InTouch Travel

Though she was born in New York City, Patricia's earliest travels came when her father's business took the family to Brazil, then Switzerland and Belgium. She met her husband studying in Geneva. They lived in the US for a time, and then returned to Europe. For the past 12 years, they've been in Provence, where the weather is much nicer than in Brussels.

Some 7 years ago, Patricia teamed up with another American woman who has a home in France as well, Mellen Candage; together they created a culinary tour of the French countryside for small groups called A Moveable Feast.

Fortunately, you don't have to schedule your trip to Provence around the tour dates. You can stay at Patricia's place, the Moulin de Gréoux, and ask her to show you a trick or two in the kitchen.

Not a cook? Patricia enjoys introducing her guests to other aspects of the "real" Provence, the local people (immortalized by Peter Mayle) and the delectable food. Visiting markets, vineyards and olive mills and preparing food is always a highlight of any visit to the area. Patricia describes herself as a rabid antique hunter and often takes guests to antique markets and shops, bargaining for some special treasure.

And if you're in luck and it's harvest season, you can help pick olives and then go to the neighboring mill to watch them pressed into liquid gold.

You can see pictures of Patricia's B&B, online.

Provence...Up Close with Patricia Bachrach

In Depth: Seductive Provence

Here are three one-day itineraries that Patricia would be happy to adapt to your needs and schedule.

ARLES, LES BAUX, OLIVE MILL

After an early breakfast, we go to Arles, where you can visit the Roman theatre, coliseum, and the marvelous Musée Arlatan with exhibits showing the traditional Provençal way of life. After lunch we wend our way past the Abbaye de Montmajour and up to Les Baux, where we'll climb the cobblestone streets. At the top of the hill, there is a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. Later we'll walk to the Moulin du Mas des Barres, where you can see a working olive oil mill, buy wonderful gifts and souvenirs: olive oil soaps and gourmet items such as black olive jam and tapenade. Dinner this evening will be at La Petite France.... a charming bistro serving wonderful cuisine, with a marvelous wine list.

GLANUM, ST. REMY, THE CAMARGUE

This morning we'll take a short drive over the Alpilles to visit Glanum, a Roman village built on the remains of a Phoenician town. Then we'll drop down into the village of St. Remy de Provence, birthplace of Nostradamus, for a walk around. (If it happens to be Wednesday, there's a huge market.) On to Aigues Mortes in the Camargue. This walled city was the departure point for the Crusaders. Driving through the Camargue, you'll see the wild horses and bulls, as well as the rice fields that the region is famous for. Dinner this evening will be at La Telline, a charming little restaurant hidden deep in the heart of the Camargue.

PONT DU GARD, UZES, BEAUCAIRE

Today we visit the awe-inspiring Pont du Gardóa monumental Roman aqueduct - before proceeding to the former Duché of Uz&eagrave;s. After lunch in one of the charming restaurants that line the Place aux Herbes, we will visit the Duché itself, still owned and lived in by the descendants of the original family. At a medieval garden, we'll taste an infusion based on the plants grown there.

Return to my house via Beaucaire, a charming small port town on the Rhône river. Supper chez moi, at the Moulin de Gréoux.

"With great sadness, we leave tomorrow, after what has been a most unique and wonderful week. This has been an indescribable experience in a magnificent home with special hosts. Through your guidance we have fallen in love with what you obviously love so much

— Provence."

— Ellen Gelboim, Scarsdale, NY

"Why was this our best vacation ever ?? Maybe it was...the 3 star Michelin meal you taught us to prepare...OR the country, the scenery, the food, the wine, the sites AND your hospitality!"

— Steve Crescenzo, Chicago, IL

"We visit Patricia almost every year for her exceptional cooking lessons, spirited conversation, amazing knowledge of Provence and its many exciting and historical regions, and for the pure pleasure of spending time in her magnificently restored 400-year-old converted olive oil mill bed and breakfast. We always take a little bit of Provence home with us in our hearts and share it with our friends via Patricia's amazing recipes."

— Teri & Chuck Bruno, California