn in Provence...

Just like the summer, the autumn is a hive of activity in Provence’s R&C establishments. Cookery courses, theme weekends, festivals, tournaments... Special moments that emphasise the dynamism of these hotels and invite you to extend your stay.

It was the Petit Nice Passédat, in Marseille, that launched the autumn festivities. When they’re not in the kitchen, the great chefs like nothing more than a game of football! On 9 October, the Tournoi des Etoilés brought ten of them together in Marseille (Michel Troigros, Paul Bocuse, Alain Ducasse, Jean-André Charial...), along with their teams, led by Gérald Passédat. On the programme for this 13th event, which was named “Massilia Foot System”: penalties taken against Olympique Marseille goalkeeper Cédric Carasso, tournament on the Stade Vélodrome pitch and lunch in the presence of Olympique de Marseille players. All the profits from the event went to the AIDS charity Sidaction.

Château de Montcaud, in Sabran (Gard), is also hitting the headlines, this time for its clients. On Saturday 14 October, it is organising its traditional end-of-season party, which has been named “Soirée Dansante Grand Siècle”. In partnership with Laurent Perrier champagnes (see article above), the aperitif to the sounds of New Orleans jazz is followed by a Gala Dinner orchestrated by chef Alain Morville, in which guests will be entertained by musicians inviting them to dance. All this, at affordable individual rates: 80 € for the “Soirée Grand Siècle” package, with aperitif and dinner; 175 € for the “Grand Siècle” weekend, with accommodation and breakfast.

As every year, the Abbaye de Sainte-Croix, in Salon de Provence, is delighted to be offering its “fireside” weekends and cookery courses once again. Four dates have already been set up to the year-end (Saturday 4 and 25 November, 2 and 9 December), followed by seven others in early 2007. Each time, a cookery theme is chosen and 6 to 12 pupils will attempt to create a dish in the company of new chef Jérémy Picanol. The cookery course is available from 95 € per person, including the course, lunch/tasting of the dish, dessert and drinks. Accommodation in a double room with dinner (not including drinks) and breakfast included, from 290 € for 2 people.