Avignon isn’t just about the Papal Palace or stunning medieval bridges. It’s also a fantastic place to dive into authentic French culinary experiences, learn about Provençal traditions, or try your hand at local sports like pétanque. We particularly love the small-group cooking lessons that give you hands-on skills and a taste of Mediterranean life, like Gina’s cooking lessons. Her intimate setting, personalized guidance, and rooftop lunch create an experience that’s both delicious and memorable.
Beyond food, Avignon offers unique ways to connect with regional culture—whether that’s sampling truffles, blending wine, or playing pétanque in a picturesque village. We’ve selected the most engaging workshops and classes that deliver fun, authenticity, and a real taste of Provence—perfect for foodies, wine lovers, or anyone looking to enrich their stay.
Here’s a quick overview of the types of tours included: cooking classes with renowned chefs, market-based workshops, wine blending experiences, petanque lessons in Lourmarin, and truffle farm visits. Each offers a different slice of Provençal life, and all are designed to make your trip more personal and fun. Now, let’s dive into each one.
1. Cooking lessons
At number 1 we have a highly-rated cooking lesson that combines fresh market shopping with hands-on culinary expertise. Gina, who previously ran a Parisian bistro dedicated to Southern France cuisine, hosts small groups of four in her Avignon home. She guides you through selecting the best products from the Halles market, then teaches you how to prepare Provençal dishes with a modern touch. The class lasts around 4 hours and culminates in sharing a meal on her rooftop terrace overlooking the Palais des Papes.
What makes this experience stand out is Gina’s passion for Mediterranean cuisine and her focus on well-being and sustainability. Guests love the relaxed atmosphere, the chance to learn authentic Provençal recipes, and the intimate group setting—perfect for a relaxed, educational culinary adventure. One reviewer raved, “We laughed, cooked, ate, and shared stories—this was definitely a trip highlight.”
Key highlights include market shopping, cooking with fresh ingredients, and enjoying a homemade lunch with local wine. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the experience is ideal for food lovers wanting to go beyond tourist eateries.
Bottom line: This class offers authentic Provençal cooking in a cozy, personal setting, making it ideal for those who want practical skills and a taste of local life.
2. Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon
Number 2 on our list is the cooking workshop with a master chef, set right inside the bustling Les Halles Market. For about 4 hours, you’ll select ingredients directly from market vendors, guided by a chef’s expert eye. You’ll then learn how to craft a Provençal menu, preparing dishes that highlight regional ingredients like fresh fish, vegetables, and cheeses.
This tour offers a more market-focused experience than the previous class, with an emphasis on market culture and culinary techniques. The chef shares tips on Provençal produce, classic French dishes, and proper knife skills. Guests especially appreciate the interactive nature—you’re involved in choosing ingredients and cooking in a professional kitchen. Afterward, you sit down to enjoy the meal you created, paired with local wine and coffee.
Reviews highlight the knowledgeable and entertaining nature of the chef, with one guest noting, “We learned new techniques and enjoyed a delicious meal in a lively market setting.” The experience is well-suited for foodies who want a hands-on, immersive culinary day.
Bottom line: An engaging, market-based cooking class that combines shopping with skill-building—ideal for those wanting to learn French technique amidst authentic Provençal ingredients.
3. Petanque (boules) lesson in Provence
Number 3 is a fun petanque lesson in the charming village of Lourmarin. This 2-hour experience introduces you to the rules, techniques, and history of this beloved French sport. You’re taught by English-speaking instructors who will help you master throws and strategies, making it accessible even for complete beginners.
What makes this tour special is its authentic Provencal setting. After learning the game, you’ll play a few friendly matches—maybe even win a trophy! The lesson is accompanied by local snacks, wine, and homemade pastis, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for socializing.
Guests rave about the entertainment and hospitality, with one reviewer describing it as “Absolute fun—great snacks and a bit of competitive spirit.” It’s a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours outdoors, soaking in the Provençal countryside while trying something uniquely local.
Key highlights include the learning experience, casual competition, and the convivial apéritif afterward. This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed, culturally rich activity that lets them engage with Provençal traditions.
Bottom line: An engaging and social way to learn a traditional game, making it perfect for groups, families, or solo travelers wanting a laid-back experience.
4. From location: Truffle farm visit, culinary workshop, meal
At number 4, the truffle farm visit and culinary experience offers an exclusive peek into France’s prized black truffle industry. Over about 2 hours, you’ll visit a nearby truffle plantation, gaining insights into how truffles are cultivated and their significance in Provençal cuisine. The highlight is the hands-on cooking session, where you’ll prepare dishes featuring truffles, followed by a degustation from starter to dessert.
