Hôtel Crillon le Brave will bring together food, wellness and the landscapes of southern France with the launch of A Taste of Provence, an intimate four-night retreat taking place from October 9 to 13, 2026.
Hosted by photographer and cookbook author Chloé Crane-Leroux and her mother, co-author and ceramic artist Trudy Crane, the retreat will introduce participants to Provence through cooking workshops, local markets, vineyard picnics and daily wellness sessions.
Limited to eight participants, A Taste of Provence will be the first retreat of its kind offered by Hôtel Crillon le Brave.
Discovering Provence Through Food and Place
The retreat has been created around the relationship between food, landscape and the small rituals that bring people together.
Rather than focusing exclusively on formal cooking classes, the four-night experience combines time in the kitchen with opportunities to explore Provençal markets, meet local producers and discover the region’s culinary traditions.
Each morning will begin with yoga or meditation before participants join Chloé and Trudy for the day’s activities. The intimate group size is intended to encourage conversation and create a more personal experience.
The itinerary will include visits to local markets in search of seasonal ingredients, a stop at an olive oil atelier and leisurely picnics among the vineyards. Participants will also visit a brocante, or French antiques and secondhand market, to look for vintage tableware, ceramics and other pieces connected to the art of entertaining.
Together, these experiences offer a slower and more sensory way to explore Provence during the fall.
Cooking with Chloé and Trudy Crane-Leroux
Chloé Crane-Leroux is known for a creative approach that connects cooking, photography, design and everyday living.
Her recent cookbook, The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking, explores how plant-based meals can be approached with imagination and attention to beauty. That philosophy will influence the retreat, where seasonal ingredients and thoughtful presentation will be as important as cooking techniques.
Trudy Crane brings another creative perspective to the experience. In addition to co-authoring the cookbook, she is a ceramic artist whose work reflects an interest in craftsmanship, natural materials and considered living.
Together, Chloé and Trudy will lead two cooking workshops during the retreat. Their mother-and-daughter dynamic adds a personal dimension, reinforcing the idea of recipes and traditions being shared around the table.
Workshops at L’Atelier du Tilleul
The cooking sessions will take place at L’Atelier du Tilleul, Hôtel Crillon le Brave’s newly introduced space for culinary experiences and communal dining.
Designed as a place to cook, gather and exchange ideas, the atelier provides an intimate setting for learning about ingredients and preparing dishes as a group.
The workshops will draw inspiration from the produce, flavors and landscapes of Provence. Ingredients discovered during visits to local markets may become part of the cooking experience, creating a direct connection between the region and what appears on the table.
The sessions are intended to be collaborative rather than competitive, allowing participants to learn while enjoying the social rituals of cooking and dining together.
A Wellness Retreat with Daily Yoga and Meditation
Wellness is woven throughout the program rather than treated as a separate component.
Mornings will begin with either yoga or meditation, helping participants establish a calm and unhurried rhythm before the day’s culinary and cultural activities.
Guests will also have access to the hotel’s Spa des Écuries during the retreat. The spa provides a quiet place to relax between workshops and excursions, reinforcing the retreat’s balance of activity and restoration.
This combination of mindful movement, nourishing food and time outdoors is designed for travelers looking to step away from a fast-paced schedule while still engaging deeply with the destination.
Exploring Provençal Markets and Vineyards
Food traditions in Provence are closely tied to seasonality, local agriculture and the rhythms of village life. The retreat’s market visits will allow participants to experience those connections firsthand.
October brings a different atmosphere to the region than the busier summer months. The pace is quieter, vineyards take on autumn colors and local markets shift toward fall produce.
Visits to an olive oil atelier will provide insight into one of the Mediterranean’s most important ingredients. Participants will also enjoy a picnic among the vineyards, combining regional food with the scenery that inspires it.
The brocante excursion adds another layer to the program. Browsing vintage objects and tableware reflects Chloé and Trudy’s broader interest in creating meaningful settings around food—not only what is served, but also how a table and gathering are thoughtfully arranged.
Provençal Dining at La Table du Ventoux
Beyond the scheduled workshops and excursions, participants can experience the cooking of Chef Thomas Lesage at La Table du Ventoux.
The hotel restaurant celebrates the flavors and ingredients of Provence, complementing the retreat’s emphasis on seasonal food and a strong sense of place.
Dining at the hotel allows guests to see how regional ingredients are interpreted in a restaurant setting after encountering them at markets, in cooking workshops and during visits to local producers.
An Intimate Fall Escape in Provence
With only eight available places, A Taste of Provence is designed as a small-group experience for travelers interested in food, wellness, photography, design and slow travel.
The retreat offers more than a conventional culinary vacation. Cooking workshops are combined with movement, meditation, craftsmanship and time spent exploring the landscape.
From preparing food at L’Atelier du Tilleul to picnicking among vineyards and searching for vintage finds at a local brocante, the program presents Provence through the everyday rituals that shape life in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does A Taste of Provence take place?
The four-night retreat runs from October 9 to 13, 2026.
Where is the retreat being held?
A Taste of Provence will be based at Hôtel Crillon le Brave in Provence, France.
Who is hosting the retreat?
The retreat will be hosted by photographer and cookbook author Chloé Crane-Leroux and her mother, co-author and ceramic artist Trudy Crane.
What activities are included?
The program features two cooking workshops, morning yoga or meditation, market visits, a vineyard picnic, a brocante excursion and a visit to an olive oil atelier.
How many participants can attend?
The retreat is limited to eight participants.
