THE BRIEF
Organise a 3 night incentive in Europe for 26 lucky winners following a previously successful event in Tuscany. The programme needed to include land, sea and air experiences, exclusive local restaurants and excellent wines. A boutique hotel within walking distance of the town centre and local nightlife was also a must.
Day one
With land, sea and air as the brief, the incentive started with a real ‘wow!’ A helicopter flight took guests from Marseille airport to the heart of Provence and the beautiful vineyards of Chateau La Coste. After landing in the manicured grounds and quaffing a glass of the finest chilled Champagne, the group were led through the unique wine cellars to an enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable wine tasting experience with one of the Chateau’s resident sommeliers. Lunch followed in the Michelin Star Francis Mallmann, overlooking the outside open kitchen, cooking Argentinian steak to die for, with some of the best wine in Provence to drink – what’s not to like! After lunch it was time to head to the stunning boutique hotel, Le Pigonnet where they would be staying for the next three nights. Following some time at leisure to settle in and relax, guests met for pre-dinner drinks in the beautiful hotel gardens before taking a short stroll for dinner at one of the most popular Bistros in Aix – bon apetit!
Day Two
With the music playing and the bar ready, guests boarded their exclusive catamaran armed with their branded towels and set off for their day at sea. With a clear blue sky and the coastline of Provence as their backdrop, it was time to kick back and relax. After a short cruise, guests were able to clear the cobwebs with a dip in the crystal water and for those who had a bit more energy, there were stand up paddleboards and a 4m slide to enjoy! On board, a delicious tapas style lunch was served and the open bar was flowing. Back at the hotel there was still time to have a beer around the pool before a private dinner at Le Patio in Aix and a late night at the busy bars in this lively town.
Day Three
Drivers at the ready! This morning, guests woke up to a rainbow of classic 2CV’s at the front of the hotel ready for their road rally around Provence. With the wind in their hair and the open road ahead of them, the group were treated to the breath-taking scenery evolving in front of them, including the spectacular Sainte Victoire Mountain, where they stopped for the all-important Instagram photo. The rally finished at Villa des Chef, where there was a cold beer waiting and an experience of a lifetime. Guests were split into two teams, handed their aprons and chefs hats and headed into the kitchen to touch up on their culinary skills with 1* Michelin chef, Thierry Renou. Chef Renou tutored whilst the group peeled, diced, seared and served a 3-course lunch for them all to enjoy. A true experience and certainly one to remember. A farewell dinner in the courtyard at Cote Cour rounded this trip off perfectly.
