Spoil Yourself
We have curated a selection of exceptional local artisans and bespoke experiences to elevate your stay.
From private chefs creating exquisite in-house dining, to inspiring painting courses and other exclusive offerings, we have carefully selected talented local artisans to make your stay truly memorable.
Once your stay is confirmed, we will be delighted to arrange introductions to any of these services, allowing you to enjoy the very finest our region has to offer in complete comfort and style.
Private Chef
Based in Provence, Frankie Unsworth is a British-born cookbook writer, food stylist and private chef with a love for French gastronomy gleaned from childhood years in Aix-en-Provence and then Paris.
Private Chef
Paula Sachs is a South African chef and caterer who has recently moved to Provence and is now based in beautiful Cotignac.
She has 16 years kitchen experience, having been head chef to gastro pubs in United Kingdom to consulting restaurants in Cape Town and private cooking in the Côte d'Azur and has studied at the Culinary Academy in Cape Town.
By arrangement Paula will come to the house and cook, offering a relaxing dining experience.
Painting Retreat
We are very privileged to offer painting course's by the phenomenal artist Mary Shin.
She is a fine-art painter born in South Korea, who grew up in NYC and currently lives in Callian, France.
She graduated from Parsons School of Design in NYC, worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and exhibited in Singapore, Geneva, London and several galleries in Provence, France.
Mary's career has allowed her to travel and live abroad in many countries and it is reflected in her art practice. Colour and cultures of the places she has lived.
Currently she teaches water-colour for the International Women’s Club of Var in Fayence- both beginners and intermediate; portrait, landscape and Still Life.
Website
Instagram
Cooking Class
Frankie Unsworth is offering cooking courses at Sous d'Olivier. Gather in the kitchen for a fun and informative cookery workshop.
During this informal demonstration and hands-on workshop, you will learn to master a few new recipes using the best of the local and seasonal ingredients, gleaning plenty of tips and tricks along the way.
Whether you would like to learn to master homemade puff pastry, or want to learn to rustle up a 3-course menu in under 2 hours, workshops can be tailored to guests dietary requirements and desires.
A typical class lasts 2-3 hours,followed by a lunch featuring the recipes from the class, and some specially selected wines to accompany.
Massage Therapy
Should you wish to have a massage during your stay, our therapist Meryl.C will come to Sous d'Olivier and relieve your stress.
Botanical Walks &
Cyanotype Workshops
In 2017 Vera Schutz returned to her childhood village, Entrecasteaux to reconnect with and pursue herbalism. She now manages a medicinal garden offering classes and workshops, and shares her knowledge through botanical walks at various locations.
Are you interested in learning about wild plants? Do you want to hear all the secrets of the local Provençal wild plants? Then prepare for a Botanical Walk with Vera!
For two hours she shares her love for plants, and teaches about their properties and uses – whether edible, medicinal or domestic. Above all she tells fascinating stories about each plant, with fun facts and light anecdotes.
During Cyanotype Workshop, you will discover a 180 year old photographic printing process called cyanotype or blueprint. With wild plants that you will pick from nature, a few pieces of paper, ferric salts, sun, water, wind and above all your inspiration, you will create stunning white and Prussian blue images that you can take home.