All photos and video courtesy of La Peetch and Peter Jackson unless otherwise noted
Meet us in the idyllic green hills above the Côte d’Azur to cook, play and dream at Julia Child’s beloved cottage in Provence.
Tucked into the French Countryside, surrounded by lavender fields, wineries and storybook villages, is La Pitchoune, the charming cottage where Julia cooked meals, tested recipes and entertained culinary luminaries such as James Beard, Richard Olney and M.F.K. Fisher.
Over the course of this six day, chef-guided culinary adventure, we will explore local markets, snack on regional specialties like socca and pissaladière, sip apertifs by the salt water pool, and cook magnficent meals in the legendary Provençal kitchen of America’s most beloved French food enthusiast.
Oh my, what a kitchen! If only those walls could talk. What a rare gift it will be to cook together in this iconic room, with its sunny yellow stove and pegboard-covered walls, turning snappy spring vegetables, sparkling fresh seafood and the region’s glorious cheeses, herbs and olive oil into meals to be savored al fresco with a glass of chilled rosé.
We will invite just six guests to join us at this storied cottage nestled into the hills above the French Riviera. It will be a true trip of a lifetime, never to be recreated in the same way ever again, and we invite you to come live the dream with us.
Come cook with us in Julia Child’s iconic kitchen in Provence!
WHY JOIN THIS CHEF-LED RETREAT?
Discover why Julia Child, the Grande Dame of French cooking in America, fell in love with Provence and made La Pitchoune her home away from home.
Experience the vibrant Mediterranean culture and diverse landscapes of Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d’Azure through its bustling markets, charming villages and rich gastronomic traditions.
Cook alongside Jaret and Mona of Tournant in one of the world’s most iconic kitchens.
Immerse yourself in the sunny flavors of Provence, from tomato, garlic and saffron laced bouillabaisse to luscious braised daubes, piquant tapendade and savory socca to Grand Aioli and classic Salade Niçoise.
Gather around kitchen island and the table to share stories, moments, meals and memories with your fellow food-loving guests that will last a lifetime.
WHERE WE’LL STAY
La Pitchoune, affectionately known as “La Peetch,” is situated in the idyllic French Countryside in the region of Southern France known as Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d’Azure.
The cottage is located near the charming villages of Valbonne, Grasse, and Mougins, and is a short drive from the glamorous French Riviera and the iconic cities of Nice, Cannes and Antibes.
Guests will enjoy accommodations onsite at La Peetch, which combines comfort and French country style with well-appointed en-suite rooms, a fully stocked kitchen, outdoor cooking and dining areas, a pétanque court, manicured gardens, and a heated saltwater pool.
Discover the importance of apéro hour
WHAT’S INCLUDED
After you arrive to La Peetch, every detail is covered so you can simply relax and enjoy the meals, excursions and itinerary we’ve created for you.
6 days and 5 nights at La Peetch in a double or twin room with en suite bathroom
Light daily breakfast, coffee and tea
Daily hands-on cooking lessons with the chefs of Tournant
All snacks, meals, beverages and wine
Visits to local farmers markets, restaurants, bakeries, cheese and wine shops
Excursions to nearby historic villages and coastal towns
All cooking materials and equipment; bring your own knives and apron if desired
Farewell brunch
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Air travel and ground transportation to and from La Peetch. (Note: The Nice Côte D’Azur Airport is the closest to the cottage—about a 30 minute drive.)
Personal items and expenses, souvenirs
The home is self-service, without daily cleaning of rooms or common spaces
Travel Insurance; highly recommended
SCHEDULE + SAMPLE ITINERARY
A food-focused retreat in the French countryside, surrounded by nature, designed to relax, refresh and inspire. Together, we will explore historic villages and landscapes, shop at local markets, and spend time in the kitchen and at the table discovering the soul of French country cooking.
Note: Itinerary below is subject to change based on weather, availability and group preferences.
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Guests arrive at La Peetch for check-in between 4-5:30pm. Settle in, then gather at 6pm for welcome drinks, introductions, dinner, wine and merriment, then a good night’s rest.
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Excursion to a picturesque local village to visit shops, lunch in the town square, then return to the cottage to prepare and enjoy dinner together.
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Local cheese and olive oil tasting, French omelette making lesson and lunch at the villa, down time (or take some free time to explore), then prepare and enjoy dinner together at the cottage.
