A Seat at the Table at Mas L’Epicure – Your 4-Day Culinary Retreat in Provence
- epicure-vaucluse
- Feb 5
- 8 min read
A labor of love – savoring life with heart and soul
There are moments throughout the year when I experience Mas L’Epicure in a completely different way.
In spring, when the garden wakes up, the first flowers open, and the markets fill with tender vegetables, fresh herbs, and strawberries.
In September, when the vineyards around Vacqueyras glow in warm colors, the harvest reaches its peak, and the sweet, earthy scent of freshly pressed grapes drifts out of the village cellars.
And in November, when the sun sits lower, the evenings stay mild, and the markets overflow with pumpkins, mushrooms, and chestnuts.
These are the moments when I love to cook the most. And it is exactly then that I want to open my home to those who wish to share this quieter side of Provence with me. Simply cooking and savoring the best of Provence.
When stillness becomes an invitation
In the summer, everyone is on the move – heading to the markets, wandering through the vines, or exploring the small villages.
Provence lives at its own vibrant pace then, and I delight in everyone who comes to enjoy it. But for me, the truly special days begin when everything slows down just a little.
In March or April, when the morning air is still crisp and I discover the first fresh herbs in the garden. In September, when the vineyards of Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and Beaumes-de-Venise glow in shades of gold and red, and the work in the wine cellars is in full swing.
In November, when the colors of autumn are piled high at the market and, on my way home, I find myself imagining what could be created today from pumpkin, fennel, or chestnuts.
During these weeks, the kitchen becomes my favorite place once again. And that is exactly where I would like to invite you.
The Concept: A Culinary Retreat in Provence – No Agenda
The culinary getaways at Mas L’Epicure are not a structured course. Nor are they a tour where you "check off" something new every day. These are four days to simply arrive and stay – doing exactly what makes these seasons here so special: visiting the market together,
cooking, eating, and talking a culinary retreat in Provence.
To ensure everything happens without any rush, guests arrive on Thursday.
This leaves the first evening for settling in and finding your feet, before we head to the Carpentras market together on Friday morning.
What these 4 days of indulgence look like
Thursday – Arrival
You will arrive at Mas L’Epicure during the afternoon, settle in, and take a look around the house and garden. Perhaps a first peek into the kitchen, a stroll through the vines, or simply a deep breath of fresh air.
In the evening, we gather at the table: an aperitif, a freshly cooked main course, and a small selection of cheeses. Not a grand menu, but a quiet start to these days – time to arrive, ask questions, and soak in the atmosphere.
Friday – Carpentras Market
After a leisurely breakfast, we head to the market in Carpentras. We let ourselves drift through the stalls—looking, smelling, and tasting. Many decisions are made on the spot: a vegetable that looks particularly vibrant, a cheese we simply can't resist, or perhaps a beautiful cut of meat for a slow-cooked stew.
Whatever we find will make its way into the kitchen later.
After our market visit, we enjoy a relaxed "market lunch" back at the Mas: fresh baguette, regional ham, local cheeses, and the delicacies we’ve just discovered. In the evening, we will prepare our first grand menu together.
Those who wish can join me at the stove; those who prefer to watch can sit at the kitchen table with a glass of wine.
In the end, we’ll share a menu that perfectly fits the day and celebrates whatever caught our eye at the market.
Saturday – Your Day to Savor and Discover
Saturday is entirely yours. Whether you choose to take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards, enjoy a café au lait in a charming neighboring village, or simply spend a few quiet hours with a book in the garden – the choice is yours.
For a late lunch, I’ll prepare a light, fresh meal for you: a seasonal salad with regional specialties to give you new energy.
In the afternoon, a homemade cake will be waiting for you, together with freshly brewed coffee or tea – the perfect little pause to recharge.
If you feel like a small excursion, I’ll be happy to suggest worthwhile places nearby – perhaps a visit to a local winery, a stroll through a village market, or a walk to a beautiful viewpoint.
In the evening, we’ll meet again in the kitchen to cook another indulgent menu together and let the day end gently.
It might be something light, or perhaps another dish that has been slowly roasting in the oven – depending on what the season and the day inspire. Here too, the focus is not on perfection, but on pleasure, calm, and doing things together.
Sunday – A Slow Farewell
On Sunday, we’ll share one last breakfast together. Then it’s time for you to head home—carrying a few new favorite recipes in your mind, perhaps some notes in your travel journal, and hopefully the feeling of having truly been here.
Spring, Easter & Pentecost – When Everything Blooms
Spring in Provence is the time when the garden and the markets awaken simultaneously. Tender vegetables, the first strawberries, fresh herbs—everything practically begs to be carried straight into the kitchen.
Many people take advantage of the long weekends around Easter or Pentecost,
to extend their travels by a few days. For me, these are the ideal windows for a culinary getaway: plenty of light, fresh seasonal cooking, and a tranquility that is often missing in the height of summer.
September – the golden after-harvest
In September, as the harvest around Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and Beaumes-de-Venise reaches its peak or begins to wind down, the atmosphere shifts.
The vineyards glow in warm hues, tractors hum between the rows of vines, and the village cellars are filled with the scent of must, wood, and new wine.
The markets are at their most bountiful now: the last tomatoes and eggplants of summer meet the first arrivals of autumn.
It is a rewarding time to be in the kitchen.
We cook with what the summer sun has left behind, pairing it with the wines that are being born just a few miles away.
