Cooking in Julia Child’s Kitchen: Culinary Provence

Julia's cottage, affectionately known as “LaPeetch,” is located about 35 minutes from Nice Airport in the hills above Grasse. The property features four luxurious bedrooms, with additional homes available within a five-minute walk for larger groups. Decorated in the traditional Provençal style, the cottage is filled with many of Julia’s personal artifacts. This includes photographs, her cookbook collection and — most notably — the iconic pegboard kitchen. This is where her husband, Paul outlined each cooking pot and utensil.

This is far from a typical house rental. The kitchen and cottage were fully stocked with everything you could need: fresh fruits and vegetables on the countertop, a fridge brimming with cheeses, yogurts, jams, butters and every imaginable condiment. The spice closet holds a vast collection of single-source spices. You can help yourself to herbs and vegetables from the garden, as well as fresh eggs from the chicken coop. The wine fridge is generously stocked, and all of this is included in the rental. Daily housekeeping and a morning delivery of fresh breads, croissants and pastries from a local boulangerie are also provided. A heated saltwater pool and outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven complete the amenities. For animal lovers, friendly dogs, cats and even a neighboring stable with horses and a donkey add to the charm of the property. A big surprise: we woke up one morning to find the owner of a nearby creperie in the kitchen providing crepe-making lessons!

LaPeetch is an ideal base for exploring the stunning hilltop villages, coastal towns and iconic destinations of the French Riviera. There are plenty of time left to return and create your own gourmet meal in Julia Child’s kitchen.

For shopping, there are several large supermarkets within a 10-minute drive, but if possible, make your way to the nearby Provencal markets in surrounding villages. Valbonne, just a short drive away, hosts a market on Fridays, though the local food and wine shops are open throughout the week. A must-visit is 365 Fromages, a cheese shop that truly lives up to its name.

This guide reflects our 2024 trip to this cherished region, with additional recommendations from multiple visits over the years.

Cannes (30 minutes from LaPeetch):

We spent two nights in Cannes before heading to LaPeetch. I recommend this to decompress after the flight and avoid the chaos of the Nice Airport car rental facility. In Cannes, there’s no need for a car! The city offers:

• Luxury shopping with both high-end brands and unique boutiques

• A daily Provencal market with food, flowers and home goods

• La Croisette, a palm-lined promenade along the waterfront

• A vibrant dining scene with numerous food options

• A lively nightlife atmosphere

Recommended Hotel: JW Marriott Cannes – A comfortable luxury property with reasonable rates for a top-tier Cannes experience.

Dinner Recommendation: Gavroche, a family-run restaurant in La Suquet (Old Cannes), serving French, Mediterranean and European cuisine. Located at 1 Petite rue Saint Antoine, 06400 Cannes, +33 4 93 99 01 01.

Villefranche and St. Jean Cap Ferrat:

Spend a day exploring Villefranche-sur-Mer (30 minutes from LaPeetch), enjoying lunch on the waterfront. The charming village features cobblestone streets, colorful houses and flower-adorned walls. From there, visit the Villa and Gardens Ephrussi de Rothschild on St. Jean Cap Ferrat (just 10 minutes away), a grand palace surrounded by nine themed gardens, including French, Spanish, Japanese and Provençal gardens.

Hotel Recommendation in Villefranche: Welcome Hotel Villefranche, a family-owned boutique hotel with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the picturesque harbor.

Old Nice and the Brocante Market:

Cours Saleya in Old Nice is one of the city's most iconic spots. It is famous for its vibrant flower and food markets, where you’ll find fresh produce, local olives, artisanal products and spices. The narrow streets of Vieux Nice are a maze of historic buildings, cafes and shops, offering a true taste of the region’s Mediterranean charm.

The Brocante Market on Mondays at Cours Saleya is a vintage treasure trove, perfect for antique lovers. Browse through furniture, jewelry, books, art and quirky curiosities. The market offers a nostalgic glimpse into the past, with rustic Provençal décor and rare finds. On other days, Cours Saleya hosts a food market in the mornings and a flower market in the afternoons.

St. Paul de Vence:

This picturesque medieval village is known for its beauty, history and art scene. A walk along the city walls offers stunning views, and the village is home to several galleries. Spend 4–5 hours exploring. Be sure to visit the Fondation Maeght, which houses works by 20th-century artists like Georges Braque, Joan Miró and Alberto Giacometti.

Grasse:

Known as the perfume capital of the world, Grasse is a must-see for fragrance lovers. The town’s maze of narrow streets is full of charm, and you can pre-book a perfume-making class at Molinard, one of the primary perfumeries. Learn about the perfume-making process and create your own signature scent at a “perfume organ.” Visit at 60 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 06130 Grasse.

Eze (40 minutes from LaPeetch):

A stunning hilltop village, Eze offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean and a fairy-tale atmosphere with its narrow streets, stone buildings and lush gardens. A must-see for its beauty and history, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip.

Antibes (30 minutes from LaPeetch):

A charming coastal town, Antibes is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque Old Town and vibrant harbor. The Picasso Museum, housed in a 16th-century château, is a major highlight. Wander through the narrow streets filled with cafes, boutiques and galleries to get a true sense of the town’s rich history and coastal beauty.

• Try to avoid the car rental scene at Nice Airport if at-all possible! Long lines, no elite pickups (like Emerald Aisle). Unless your first stop is LaPeetch, consider reserving a car and driver to your first destination. We recommend ROLZO. While Uber is available, there is really nothing better than seeing a man at arrivals holding a sign with your name on it with a car waiting!

• High-speed trains (TGV) are available several times a day from Paris to Cannes and Nice. If your trip is starting in Paris, consider the train’s convenience as opposed to having to navigate Charles DeGaulle airport!

For more travel inspiration and recommendations, check out our France page.