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Excursion to a seaside town for farmers market shopping, lunch and exploring, then return to cottage to prepare and enjoy dinner together.
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Excursion to a stunning hilltop village for lunch, then return to the cottage to prepare and enjoy dinner together.
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Farewell brunch and departure by 11am.
Photo by Eva Kosmas Flores
COOKING LESSONS
As your hosts and chefs, Jaret and Mona will be your guides in exploring flavors and techniques, highlighting the bounty of the region and sharing their seasonal approach to cooking.
The lessons will include basics such as knife skills, how to make a good stock and shuck an oyster, as well as cooking techniques such as making sauces and emulsions, braising meats, assembling the perfect salad, and mastering a French omelette.
Hands-on preparation will include such favorite Provençal classics as bouillabaisse, socca, tapenade, aioli, pissaladière, Salade Niçoise and daube.
POLICIES + SUGGESTIONS
Insurance | We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances such as illness/injury, natural disasters or flight cancellations. Cover the unexpected and protect your investment by exploring plans from Allianz, Insure My Trip or Travelex.
Cancellation | Due to the nature of this retreat, we must adhere to a firm no refunds policy. By registering for this retreat, you acknowledge and agree to this policy. Should you need to cancel and have chosen not to purchase travel insurance, it is your responsibility to sell or gift your spot(s) accordingly.
Payment | To reserve your spot, you may pay in full or spread over two installments - half now and the other half on or before March 1, 2025. To choose the 50% deposit option, please use the code TOURNANTDEPOSIT at check out. If you reserve after March 1, 2025, the full payment will be due upon checkout.
Food Allergies | Menus for this retreat will be omnivorous, though we’ll do our best to accommodate food allergies.
Fine Print | All guests must be 21 or over. Local mask, health and safety mandates will be observed. Pets are not permitted on this retreat. Photos and/or video from this event may be used by Tournant and its partners for marketing purposes.
Phone & WiFi | High speed internet is available at the cottage. We suggest contacting your service provider for cell phone plan options when traveling outside the country.
Acknowledgements | Registering for this workshop assumes acknowledgment of all the conditions contained within this retreat description.
Communications | Rest assured, we will be in regular contact with all retreat attendees over the coming months to answer questions and discuss everything from travel recommendations to packing suggestions to logistics. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
PRICING + RESERVATIONS
Retreat prices range from $5800-$6500 per person, depending on the room chosen. All rooms are double occupancy and may be booked as a couple or by two travel companions.
Each room enjoys the following amenities:
French-made beds with deluxe bedding that can be modified to twin or king configurations
Individual climate control
Ensuite bathrooms with premium products, Dyson hair dryers, fluffy towels and robes
Please contact us if you are a solo traveler looking to be paired with another guest in a shared room.
The Yellow Room
This sun-drenched room is the largest on the property. With warm yellow tones and classic Provençal charm, it offers an airy escape with views of the garden and French doors with access to the terrace.
Room Features
King or Twin Configuration
Terrace with Garden Views
Ensuite Bathroom with Bathtub and Shower Combo
Dyson Hair Dryer
Air Conditioning
THE YELLOW ROOM | $6500 per person
SHARED DOUBLE ROOM
Bed may be configured as a king or two twins
The Blue Room
The legendary James Beard stayed in this room many times during his visits to La Peetch. With its soothing blue palette and timeless elegance, this room captures the spirit of French country living. This room also has access to the terrace via exterior French doors.
Room Features
King or Twin Configuration
Terrace with Garden Views
Ensuite Bathroom with Bathtub and Shower Combo
Dyson Hair Dryer
Air Conditioning
THE BLUE ROOM | $6200 per person
SHARED DOUBLE ROOM
Bed may be configured as a king or two twins
The Rose Room
This was Julia’s bedroom. The intimate room is one of the warmer on the property. What it misses in stature it makes up for in charm. With rosy tones of reds and pinks, this room is a serene and cozy sanctuary.
Room Features
King or Twin Configuration
Julia's Original Room
Ensuite Bathroom with Shower
Dyson Hair Dryer
Air Conditioning
THE ROSE ROOM | $5800 per person
SHARED DOUBLE ROOM
Bed may be configured as a king or two twins
Come feast, learn and explore with us in Julia Child’s Provence
