We meet in Avignon today and start off with an exploration of the immense palace adjacent to our hotel. The Palais des Papes is an extremely important site historically and merits a private guided tour. Here, a local expert takes us on a walking tour of the Palais, highlighting the architecture and giving us a feel for what life was like during the 14thC when this building was the centre of the Christian world.

Following our visit at the Palais we continue on our walking tour to see the Jardin des Doms above and the other sites nearby including the Petit Palais and the famous Pont d’Avignon. Being a large city Avignon is also a shoppers paradise for those wanting to make some purchases before the shops close this evening.

Early evening we join chef Jerome Verrières and his team for a hands-on cooking lesson. La Mirande has a starred Michelin restaurant and a very special teaching kitchen (converted from the building's original medieval kitchen). A huge 18th C wood-burning oven and stove dominates an entire wall and helps make this amazing spot the perfect place to learn about the gastronomic specialties of Provence.

After our lesson we will toast to the upcoming journey and then feast on the dishes we have created.

Overnight at Hotel La Mirande.