Excursion S.a.l.t. a day in the life: gorgeous seasonal lunch in chef paul’s 17th century provençal farmhouse tour at Marseille

Join chef Paul Griffon, co-owner of one of Marseilles’ hottest bistrots, for a multi-course seasonal lunch in his family’s spectacular 17^th century farmhouse. Discover the essence, bounty and beauty of the Provençal table: from seasonal aromatics and organic vegetables sourced directly from the family garden to the estate’s select extra virgin olive oil and locally made honey. Learn the building blocks of the Provençal kitchen alongside Chef Paul and Maddalena, from Provençal classics like anchoïades and fenouillades to ratatouille and almande croquant. Warm and welcoming, Paul spent 3 years in a Michelin Star  restaurant; as your principal guide, gastronome and food expert Maddalena shares colorful anecdotes and deep food knowledge. Set among centuries-old olive groves in a pristine country setting, lunch includes local wines & cheeses, homemade jams & olive oil, starters, main course and dessert, as well as a few “bubbly” surprises throughout.

Provençal Village of Lourmarin, Walking tour, Bread & Cheese Sample

Meet one of your hosts at the pier and start the 55-minute drive to the village of Lourmarin, considered among the most picturesque in all Provence, for an introduction to village life, the principles of seasonal Provencal cuisine, and a guided walk through the village. Paul's family farmhouse is a 10-minute drive from Lourmarin, tucked in an idyllic Mediterranean countryside.

Chef and Michelin Star Sommelier Paul Griffon, Family's 17^th Century Provençal Farmhouse, Lunch & Wines

The chef's story starts in his home city of Paris, and his annual journeys south to spend summers at his grandfather's farm. Charismatic and creative, Paul relishes in his family history and his country's culinary heritage, and today hosts events all over the south of France with the help of his mother and wife.

Guests learn Provençal classics, from anchoïades and fenouillades to ratatouille and almond croquant.

With insight and joy, Paul shares his passion for Provençal food and community, and always joins his guests around the table.

Activities may include:

- Making traditional Provençal tapenades and local fenouilledes --> fennel seed, crushed vegetables, olive oil, almonds, black olives, capers, fennel, red wine vinegar. Guests chop, mortar and pestle, taste & create their own versions with guidance using anchovies, basil and chilis, served on local breads.

- Taste the extra virgin olive oils they produce on the farm, understanding artisan production technique and exploring flavor profiles with food pairings.

- Slice a selection of local charcuterie --> rosette (local saucisson); coppa from nearby Alps; assorted charcuterie from small producers in the Luberon.

Lunch will include seasonal salads, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, dessert, wines and coffee. All will be served buffet style and in relaxed way. You will be part of the Family and maybe help opening wines, preparing the table or sourcing fresh aromatics.

Your Hosts: Paul Griffon & Maddalena Relli

Paul worked for 3 years as sommelier at Michelin star Simpsons Restaurant in the UK before receiving an advanced degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Bra (Piedmont, Italy). Upon returning to his native France he opened Copains in the heart of Marseilles' Old Town. When not in Marseilles he can be found cooking with his mother and wife in their 400-year-old family farm.

Maddalena is a gastronome in every sense of the word. Born in Florence, Italy to a family of coffee suppliers, she completed her advanced degree at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Piedmont, Italy, where after graduating she worked as Travel Designer for the university and its Slow Food Movement, curating and leading culinary travel trips from Albania to Chile to Spain. She now lives in the countryside of Provence where she farms an ancient variety of Provençal wheat, gardens and leads culinary-focused travel groups throughout Europe. (In the event that Maddalena would be unavailable, one of Paul's Family Members will be hosting the experience from the port).

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Provençal village of Lourmarin with Maddalena, Chef Paul, Family's 17th Century Provençal Farmhouse, Lunch & Wines

Note

Please note: This S.A.L.T. experience is non-refundable if cancelled within 7 days prior to arrival in the port. It involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1 km, at times over uneven and natural surfaces, cobblestones, unpaved and gravel paths and approximately 50 steps at the farmhouse. Walking at the Farmhouse is at guests discretion. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a jacket. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.