Auguste Escoffier (1847-1935) the “Father of Modern Cuisine” was a renowned chef, teacher, and author of Le Guide Culinaire among others. Born in France the small village of Villeneuve-Loubet near Nice, his culinary visions were known not only in France but influenced cuisine worldwide. When the Savoy Hotel was opened in London in 1898 under the direction of Escoffier and Cesar Ritz, grand cuisine was still the exception. These two chefs waged a successful campaign to assure that their a la carte offerings were the finest and their service the best. Escoffier simplified the classical menu in accordance with the principles of Anton Careme and initiated the kitchen brigade system. It is in this spirit that The World of MBI has created this trip - the 3rd of its kind- to keep alive the memory and lifetime culinary achievements of Auguste Escoffier and to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the art of good living and the traditions of French cuisine.

 

 

 

Arrive in Marseille. Check-in for 1 night at the Sofitel Hotel Marseille Vieux Port with its panoramic views of the ancient seaport. The remainder of the day is free to explore Marseille. Welcome Dinner at Restaurant La Daurade in the Old District.

 

After breakfast we will visit Marseille’s fish market as the fishermen return with the day’s catch. Then we visit Ferme Cachalot, a fish farm that produces gilt-head and loup de mer in La Seyne sur Mer. Today, we will enjoy lunch at Restaurant La Vague d’Or. Our next stop is  La Cadiere d’Azur, our home for the next 2 nights. The 11th century Hostellerie Berard is located in the heart of this medieval Provencal village. Dinner is enjoyed at l’Hostellerie with chef/proprietor Rene Berard, Maitre Cuisinier de France, whose dining room opens onto the vineyards of Bandol and all of Provence is at the table!

 

After breakfast, we visit The Domaine de Souviou in Le Beausset, a beautiful property dating back to the 16th century where grapevines and ancient olive trees bloom together in harmony with a VIP tasting of Bandol and Cotes de Provence wines and virgin olive oil.

Then we visit Chateau Vannieres with wine tasting and lunch. The afternoon offers the participation in a hands-on cooking class and dinner preparation at La Bastide des Saveurs with Chef Berard or time at leisure. Dinner at l’ Hostellerie Berard.

 

After breakfast, departure for Nice. In route, we will visit the fish market at Sanary sur Mer. Next is a visit, tasting and lunch at La Commanderie de Peyrassol in Flassans. After lunch, visit of Conserverie Au Bec Fin in Cogolin offering specialties from Provence and the Mediterranean Basin; Rock Fish and Pistou Soups Bouillabaisse and more.  

 

Then we travel to Nice; a fabulous fusion of French and Italian culture, customs and cuisine. The language, le Nicois or Nissart, spoken almost exclusively by the local population until the beginning of the 20th century, is a hybrid of Italian. Upon our arrival we will visit the Matisse Museum located on Cimiez Hill, in the ancient Roman city of Cemenelum. The museum is housed in a beautiful 17th century Genoese villa. Painted red and decorated with trompe-l’oeil, it is surrounded by fragrant olive, pine, cypress and cabob trees.

 

Check-in at Clarion Grand Hotel Aston for 4 nights. Welcome dinner with Jacques Chibois at the Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse, 1-star Michelin Relais & Chateaux. 

 

After breakfast, we visit Confiserie Florian and the famous Marche aux Fleurs on Cours Saleya in Nice’s Old Quarter. Founded in 1897, this exceptional flower market is one of the most picturesque in France. Today, there are over 100 stalls of green plants, bouquets and cut flowers. 

 

A cooking demo and lunch will be enjoyed at Lycee Paul Augier with Michel Duhamel, President Disciples Escoffier, Delegation France Monaco, Corse Riviera Cote d’Azur. In the afternoon we visit the grave site of Auguste Escoffier 1846-1935 and his home in Villeneuve-Loubet that houses the Musee de l’Art Culinaire. Dinner will be enjoyed at Restaurant Le Blanc-Manger with Chef Brigitte Guignery.

 

After breakfast, we visit the medieval village of Eze savoring the breathtaking vistas of the sparkling Mediterranean along the way. Once in Eze we will be treated to an aromatic experience in the factory and the exquisite boutique of Perfumerie Fragonard and a visit of Verrerie d’Art to discover the art of glass-blowing. Using century-old techniques the craftsmen create stunning glass art and jewelry. 

 

Eze is perched like an eagles’ nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean. The ancient fortified village is still crowned with the ruins of its 12th-century fortified castle (torn down in 1706) on a narrow rocky peak. The castle grounds host the Jardin Exotique. We enjoy a beautiful lunch at the Hotel Le Chevre d’Or a 2-star Michelin and Relais & Chateaux property.

Our evening is at leisure in Nice.

 

The entire day is yours for shopping, sightseeing and further discovery of  The Vieux Nice or choose to join us on a half day excursion to Monaco, the world’s oldest ruling monarchy and the famous casino and shops of glamourous Monte-Carlo. Witness the changing of the guard ceremony at the Royale Palace of Monaco. Lined with batteries of cannons cast during the reign of Louis XIV, the Place du Palais offers a unique panoramic view of the Ports of Monaco and Monte-Carlo.

 

Our Farewell Dinner will be at Restaurant La Veranda in the majestic Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat. 

 

Early breakfast before departure for the Nice Airport for return flight to U.S.

 

 

La Cote d’Azur awaits