November – mild evenings and soul-warming autumn cuisine
In November, things grow quieter. The sun sits lower, the light softens, and the evenings stretch out. The markets are now dominated by pumpkins, root vegetables, mushrooms, and chestnuts—perfect ingredients for slow-cooked dishes that take their time in the oven or on the stove.
Many see November as a month of transition. Here at Mas L’Epicure, it is an invitation to recharge one last time before the Advent season begins: walks through empty vineyards, a glass of wine by the fireplace, and plates that bring comfort and warmth.
Dates 2026 – so you can plan ahead
The culinary getaways take place on selected weekends—from Thursday to Sunday (4 days / 3 nights).
I have chosen the dates to harmonize perfectly with long weekends, Easter, Pentecost, and the early and late seasons:
Spring / around Easter 2026
19. – 22. 19–22 March 2026 (Thursday to Sunday)
The very first early-spring date – when the first herbs appear in the garden and the markets slowly begin to fill with color.
2–5 April 2026 (Thursday to Sunday, over Easter)
For anyone who would rather spend Easter in Provence than at home – with market visits, time in the kitchen, and long, unhurried meals around the table.
Spring / around Pentecost 2026
07 – 10 May 2026 (Thursday to Sunday, just before Pentecost)
Perfect for those looking to use the Pentecost holidays for a soulful culinary escape to Provence.
September 2026 – the golden after-harvest
10 – 13 September 2026 (Thursday to Sunday)
When the vineyards glow in shades of gold and red, and the local wineries are buzzing with the energy of the harvest.
October 2026 – Golden Autumn, Wild Mushrooms & Pumpkin Harvest
01 – 04 October 2026 (Thursday to Sunday)
As the air grows crisp and the vineyards don their golden robes, a season of hearty indulgence begins at Mas L’Epicure. In early October, we celebrate the treasures of the woods and fields: bringing fresh wild mushrooms, the first vibrant pumpkins, and sweet chestnuts into our kitchen. Look forward to baking golden, flaky quiches, preparing velvety soups, and creating dishes that truly warm the soul.
It is the perfect time to enjoy the mild autumn sun with a glass of wine and experience Provence at its most cozy and inviting.
November 2026 – quiet days before Advent
12 – 15 November 2026 (Thursday to Sunday)
A gentle entry into the quiet season, featuring an abundance of autumn vegetables and the arrival of the first truffles at the markets.
Advent Special: Christmas Magic & the Scent of Truffles – Cooking and Savoring Provence
When the first candle is lit at the end of November, the kitchen at Mas L’Epicure takes on a new life. It is the season of the "Gros Souper" traditions, filled with the scents of cinnamon, oranges, and freshly roasted chestnuts. It is also the moment when the first black truffles begin to appear at the local markets.
We are dedicating these four days to the culinary traditions of a Provençal Christmas.
Together, we will prepare soul-warming dishes, discover the secrets of the "13 Desserts," and enjoy long evenings by the fireplace with a glass of wine. It is a weekend for the soul before the year draws to a close.
Date: 26 – 29 November 2026 (Thursday to Sunday – 1st Advent)
A quiet weekend just before the start of Advent—a chance to recharge one last time before December begins.
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Note: If you are a small group, please feel free to reach out—sometimes we can arrange a custom date for you.
Note: For holiday dates, I recommend booking early, as the number of participants is limited to a maximum of [ 8 ].
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A special offer for my March "First Explorers" – my premiere guests
The culinary getaways, "Cooking and Savoring Provence," are a new project that is very close to my heart.
To ensure they become exactly what I envision, I am looking for a small pilot group for the first date in March (19–22 March 2026)—people who are not just guests, but also a little bit like co-creators.
You will be the very first to experience these days with me. You will see how everything unfolds, what feels right, and where I might still want to make a few adjustments.
Your honest feedback—what delighted you, what could have been different—is invaluable to me.
As a token of my gratitude, the first group of explorers in March will receive a 10% discount on their accommodation. The price will be reduced from €460 to €414 per person—a small thank you for embarking on this experiment with me.
If you can imagine being part of this first group—curious, open-minded, and ready to share your honest thoughts with me—then please do get in touch.
I look forward to meeting people who understand that something new sometimes requires a little bit of courage.
Regenerate using:
Small group, big table
I am planning these days for small groups of 4 to 8 people, where conversations tend to flow naturally.
It’s for those who appreciate the authentic, who love to cook—or simply love to sit and watch—and who want to immerse themselves in what makes these seasons here so special.
For your orientation – Prices & Details
Prices for the 4-day package, including the culinary program as described and an "all-round carefree" experience:
March to May & September: €495 per person in a double room
November: €485 per person in a double room
Single room supplement: €60 for the entire stay
Wine package (optional): To perfectly complement our menus, I offer a regional wine package for €60 per person. If you prefer to decide on the spot, you are of course welcome to choose from my selection at the house and enjoy your wine by the bottle.
If you can see yourself spending these days here...
If you can imagine experiencing spring, September, or November here at Mas L’Epicure—with long evenings around the table, simple dishes we choose together, and the tranquility that these months bring—then simply send me a message via the contact form.
I would be happy to tell you more about the individual dates and look forward to meeting people who love this time of year as much as I do. https://www.masepicure.com/kontakt
Sometimes the best plan for the coming year is simply a seat at a table in Provence. I would be happy to reserve it for you.
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