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.

Noble pleasure

Autumn in Provence is characterised 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. Reminiscent of undergrowth, strawberries and dried fruit with a hint of cocoa, the mushroom enhances every dish. Guests of the Coquillade Provence Resort and Spa can now go on a guided truffle tour in search of this noble ingredient and learn all there is to know about the Tuber melanosporum.

A special experience is a bike ride 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 market for truffles in France. But already the way there is an experience. It leads through the gently rolling countryside and through small villages. It's worth stopping off in Roussillon, the iconic red hilltop town. Here, treat yourself to a coffee in the warm sun before continuing on to Carpentras. Thanks to perfectly maintained e-bikes provided by the hotel, the 40-odd kilometre ride is easily doable in two hours. Mild, spicy air, charming landscapes - autumn in Provence shows its most beautiful side. When you arrive at the truffle market, you can sniff and taste before investing in one of the "black diamonds". 

Pleasure bastion Coquillade

Back at the Coquillade Provence Resort and Spa, it's best to first treat yourself to a massage to get your tired cycling calves going again. Sauna, steam bath and one indoor and two outdoor pools are available for relaxation. Afterwards, the thoughtful 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. Overlooking part of the resort's own vineyard, guests enjoy modern interpretations of French and Provençal cuisine. 

The new haute cuisine restaurant "Avelan" spoils the noble palate with a culinary trip around the world. Speaking of new: the brand-new Lalique Bar awaits guests just in time for the reopening after the forced break due to corona. In addition to wines from the hotel's own vineyard, there are excellent cocktails on the menu. The ambience: noble, characterized by Lalique crystal, heavy armchairs and fine tastes.

Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa
Le, 84400 Gargas, France
Tel.: +33 4 90 74 71 71
coquillade.fr