Forget about Paris or Provence in summer, when they're crowded with tourists, getting in the way of real travelers like you and me. The time for smart people to go is winter, when there are activities galore in both destinations, and very little competition for space. One of our favorite outfits, Discover France, has come up with a delectable trip, which you can take this coming season, costing just $775 per person, double occupancy (air not included). The trips take place from November 1, 2002 through February 28, 2003, excepting the holiday period of December 20 through January 5.
This Paris/Provence package is for 7 nights, combining 3 in Paris and 4 in the chic sticks. The minimum number of persons required per trip is two, so if you want to be alone, it's possible. While in Provence, you get 3 cooking lessons form a master chef, who will show you how to make some classic Provencal dishes such as tapenade, pissaladiere (my favorite) and pistou. Such lessons are usually limited to groups, so this is a unique opportunity for personalized instruction. If you want to add a truffle hunt to the itinerary, you pay another $99 per person (available November 28 through February 15 only). On this, you go with a well-trained dog to snuff out the alleged aphrodisiac at the feet of venerable oak trees. You'll also have one of your cooking classes devoted to preparing this "black diamond" delicacy.In Provence, by the way, you stay at the Auberge La Fontaine in Venasque, one of the prettiest villages in the district. All suites include a kitchen, living room, terrace and fireplace, in addition to the bedroom and private bath.
In Paris, you stay in one of two deluxe properties, the 4-star Washington Opera Hotel (the former mansion of Madame de Pompadour, mistress of Louis XV), near the Louvre and opposite the gardens of the Palais Royal. Your other choice is the Victoires Opera Hotel, also 4-star, close to the Louvre and the Pompidou Center, the Marais district and the Ile de la Cite.
For more information or to make reservations, contact Discover France at 800/960-2221 (U.S. and Canada) or go to their Web site at www.discoverfrance.com.