Accompanied by our Bon Appétit Culinary Center Chef, you'll wander through the open-air seaside market in Nice, known for elegant flowers, photo-perfect fruit and vegetable stalls and quaint cafes. Then drive to a medieval village on the sea for an exquisite lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant. End your tour with a cooking class on French Mediterranean cuisine in the Bon Appetit Culinary Center.
Meet your Bon Appétit Culinary Center Chef in our cooking school for an overview of today's tour, and to collect your market bag for today's shopping at one of France's most celebrated markets. You'll then begin your day with a drive southwest along the lower Corniche, following the Cote D'Azur coastline of the radiant French Riviera. You'll pass a number of picturesque resorts, villages and parks before arriving at Nice, which overlooks the beautiful Bay of Angels. It's here in the Old Town where you'll experience the vibrancy of the market at the heart of the Cours Saleya, a wide pedestrianized street. Every sense is engaged here; you'll see stands brimming with the bright colors of seasonal vegetables, you'll smell the hand-picked flowers beautifully arranged, you'll hear the locals speaking French as they purchase bread and produce for tonight's dinner and you'll touch the fruit that you are selecting for your market bag. And of course, you'll taste the freshly made chickpea-crepe 'socca' or a flaky croissant and coffee in one of the outdoor cafes lining the marketplace.
You'll have plenty of free time in the market. Your chef will be circulating and shopping, available to help you with your questions and point out favorite places of interest for olive oil, chocolates, Herbs d' Provence and antique dealers.
After a lovely morning in the market, you'll rejoin your coach and drive to nearby Eze, a medieval village perched on a craggy peak above the Mediterranean. Following a brief, guided walk up Eze's narrow cobbled streets, you'll arrive at the Château Eza, a spectacular boutique hotel with an equally impressive Michelin-starred restaurant. Dine here in in understated luxury while overlooking the fabulous French Riviera. Your menu has been developed by your chef, and each course will be explained with an eye toward the ingredients and cooking techniques. A choice of wines will be offered, and you are encouraged to try the local rosé wine from the region of Provence, Jacque Pepin's favorite luncheon wine.
Following lunch, you'll make your way back to Monte Carlo, traveling via the middle Corniche, a route that affords expansive views of the northern mountains. Then, after a short respite back aboard the ship, you'll convene with your tour group for a private 60-minute cooking class on the cuisine of Mediterranean France. You'll make regional favorites using produce purchased at the marketplace in Nice, and master the classic Nice 'crepe', socca.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 90-minutes of moderate walking that includes an uphill walk in Eze. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Smart casual clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The noted tour duration is approximate and includes your classroom session aboard the ship.