After a day in Paris I was ready to head south to the farmhouse in Luberon to kick off truffle week with Sherry Page of Culinary Getaways. From Gare-de-Lyon, Paris's largest train station hub, I took the TGV, a very impressive high speed train to Avignon, which is some 470 miles away. Within two and a half hours, I was transported to the countryside in the South of France. That is almost 200 miles per hour. How impressive is that? I wish we had a TGV at home!
At the station I was met by Sherry Page and Pierre, who picked up a fellow attendee, Hillary and me from Avignon, Stephanie from Marseilles, and off we went to the mas or farmhouse, which is located in the village of Goult in Luberon.
Even in January, the skies were a pristine blue. There were grape vines growing along the dirt-side road, wild fig trees on every corner and miles and miles of free space. I certainly was not in New York City anymore!
When we drove up to the farmhouse, I paused.
Wait a minute, this is not a farmhouse!
A farmhouse doesn't have a swimming pool overlooking the village. What is going on?!
As soon as we entered the house, I was taken back by the simple rustic beauty and elegance of the house. I adored the dining room with the antique-looking pointed arch wooden chairs and the iron wrought chandeliers that cast a gentle shadow over the warm room.
Upstairs we went to see our rooms. Each of the attendees had a chance to peak into each others' rooms, and everyone gushed at sight.
As soon as I entered my room, I was dazzled by the attention to detail.
Simple and perfect beauty!
The gorgeous fabric that draped the windows, adorned the bed and elegant high-back chair tied the room together exquisitely.
On each of our beds was an apron from Culinary Getaways embroidered with our name, and luxurious organic olive oil soaps and lotions from Barres Moulin.
Luxury and simplicity married together. I was so excited about our rooms that I dropped my bags, and ran downstairs to check out the rest of the place.
In the living room were three plush sofas to sink into, and a huge coffee table that sat in front the fireplace.
And my favorite part of the house was the kitchen!
Appropriately, a basket of highly fragrant fresh herbes de Provence sat at the center of kitchen.
There were goodies on the table and several chips of black truffles to nibble.
Next up will be our first dinner and lesson on black truffles at the farmhouse. I hope this warm welcome to the farmhouse was as enticing to you as it was for me!
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Thes are AMAZING photos Christine! I can't wait to read about the rest of the trip and the BLACK truffles!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a farm? Beautiful. It's so warm and cozy. How exciting! I'm looking forward to your next post.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting. This looks wonderful. Eat some chocolate for me!
ReplyDeleteThe photos are breathtaking!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a lucky duck, Christine! The "farmhouse" is so lovely. I've never been to Provence but now you've certainly inspired me!
lucky, lucky you - I think I wont ever need to go anywhere as long as I have your photos to look at!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Such a charming & intimate space! This is exactly what I picture France to be in my mind. Hopefully someday, I will visit.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos as usual Christine:) Thank you for sharing.
Oh my stars, I'm swooning at all this beauty! What an absolutely stunning place. Your pics are spectacular - I'm feeling relaxed just looking at them, so I can imagine how wonderful it was to actually be there. Lovely, just lovely, FLB.
ReplyDeleteNow, about that TGV ... can we get one to the east side? LOL
That was a delight to read and see. Beautiful.
ReplyDeletexOxO
I was thinking the same thing as DB, I can wander the hallways and the exterior via you...Black Truffle chips, OMG's you died and went to heaven as far as I am concerned...I thought my stay at Auberge de solel was the bomb...nope hubby is getting this link *hint hint*!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a wonderful time, and I cannot wait for the next views!
Beautiful! I love that there were truffle chips for you on the table, how wonderful is that!
ReplyDeleteChristine--your pictures are fantastic! You've inspired me to really start planning my trip to Provence next year!
ReplyDeleteHow amazing! Love it! The French know how to do it right. Wow.
ReplyDeletede très belles photos elles sont magnifiques
ReplyDeletebonne soirée
Technically not a farm but a "mas", in French. A countryside masterhouse :)
ReplyDeletewow so so happy for you my friend what a treat beautiful place
ReplyDeletehappy valentines
Thanks for the comments!
