It was clear, upon arrival into Avignon, that we were now in the South of France, as there was hardly a cloud in the sun-filled sky. Provence would be our home for the next two days of our customized Trafalgar Tours guided vacation. We were experiencing an abbreviated version of the “At Leisure: Paris & Provence” itinerary.
Besides the glorious weather, the other main reason why people journey to this part of the country is due to the cuisine. There are many incredibly talented chefs in the area, each specializing in something different. Thus, our first stop was to visit one of the most celebrated gastronomes, Daniel Hebet, at his world renown restaurant, Les Jardins du Quai, located in the village of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
While this restaurant is well known by foodies, it is still off the beaten track, and you feel as though you have stumbled across a hidden treasure when you pass through its gates. The setting is a tranquil garden haven with indoor and outdoor seating. Even though I was eager to taste the special dishes that had been created on our behalf, I was also eager to explore the enchanting grounds.
We dined inside, which was just as lovely as the outside, as it was decorated with vintage flea market finds.
Being a vegetarian, my main course consisted of a mixture of fresh vegetables and potatoes. I do not recall what sauce was used for seasoning, but it was sensational. However, for me, the best part of the dining experience was the dessert; a new take on the traditional macaron. Just look at how beautifully it was presented!
After lunch, Daniel honored us by demonstrating how to make the macarons — only it was not just any macaron — it was his top secret recipe that is coveted by many!
And guess what? He shared his recipe with us, so if you would like to have it as well, get in contact with me and I would be delighted to share it with you. . .
Hi Andi! This post got me all nostalgic reminding me of the 5 months I spent in nearby AixenProvence in the south of France as a student… It was my first time out of India and I loved every bit of it..! 🙂
5 months in Provence, wow!!! Talk about living a beautiful life. I’m so happy that my post reminded you of wonderful memories.
Wellllll…..since I am on a mac quest, you know I would love that recipe:-) My dream is to work with a chef in France. Love finding out that Provence has many of the top chefs! Beautiful, oxox
You will be receiving the recipe next time we get together!!! I can’t wait for you to make them. I get to try them right??? 😉 You would totally be in your element in Provence! XOXO
There is so much to love about France, starting with the wine, food and this specific romance hidden behind every corner of any street.
You couldn’t have said it better!!!
YUM! I will be sending for that recipe whenever I get my new kitchen =)
I would love to share it with you gorgeous!
The macarons look fantastic…!! Can you share the secret? 🙂
They tasted out of this world good and I will absolutely share the recipe with you!
All I can say (type) is YUM!
They are so ridiculously cute! So cute in fact that I just want to squeeze their lil pink macaron faces. Or eat them. Or both! 🙂
Hahahahaha I love this comment SO much! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Oh, thank you for taking us along with you as you travel through France!!! Those macarons look amazing. I’ve popped over from Terra’s blog~
I’m so happy you came over and enjoyed what you saw! Terra is amazing, right? 🙂
Hey Andi, Love ya blog.
I am very interested to read your posts on your Trafalgar Tour.
I work for a rival company so Im very interested to hear what you have to say about your experiences with the company.
🙂
Hi Manda, I have nothing but the absolute best things to say about Trafalgar Tours!!! If you have any specific questions for me please feel free to email me at: AndiPerullo@aol.com. I’m SO delighted that you love my blog!!! 🙂
Your photos are amazing. And I would love the macaroon recipe too!
Thank you so much!!! I will definitely send it to you 🙂
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OMG wow, what an extraordinary comment, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh wow, this looks like a dining experience, not just a meal!
Yes, you’re right, I should have called it a “dining experience”!!! It was SO much more than a meal. 🙂
The food looks lovely – especially the deserts, I love France. I’d love to go to Provence, you certainly seem to have enjoyed your trip.
Oh the desserts I had in France were sensational!!! I easily gained 5 pounds, but it was sooo worth it!
Hi Andi!
Nice Blog! I too would like the recipe if I could! The macarons look amazing!
I would love to send it to you!!!
Provence was one of my favorites stops in France. I hope you get to see the Pont du Gard.
I did get to see it, but only briefly from the bus window! I need to return most definitely!!!
Absolutely gorgeous photos!
Thank you so much!
Andi! The pictures are gorgeous! I never realized you were a vegetarian before! Thank goodness you could still try those amazing macarons. The tour looks lovely and I can’t wait to see more!
Awww thank you so much sweetheart! I’ve been a veggie now for over a decade!!! Can you believe I married an Argie? The tour was quite amazing, I can’t wait to share more.
I’ve only recently discovered macarons (I know, who am I?), and that one looks like it would be incredible with the fresh fruit filling. What a great meal.
It was soooooooooo good! Don’t worry, I only recently discovered them as well. 🙂
Oh my, it seemed only yesterday that you wrote about your trips to Atlanta and SC. And now Europe! I sooooo… envy you! Well, I enjoy reading all your travel adventures, and I hope you’ve had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Awww what a lovely thing to say!!! Haha I can’t keep still, huh? 😉 And I’ve already had another adventure since Europe! My Thanksgiving was so wonderful, I hope yours was too?
Your pics are amazing!
Thanks SO much!
Andi, you dazzle us! Thank you!!!
Awww I’m so humbled!
Such fun and lovely photos!! I’ve been dying to go to Avignon… hopefully in the Spring. Love that shot of the chef holding the macarons!!
I hope you can make it there! I would LOVE to see your posts. Try to stop at this restaurant, I have NO doubt you’d LOVE it!!!
Those macarons look absolutely drool-worthy. YUM. If I could cook or bake, I would certainly ask for you to pass along the recipe. 🙂
Haha, don’t worry dear I can’t bake either boo!
Gorgeous pics Andi!!!
Thank you sooo much!
AWESOME POST!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!
They look delicious!!! Haven’t every tried making macarons at home myself!! I would really like it if you could send over the recipe. I’m a vegetarian too so it would be perfect to discover a new recipe! 🙂
Awesome, I’m a veggie too! Will send it over for sure. They are SUPER yummy.
Thanks for this gorgeous post!!!
You’re so welcome.
I’m totally going on one of their tours now.
Oh you should you will LOVE them!
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Thanks so much Bob!
Andi I get totally absorbed into your posts!
What a great compliment Tom, thanks!
What a fabulous post!
Would you be so kind as to share the recipe?
Thank you so much and oui!!!
Super! Whenever you get a chance, you can send it over at greyandtabby at gmail dot com. 🙂 Merci bien!
Oh, my mouth is watering just looking at them. Simply exquisite. 🙂
I wish that I could back there every single day!!!