Guests at Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa go on the hunt for the pricey edible mushroom and then celebrate their finds in the property's new bar.
Either you love it or you hate it: we are talking about truffles, which at least in this respect have something in common with coriander. If you're one of the former, you should definitely put Provence on your bucket list. The French region has much more to offer than its iconic lavender fields.
Autumn in Provence is characterized by a mild climate, vines whose leaves slowly change colour in the autumn sun, pleasure and - last but not least - the hunt for the Périgord truffle. This is one of the most expensive edible mushrooms in the world. With a taste reminiscent of undergrowth, strawberries and dried fruit with a hint of cocoa, the mushroom enhances any dish. On guided truffle tours, guests at the Coquillade Provence Resort and Spa can now go in search of this noble ingredient and learn everything there is to know about the Tuber melanosporum.
A special experience is a bike tour from the resort to the weekly truffle market in Carpentras. This takes place every Friday between mid-November and the end of March. It is the most important truffle market in France. But even getting there is an experience. It leads through the gently rolling countryside and small villages. A stopover in Roussillon, the iconic red town on the hill, is worthwhile. Here you can treat yourself to a coffee in the warm sun before continuing on to Carpentras. Thanks to the perfectly maintained e-bikes provided by the hotel, the 40-kilometre route can easily be completed in two hours. Mild, spicy air, charming landscapes - autumn in Provence is at its most beautiful. Once you arrive at the truffle market, you can sniff and taste before investing in one of the "black diamonds".
Back at the Coquillade Provence Resort and Spa, it's best to treat yourself to a massage first to get your tired cycling calves going again. Sauna, steam bath and one indoor and two outdoor pools are available for relaxation. Afterwards, the attentive team serves culinary delights from Provence and the surrounding area in three restaurants. While Italian-inspired delicacies are on the menu at "La Cipressa", the focus at "Les Vignes et son Jardin" is on local cuisine. With a view of part of the resort's own vineyard, guests can enjoy modern interpretations of French and Provençal cuisine.
The new haute cuisine restaurant "Avelan" pampers the refined palate with a culinary journey around the world. Speaking of new: the brand new Lalique Bar awaits guests right on time for the reopening after the forced break due to the coronavirus. In addition to wines from the hotel's own vineyard, the menu also includes excellent cocktails. The ambience: classy, characterized by Lalique crystal, heavy armchairs and fine flavors.
Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa
Le, 84400 Gargas, France
Tel.: +33 4 90 74 71 71
coquillade.fr