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day too!
Dolce - I raised my eye brows when we headed to the mas. I was told it was an old farm house renovated. Either way, I loved it!
What a treat... Keep these reviews coming!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to hear more about this-sounds like and incredible time at a wonderful house. Your photos are lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are gorgeous and do the mas justice. I can't help but to admit my jealousy at this amazing experience you had. Looking forward to more...
ReplyDeleteNice! You are so lucky. I bet the food was awesome.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have found a bit of paradise! Have fun...
ReplyDeleteYour post is enthralling. I'm captivated by your words and your photos! Thanks for taking me with you. I can't wait to see MORE!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so jealous! That farmhouse is just stunning. And truffles!! I want to hear all about your lesson.
ReplyDeleteI would have completely fallen in love with that farmhouse! Every last detail is perfect!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back dearie.........I am not at all envious....of the comforts, or the truffles......no, not any of it. sniff sniff. Could you shop in Paris?
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful farm house..Pics are gorgeous , as always :-) Happy Valentine's day Christine !
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh this is gorgeous! Just how I always imagined it to be like...(especially after reading Mayle's description of it). I can't wait to hear about the dinner!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful place! I love those knobs on that stove.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool opportunity. I LOVE that farmhouse-not-farmhouse. I could totally live there, sigh.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful retreat..the photo of the tulip looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! Lucky girl.
ReplyDeleteI love the South of France. Trying to figure out a way to get my entire family there for July.
Robbing a bank might an option right now...
Oh my!! The photos are beyond lovely. Enjoy every second!
ReplyDeleteWOW..what a fabulous farm house! My farm house doesn't look like that..well maybe it would if it was in France! ;)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pics, nicely clicked!!
ReplyDeleteChristine!!!!! This is such a wonderful and inspiring post! How lucky for you to have had that opportunity. I loved the blow by blow account - as if I was there! Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteOK, I want to move there! Stunning photos--it looks like an incredible place. Can't wait to hear about your classes. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI am coming with Deb and we are both moving in! What an experience of a lifetime!
ReplyDeletePLEASE! Post(or email) the information to visit this same place! Absolutely beautiful, my husband doesn't know it yet but he's taking me on this trip. ~LeslieMichele
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments everyone!
ReplyDeleteThe Chef in My Head - If you are interested in renting this house, please call Sherry Page of Culinary Getaways. She is the kind woman who coordinated this trip. You may contact her via her website.
Here is her website:
http://culinarygetaways.com/
Amazingly Beautiful! You are one lucky girl! I want to move there!
ReplyDeleteHappy V-Day!
xoxo
I love the rich antique colors with the splashes of fresh and bright. There is an understated elegance and harmony. Sooo beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Anticipating seeing more!
ReplyDeleteExcellent place to visit. Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI can see we are in for a real treat. I can't wait to hear more.
ReplyDeleteAvignon is one of my favorite cities in Provence. Did you get a chance to look around? It's an ancient city and quite charming. We were supposed to go to Paris on the TGV from Avignon but at the last minute, we couldn't go. Glad you hear you liked the high speed train.
ReplyDeleteSam
I am not a jealous person. Except right now.
ReplyDeleteHow fabulous for you!
Your photos are stunning!
LL
I've always wanted to ride on a train (high speed or not). It sounds so exciting!!
ReplyDeleteLooks & sounds like an AMAZING experience!!! Thanks for taking us along!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! One of my dreams to to go to Provence, and you are certainly whetting my appetite!
ReplyDeleteoh, u r telling me now what i've seen in those french movies is for real!
ReplyDeletei've love to stay at that house forever!
OMG. I am stunned into silence. The photos, beautifully captured. The place, the ambiance ... perfect. Thank you for taking us on this breathtakingly beautiful tour of magical Provence. Everything looks enchanting!!!
ReplyDeletewhat a dreamy place!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely jealous!! Christine, I so want to go on a culinary getaway with you! How fun, I can't wait to read on!
ReplyDelete