La Mirande

I do love a Residential Cooking School & La Mirande Hotel in Avignon, Provence has a wonderful curriculum! I think a group booking for interested Hedgies would be very much in order.

Originally a 12th century palace for the Cardinal of Pellegrue, the current owners the Stein family will welcome us to their beautiful boutique hotel.

A sympathetic blending of 18th & 19th century styles, let's explore a little before heading off for our first class.

The entrance foyer welcomes us into the warmth & congeniality of the Hotel.

A discrete welcome & the warmth & attentiveness of the staff indicate that this is going to be a marvellous weekend.

A little peak into one of the Salon's reveal the perfect place to take tea.

Or a welcoming glass of champagne while we plan the next few day's activities.

Then off to the kitchens to meet our Instructors & begin our classes.

The classes take place in the ancient 18th century kitchens & are usually bilingual. Aprons, utensils & technical instructions are provided at the start of the classes, which close with a tasting meal.

We can also choose to do a class & then visit the Les Halles de Avignon market to shop with our Instructor. Or a pastry class to learn the secrets behind delicious brioche & croissants.

A Table Presentation class is also on offer featuring seasonal flower arranging & tips on presenting food & wine in the most stylish & elegant manner.

Here's the convivial Chef's table ready to sit around & enjoy the results of our day in the kitchen.

Then time for a little after dinner cocktail.

Perhaps taken in the Red Salon.

Or outside in the warm night air on the Terrace.

With the warm glow of hanging lanterns creating a gentle ambiance to debrief after our busy day.

Then up the stairs to our bedrooms.

With gentle wall lighting leading our way.

Step inside to a beautiful wood-panelled room.

Perhaps yours has an ancient tapestry, an exuberant chintz or toile de jouy.

With silk panels & matching curtains falling to the floor.

Comfortable soft furnishings & relaxing bathrooms.

Wonderfully comfortable beds complete with fine, crisp linens make lounging around a must.

All the fine details in the chambres reflect the care & hospitality offered throughout La Mirande.

A glimpse of the ancient Pope's palace is seen through the antique glass bathroom windows.

Stunning wallpaper reproduced from ancient woodcuts in the bedroom & creamy carrara marble in the bathroom.

The finest of passementerie are used as finishes on cushions & sofas. Sleep tight!

Breakfast in the morning is taken in a light-filled sunny Salon overlooking the lush, rose-filled garden.

So another fabulous day awaits us at La Mirande. Today Chef Jon Chiri takes us on a culinary adventure of Fresh Morels in Puff Pastry, Parmesan Cream & Arugula Greens. Followed by Roasted Wild Sea Bream & Roman Style Artichokes served with a Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette. Sauteed Cherries over an Almond Crumble & a Fromage Blanc Mousse complete the meal. Will I see you there?

Images: La Mirande