Bonjour Provence Video

The perfect Provence Picnic setting

I have compiled a short video out of the footage I have brought back to Australia after my last tour to Provence.

This video will give you a good idea of what Daniel's European Food, Wine & History Tours offer and can do for you and/or your group if you are thinking of discovering the culinary delights and history of France.

These recent tours took place in Provence but if you have a different region in mind, I could certainly duplicate such a program anywhere, anytime.

Daniel's European Food, Wine & History Tours can take care of everything for you if you so desire from

• Airfares to
• Accommodation
• Transport in France
• Restaurant bookings
• Wine and Food degustations
• Cooking classes
• Entries to places of interest
• Shopping sprees and
• French conversation tuition if you so desire

With Daniel's European Food, Wine & History Tours, you will experience France and its people with a French native person (Yours Truly) and feel  as locals rather than mere tourists.  This is what makes our service truly unique.

Relax as my previous clients have done knowing that you are traveling with a personal Travel Companion who is passionate about his native country and everything that goes with it and enjoy what this exciting country has on offer for you.

Contact me anytime on 0407 197 574 or at danielabad@mysoul.com.au to discuss your idea with me.  I would love to plan your next travel project and look after you on your next holiday. Until then; Au-revoir et a Bientot.

Boulangerie - Patisserie La Laurentine - Saint Laurent du Var

La Laurentine is situated in Saint Laurent du Var.  This town goes back to the 11th century when a hospice was founded under Saint Lawrence’s protection.  The main activity then was to help passengers to cross the Var River which was a border between the kingdom of France and Nice.  St. Laurent is the second-largest suburb of the city of Nice after Cagnes–sur Mer.  Nowadays, the town is part of the Nice metropolitan area.

Saint Laurent du Var
Image - Courtesy Google Images

La Laurentine offers a wide variety of freshly baked breads & baguettes, cakes, patisseries, home-made chocolates and ice cream creations which are guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning palate.

You will need to try every single variety of these delicious breads and baguettes

 

If the first batch is not enough, try these and see what you think

You'll need to leave some room for these

And these

This one may need to wait until tomorrow
Image - Courtesy La Laurentine

So much choice...so little room to fit it all in !!!
Image - Courtesy La Laurentine

You must try their amazing range of Macarons.  They are delicious and melt in your mouth
Image - Courtesy La Laurentine

On the other hand, individual pastries might be another way to go

You can't go past the huge selection of home-made chocolates suitable for any occasion and also when you don't need an occasion to indulge

 

I hope I have convinced you that you must go to La Laurentine on your next trip to Provence

I have a soft spot for La Laurentine mainly because it belongs to my family.  It was started in 1975 by 3 uncles of mine François, Emmanuel et Jean. 

 In 1995, François’ sons; Marc the Patissier and Xavier the Boulanger; along with their wives and children took over and run the operation with a large number of employees who share the same passion for excellence and pure pleasure.

Say hello to the family and friendly staff when you get there next time and mention my name.  They would love to hear from you.

The team at La Laurentine
Image - Courtesy La Laurentine

So until my next post,

http://danielfoodtours.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/boulangerie-patisserie-la-laurentine.html

La Maison Auer - Confiserie - Chocoaterie - Nice

Nice; the jewel of the French Riviera offers many shops but one in particular has caught my eye.  It is the Patisserie – Confiserie Henri Auer; generally called La Maison Auer, opposite the famous "Opera de Nice".

The Opera of Nice
Image - Courtesy Google Images

One can read on the window "MAISON - AUER - NICE - DE PÈRE EN FILS - DEPUIS 1820". This wonderful shop with its Florentine style décor that seems to originate from an old fairy-tale, is almost 200 years old and certainly worth a visit.  This famous institution has been handed down from father to son since its inception in 1820.

The front entrance of La Maison Auer

Henri Auer; a young Swiss confiseur settled in Nice and started the business.  In 1890, his son Henri-Chrétien took over; himself followed by Henri Joseph and then his son Jean-Jacques.  Thierry Auer is the fifth generation of Auer confiseurs.

What you first see as you enter La Maison Auer

All the Maison Auer products are made following traditional methods and recipes passed on from generation to generation with Simplicity and Authenticity as their motto.  “This is how every day, I respect my family’s tradition” - states Thierry Auer.

 

Some of the irresistible products of La Maison Auer

 

More products from the amazing range at La Maison Auer

The Maison Auer chocolates have no glucose, no preservatives and no artificial colourings – just chocolate and cream.  Sweet teeth will also love the crystallised fruit sold at this traditional sweet shop.

The selection of crystallised fruit and fruit gums

The Maison Auer featured in the 1984 movie “Joyeuses Pâcques” starring the famous French actors Jean-Paul Belmondo and Sophie Marceau.

French Actor Jean-Paul Belmondo
Image - Courtesy Google Images

French actress Sophie Marceau
Image - Courtesy Google Images

 

Boulangerie - Patisserie Gervasoni - Barjols - Provence

With a population of around 2200, Barjols is a small town, located about 20 km northeast of Saint Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.  Barjols is a commune in the Var department in the Provence – Alpes – Cote d’Azur region in south-eastern France near the Verdon gorges.  This peaceful village, set on a limestone cliff, is an inviting stop for visitors. 