This experience is perfect for gourmet enthusiasts curious about truffles, their cultivation, and culinary uses. The farm owner answers all your questions, making this both an educational and delicious outing. Guests especially appreciate the opportunity to taste a variety of truffle-infused dishes in an authentic setting.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on truffle education, combined with a culinary workshop that emphasizes local ingredients. Its limited reviews reflect its exclusivity, but those who have booked praise the unique experience of seeing the truffle process firsthand.
Bottom line: A must for food lovers intrigued by truffles, combining farm visit, cooking, and tasting into one memorable experience.
5. THE CREATION – Assembly & tasting workshop
Number 5 is a wine-blending workshop focused on Provence’s renowned grape varieties. During this 2-hour class, you’ll learn the art of blending wines with the guidance of an oenologist. The goal is to understand how different grape percentages affect taste and aroma, then create your personalized vintage.
Guests find this experience surprisingly engaging—shifting small quantities of various grapes produces quite different results. One reviewer shared, “It was fantastic to blend my own wine and taste the variations,” highlighting how interactive and educational it is. The workshop ends with you taking home your custom blend.
While the reviews could be more plentiful, the two that are available praise the friendly instruction and insight into the winemaking process. It’s ideal for wine lovers who want a hands-on understanding of regional wines beyond just tasting.
Key highlights include the personalized wine creation, learning about blending techniques, and sampling local wines. The experience offers good value for those interested in wine production.
Bottom line: A fun, educational dive into Provençal wine making—great for wine enthusiasts wanting to craft their own bottle.
6. Avignon: Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef
Number 6 features a full-day cooking class with a local chef, lasting around 5 hours. You start by visiting an indoor market to select top-quality ingredients, then participate in a hands-on cooking session. The class ends with a freshly prepared lunch, paired with local wine, and served in a convivial setting.
This tour stands out for its comprehensive approach: from market shopping to cooking to enjoying your creations. Guests love the professional guidance, which emphasizes techniques and ingredient selection. One reviewer called it a “great way to learn and taste Provençal cuisine,” especially highlighting the interactive shop-and-cook format.
The experience is best suited for travelers who want culinary immersion and an authentic Provençal meal. The longer duration and higher price reflect its more comprehensive nature, offering more hands-on learning than shorter courses.
Bottom line: An immersive cooking experience that combines market shopping, skill-building, and a delicious meal—ideal for serious food lovers.
7. Exceptional cookery workshop or course in Avignon
Finally, the exceptional cookery workshop offers a private, relaxed setting to prepare 2 or 3 dishes. Lasting around 5 hours, it includes product-focused cooking, group sharing, and tasting local produce. This experience emphasizes local ingredients and friendly camaraderie within a small private group.
While specific reviews aren’t available, the focus on learning dishes with fresh, regional products makes it appealing for travelers looking for a personalized and high-quality culinary class. It’s perfect for those wanting a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere than larger, more commercial options.
Bottom line: A tailored, in-depth cooking experience suited for guests who prefer a quiet, personal approach to Provençal cuisine.
How to Choose the Best Workshop or Class in Avignon
Choosing between these fantastic options depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to dedicate. If you’re passionate about cooking and want a blend of market shopping, Gina’s cooking lessons might be your best pick for intimacy and personalized guidance. For market-based culinary skills, the chef-led cooking workshop is a great choice.
For a relaxed cultural experience, the petanque lesson offers a genuine taste of Provencal leisure. If gastronomy is your focus, the truffle farm visit provides a rare peek into France’s truffle world. Wine lovers should consider the wine blending workshop, which allows you to create your own bottle. Those seeking a comprehensive culinary day may prefer the longer cooking class and lunch, while the private cookery course offers a more intimate, tailored experience.
Book early, especially for popular classes like Gina’s or the market workshops, to secure a spot. Also, consider the time of year—spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor activities like petanque or farm visits.
Final Thoughts
Avignon’s workshops and classes provide a wonderful way to learn about Provençal culture beyond sightseeing. Whether you’re a foodie eager to master local dishes, a wine enthusiast curious about blending, or just looking to try a fun sport like pétanque, there’s something here for everyone.
For a truly authentic experience, I’d recommend Gina’s cooking lessons if you want personal attention and a rooftop lunch. If you’re a wine lover, don’t miss the wine-blending workshop. And for a playful outing, the pétanque lesson in Lourmarin is perfect.
Whatever your interest, booking early ensures you’ll get a spot in these popular classes. These experiences promise not just new skills but lasting memories of your time in Provence.
