Provence, France

Join OLLI French Instructor Bern Terry, Statewide OLLI Coordinator Cathi Cody Hudson, Lane Series Director Natalie Neuert, and a group of peer learners for an unforgettable “Insider’s Tour of Provence“.

See Provence through the eyes of locals. Stay in a French home in a small village in the Luberon, visit the local open air markets, a winery, a goat cheese farm, an 800 year old abbey, go for a walk near Mont Ventoux, visit a pottery maker, a lavender field and an olive grove. Cook with locals or try out their favorite restaurants. This is a unique opportunity to get an insider’s view of one of the prettiest areas of France at one of the best times of the year.

We will be based in the Luberon Region in the beautiful perched village of Saignon, near Apt. There will be daily optional French Instruction, private tours of local attractions including museums, food, flower, and antique markets, lavender and olive farms, Roman ruins, small villages and larger cities such as Avignon and its famous Palais des Papes. And, of course, the food and wine: locally sourced and produced, and prepared and presented to showcase the culinary glories of Southern France. Bern has traveled extensively in this area, and knows the locals so we will have unprecedented access to the beauties and adventures the region has to offer.

What is Included:

• Round trip high speed train from Paris to Avignon and return
• All transfers
• 9 nights lodging – based on double occupancy: we will stay at the restored village home of Bern’s mother and 2 of her neighbors. If you would like a single room, there will be a single supplement of $405.00 ($45 per night)
• Meals: All breakfasts, 6 dinners (some we will cook from our market outings, some will be in restaurants and cafes), 6 lunches (many picnics, some cafes). A few lunches and dinners will be on your own.
• Admissions to attractions and museums
• In country transportation by small passenger van
• Optional French Instruction in the mornings, covering the vocabulary and topics/ discussion of the day’s adventures, and many opportunities to practice!

What is NOT Included:

• Airfare: once we’ve met our minimum registrations we will notify participants and suggest the flight and airline to book. There will be the option to use the UVM Travel Agent to help with this process. The plan is for the group to arrive in Paris on the morning of September 21, 2011. If you wish to spend additional time in Europe before the trip, we can arrange a meeting spot for you at de Gaulle Airport in Paris (our train to Avignon departs directly from de Gaulle).

Itinierary

Day 1

• Arrive in Paris in AM.
• TGV (High Speed Train) to Avignon
• Lunch on own (available on train, or can purchase in advance at airport)
• Arrive Avignon afternoon
• Ride to Saignon via little villages
• Relax/unpack
• Walking tour of Saignon
• Welcome aperitifs and group dinner

Day 2

• Breakfast, and a review of useful French phrases and vocabulary for the day
• Discussion: An overview of Provence – history, geography, culture
• A drive through the Luberon to the stunning village of Isle sur la Sorgue and its wonderful collection of antique stores and provencal market.
• Lunch at the Café de France
• Return to Saignon for walking, relaxing and dinner

Day 3

• Breakfast, and a review of useful French phrases and vocabulary for the day
• We will venture to Avignon, a beautiful and busy small French city.
• Lunch in Avignon
• Visit to the Palais des Papes and a boat ride on the Rhone River
• Return to Saignon stopping at small villages like Cavaillon (where we can sample the famous melon de Cavaillon) along the way based on our whims.
• DINNER ON OWN or in small groups in Saignon or nearby Apt

Day 4

• Breakfast, and a review of useful French phrases and vocabulary for the day
• Market Day in Apt: this huge market, selling everything from homemade soaps, to superb produce, to blue jeans, has been operating continuously in the same location since the 12th century.
• Lunch in Apt
• Cathedral and Crypt in Apt
• Group cooking using our gleanings from the market: we will cook a traditional Provencal meal.

Day 5

• Breakfast, and a review of useful French phrases and vocabulary for the day
• A visit to a Lavender farm/distillerie where we will learn all the beneficial properties of lavender and pick lavender for sachets right from the fields
• Visit plateau de Claparettes / mines de buoux: a dramatic landscape of caves and mines into which we can venture with a guide.
• Light dinner featuring melon de Cavaillon and local charcuterie which we will purchase in advance.

Day 6

• Breakfast, and a review of useful French phrases and vocabulary for the day
• Drive via van to the famed red ochre village of Roussillon through the mountains and ochre quarries of the stunning Colorado Provençal
• Village visit galleries, pottery, markets
• French pique-nique gathered from local vendors including a local patisserie dessert
• Group Dinner at local Saignon Restaurant

Day 7

• Breakfast, and a review of useful French phrases and vocabulary for the day
• Explore Le Vin Provençal
• Village visit galleries, pottery, markets
• Travel via van La route des vins – Cotes du Luberon, Cotes du Rhone, Chateauneuf du Pape: one of the finest wine growing regions in the world. We’ll visit wine makers and tasting rooms in some of the areas Chateaux. Guided day led by Pierre Bounhol, a retired wine maker.
• Back to Saignon for some time to relax before we gather to cook another homemade dinner.

Day 8

• Breakfast, and a review of useful French phrases and vocabulary for the day
• Visit to the wild and beautiful village of Sault on its high plateau
• Visit to Chateau de Javon
• Picnic near the magnificent Mont Ventoux: famed as the most grueling climbs on the Tour de France
• Dinner on your own

Day 9

• Breakfast, and a review of useful French phrases and vocabulary for the day
• Visit to Gordes: one of the most beautiful villages in France. In the village are small museums, a beautiful chateau, an olive oil mill, and lovely shops and cafes.
• Side trip to Bories – an all stone village famed for its medieval houses
• We will visit a Local sculptor and retired U Michigan professor in his home.
• Lunch at a local auberge
• A visit to the beautifully preserved 12th Century Senanques Abbey nestled in the lavender fields
• Then we will all join together for a Gala dinner

Day 10

• Travel to Avignon, train to Paris, and flight home to the US.