Barjols
Image - Courtesy Google Images

A refreshing place with 42 man-made fountains, Barjols' architecture and life have been determined for centuries by the omnipresence of water.  Leather that was the mainstay of the village until just a few decades ago when production moved to emerging economies and economic decline set in.  Because of this more recent industrial past Barjols didn't develop into a big tourist destination and so has kept many features and characters of French village life. 

One of the many fountains in Barjols

The market takes place on Sunday mornings on La Place de la Rouguière, and there are stalls selling local produce, flowers, clothing and general souvenirs.  As Barjols is the hub for surrounding villages it also offers several bakeries, butchers, small and large stores, hairdressers etc. not to mention a good selection of cafés and restaurants.

The Barjols Market

My favourite bakery is the Boulangerie – Patisserie Gervasoni.  Monsieur Gervasoni & his friendly staff will make a visit to his Barjols Boulangerie an unforgettable experience.

 

The Boulangerie - Patisserie Gervasoni - Barjols - Provence

Monsieur Gervasoni Preparing the Next Batch of Baguettes for the Oven

I leave it to the images of delicious cakes, mouth-watering pastries and a wide selection of crusty breads and baguettes speak for themselves. Yumm !!!

Quiches Lorraine - Pizza Slices

 

Apple and Fruit Tarts and other local Specialties

 

 

Individual Pastries - the Traditional Way to end a Sunday Meal

 

Fresh Bread Straight from the Oven

Only One Problem; Which one to Choose !!!

Bon appetit, I will see you at my next post...

Bonjour Provence Tour - Day 8 Program Details

This is the last day of the Tour folks.  After an intensive week of laughs, good times, great food, wines and discoveries, it is time to say goodbye and go our separate ways.

After breakfast at the Domaine des Clos, we all hop on the bus for the last time and everyone is taken to their next destination; Avignon or Back to Nice or any other drop point in the region.

This is the time to exchange email addresses and telephone numbers to make sure that we can all keep in touch and get together when we get back to Australia to recount the magic moments that we have just spent in such good company.

I will keep everyone informed of my next tours in other regions of France or elsewhere in Europe and hoping to see you again in one of my upcoming adventures.

I sincerely hope that this Tour has been a wonderful experience for those of you who have taken the journey and for those who have read my blog; "Come on Board and join me on my next Tour".  I look forward to hearing from you any time about any aspect of the tour you may wish to discuss. 

Until then, take good care and I'll talk to you soon.

Bonjour Provence Tour - Day 7 Program Details

Today is Market day at St Remy de Provence and what a day this will be.  This market is one of my very favourite ones.  It is huge and you can find just about anything you may need; from foods of all  sizes, shapes and tastes to kitchenware, clothing, gifts, wines, pottery, etc...  I love going from one stand to another, listening to the sounds of the crowd, looking at the foods on offer and sampling the goods that the stand keepers are more than happy to let you try before you buy.

In this village, you’ll find all the charm of a typically Provencal way of life with its shady boulevards under century-old plane trees.  Discover narrow little streets with attractive boutiques and art galleries that make the town’s historic centre such a lively place.

Walk past the many cafes and restaurants where you’ll find a warm, friendly welcome especially on market days.  In this magical setting, bathed in sunshine for more than 300 days a year, you’ll realise why so many famous people have loved this little town.

Every Tour participant receives a few euros and is assigned a particular food item to buy and there is a lot to get from olives, to cheeses, smallgoods, wine, breads, fruit, cakes etc...

Cheeses and More Cheeses

Fresh Pastas

Freshly Baked Bread

King Size Cheese Wheels

Local Pottery

More Cheeses

More Cheeses to Choose From

The Olive Stand

The Paella Stand

Salamis and Sausages for Everyone

The Foie Gras Stand

The Smallgoods Stand

The Wine Stand

Once our shopping is done, we head back to the Domaine des Clos and gather all the food which we will share at a picnic in one of the many available shady spots at the Domaine.

Cheese Platter



Pate de Campagne and Bread

Smallgoods Assortment

The Picnic Table

After lunch, while some of the group heads to the kitchen for a cooking class, the rest of the group heads to the ground for a game of Pétanque; the famous game of steel bowls which is played on practically any flat surface.

Fresh Fig and Duck Brochettes

Salmon Timbale and Provence Salad

Sauteed Mushrooms

Slicing up the Smoked Salmon

Tarte Provencale

Tarte Provencale on the Plate

The Chef Putting the Final Touch

Veloute of Pumpkin with Sauteed Mushrooms

After a quick freshen-up, we all head to the dining room at the Domaine for what will be our last evening meal as a group.  This will be the time to think back on the wonderful week that we have just spent together and to look forward to new and exciting adventures.

The Market atmosphere of St Remy; nothing quite like it.  We all had fun during the cooking class and the petanque game was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon among friends.