Other activities as time permits:

• Visit to cheese making farm near Saignon
• Visit to the local bakery for lesson and samples of croissants, éclairs
• Learn to play boules (petanque) – the traditional bocce game of Provence.
• Lunch in Montmirail and visit to local lace maker
• More small museums that highlight the influence the light of Provence has had on painting and art.

---

Oaxaca

Overview

Lane Series Director Natalie Neuert, and UVM Music Department Faculty member Alex Stewart team up to lead a group (limited to 12) to one of the great culinary and cultural centers of the world: Oaxaca, Mexico. Participants will enjoy eight days experiencing a diverse and vibrant culture focusing on music, food, art, and historical treasures.

About the Trip

Alex and Natalie will take the group off the tourist path to explore the extraordinary cultural treasures of Oaxaca. We’ll be based in Oaxaca City, home to museums, nearby archeological sites, botanical gardens, and music of many genres from classical, to jazz, to traditional. We’ll attend formal concerts in venues like the beautiful Teatro Acala, and/or the contemporary Teatro Benito Juarez. Late night, we’ll hear jazz at the Collectivo Centrale, and other hot spots in this city where traditional brass and string bands perform. Other nightlife options include community dancing in the town square or Zócalo, outdoor movies in Spanish and English; and just roaming this enchanting colonial city.

What is Included:

• Hotel
• Daily light breakfast (fruit, sweet breads, coffee)
• Travel during the week (by van, taxi, public transportation)
• Lectures and Talks
• Guides
• Snacks for outings
• Admission to sites, museums, and concerts
• Donation to community groups who will host us
• 5  Comidas, (the largest daily meal, served at around 3 pm) and several lunches
• All day market tour and cooking class with Susana Trilling, renowned Mexican chef, and Host of “Seasons of my Heart,” on PBS

What is NOT Included:

• Flight to Oaxaca City from your city of origin.
• Transfer from airport to hotel and return (an inexpensive and quick van ride)
• Additional food, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water

Itinierary

Arrival Day

• Group arrives (making own travel arrangements) in Oaxaca afternoon/evening. Meet your hosts, Natalie Neuert and Alex Stewart at our hotel, Las Mariposas in Oaxaca City.

Day 1

• Morning: talk and discussion with Alex and Natalie: an intro to the music and culture of Oaxaca: We will learn more about this unique musical culture and prepare ourselves for some of the week’s musical adventures.
• Afternoon: For our introductory walking tour of the markets and shops of Oaxaca, we’ll be joined by Cynthia Belliveau, Dean of UVM’s Continuing Education who is an expert on the market based cuisine of the region. Our market tour will include sampling some delicious treats such as hot chocolate. We will then enjoy comida at Tortilleria Itanoni.
• Late Afternoon: Siesta, or explore on your own.
• Evening: Concert at the spectacular Teatro Alcalá or Teatro Juarez

Day 2

• Morning: We explore the ancient Zapotec site of Monte Albán, with its grand plaza and tombs spread out over roughly a square mile.
• Group comida, followed by siesta and/or exploring on your own.
• Evening: We’ll enjoy an open air band concert in the Zócalo, and then set off in search of other street music and food.

Day 3

• TBA: Potential organ tour and evening house concert.

Day 4

• A Day with the Seasons of My Heart Cooking School founded by renowned author Susana Trilling We start at 9 am when we will be picked up and taken on a tasting tour by one of the Seasons of My Heart staff where we will try exotic foods and meet the charming people of one of Oaxaca City’s bustling markets. After a light lunch at the market, we head out to Rancho Aurora for a lecture on Oaxacan cuisine and a presentation of the day’s ingredients. Then everyone grabs an apron and we create and enjoy a five-course meal. (transportation back to Oaxaca City at around 6 pm).
• Evening on your own or join with fellow tour members and leaders for the late night music scene.

Day 5

• Morning: Some time to explore, shop, or tour other museums/galleries or churches (we will give you a list). Everyone can grab some lunch and snacks and meet back at our hotel courtyard for a lecture/talk on the afternoon and evening activities.
• Afternoon: Visit to the Cathedral Santo Domingo which houses an excellent museum of Oaxacan culture. Afterwards we’ll tour the exquisite Botanical Gardens. Afterwards, enjoy Comida on your own or with a smaller group. We’ll give you a list of some nearby restaurants to enjoy and or time to explore and shop on your own.
• Evening: We’ll attend the Danzón in Oaxaca City’s Zócalo.

Day 6

• Morning: We will venture out of the city by van or taxi to the weaving town of Teotitlán del Valle where we’ll visit with several weaving cooperatives and artisans. Other options in this direction will include visiting a mezcaleria where we can taste various styles of mescal and learn how it is made. We’ll stop at Santa Maria del Tule, the site of a 2,000 year old Cyprus tree which is one of the largest in the Americas and/or visit Mitla, an important Zapotec archeological site.  We will have Comida before returning to Oaxaca City for some down time.
• Night: Live music at a local nightclub.

Day 7

• Morning: We’ll head out of the city to visit CaSa: Centro de las Artes de San Agustin. CaSa is a restored textile factory that is now a museum and international center for graphic arts. We’ll also visit the nearby paper workshop where we’ll see kites, handmade books, and other extraordinary crafts and art.
• Afternoon: Return to Oaxaca City for free time and shopping on our last day.
• Evening: We’ll enjoy drinks and a later dinner this evening at one of Oaxaca’s finest restaurants and talk over our week’s adventures and what we’ve seen and learned.

Day 8

• Check out of hotel and depart.