Aubagne: Pastis Creation Workshop – take your bottle home

A visit to Aubagne offers a unique chance to explore the world of pastis through an engaging 2-hour workshop at the Château des Creissauds. Led by a French instructor, this hands-on experience invites you to create your own pastis recipe using fresh plants, seeds, and spices harvested directly from the estate. Best of all, you’ll leave with a 35cl bottle of your own making, ready to enjoy or gift. The entire session is accessible, small-group oriented, and provides a well-rounded introduction to this iconic Provençal spirit.

While the workshop is a delightful introduction to pastis making, it’s important to note that the experience is not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women. The small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures plenty of personalized attention, and the all-in-one accessories provided make the process straightforward and fun. This tour suits those curious about local spirits, herbal maceration, or craft distillation, and offers a genuine taste of Provençal culture.

Key Points

• Hands-on pastis workshop lasting 2 hours at Château des Creissauds in Aubagne.
• Make your own pastis recipe using fresh plants, seeds, and spices harvested on-site.
• Includes a tasting of two different pastis varieties.
• Participants take home a 35cl bottle of their own crafted pastis.
• Small-group experience limited to 10 participants for personalized attention.
• Not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Château des Creissauds: The Setting for Pastis Creation

The workshop takes place at the magnificent Château des Creissauds, a notable estate in Aubagne, Provence. The estate provides a scenic and authentic Provençal backdrop that enhances the overall experience. As part of the visit, guests explore the estate’s aromatic garden, where a variety of herbs and plants are cultivated for use in the pastis maceration process.

The estate’s ambiance adds charm to the workshop, making it more than just a craft session—it’s an immersion into the Provençal lifestyle. The beautiful surroundings and historic estate contribute to a memorable atmosphere for learning and creating authentic pastis.

Making Your Own Pastis: The Recipe Crafting Process

The core of this workshop is DIY pastis creation. Participants begin by selecting plant and spice ingredients to develop their personal recipe. The instructor guides you through the maceration process in the estate’s maceration room, where 18 fresh plants harvested on-site are used to infuse the spirit with flavor.

This process offers insight into herbal maceration techniques and allows for personal customization. Guests can experiment with different combinations of seeds, spices, and fresh herbs to craft a unique flavor profile. The result is a custom pastis that reflects individual taste preferences, making the experience both educational and creative.

Discovering the Aromatic Garden of Château des Creissauds

A key highlight is the visit to the estate’s aromatic garden, which showcases the variety of herbs and plants used in the pastis recipes. The garden provides a hands-on look at the ingredients, allowing participants to appreciate the aromas and textures of the herbs as they prepare their macerates.

This garden walk not only enriches understanding of the botanical ingredients but also emphasizes the importance of freshness and quality in herbal spirits. It’s an engaging component that bridges gardening and distillation, adding depth to the workshop.

Inside the Maceration Room: Harvesting and Infusing

In the maceration room, the process gets more technical. Here, the 18 fresh plants harvested from the estate are infused into spirits during the maceration process. This step is central to developing the flavor profile of your personal pastis.

Participants observe how plant materials are carefully combined with the spirit base, learning about the timeframes and techniques that influence flavor extraction. This practical insight helps deepen appreciation for the craft of herbal spirits and the complexity behind each bottle.

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Tasting Two Pastis Varieties During the Workshop

After crafting your recipe, the experience includes a tasting session of two different pastis types. These tastings give a sense of traditional Provençal flavors and highlight the differences in herbal profiles.

This part of the workshop is designed to educate the palate and demonstrate how ingredients and maceration influence the final product. The tasting is an excellent opportunity to compare flavors and understand the nuances of regional pastis.

Taking Home Your Own Pastis Bottle

The culmination of the workshop is taking home your own 35cl bottle of personalized pastis. The bottle is ready to enjoy, or it can serve as a special gift or keepsake from your Provençal visit.

This tangible takeaway adds value to the experience, giving participants a lasting memory of their craftsmanship. The bottle is professionally filled and sealed, ensuring quality and freshness.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

The Aubagne: Pastis Creation Workshop is designed for small groups, limited to 10 people, which guarantees a more intimate and interactive experience. The activity is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers planning ahead.

Reservations can be made without immediate payment—you only pay when confirming your spot—making it easy to adapt to changing plans. The tour is conducted in French, and wheelchair accessibility is available, accommodating a wider range of participants.

Who Will Find This Workshop Most Appealing?

This tour is a perfect fit for those interested in spirits, herbal maceration, or craft distillation. It offers a hands-on approach that combines botanical garden exploration, practical infusion techniques, and tasting.

However, it’s important to note that it is not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women due to alcohol content. The focus on herbal infusion and spirit tasting appeals most to adults seeking a cultural and culinary experience in Provence.

The Experience Provider: Maison Ferroni

This workshop is organized by Maison Ferroni, ensuring a professional and well-structured activity. Their expertise in herbal spirits and local heritage makes this an authentic and informative experience.

Final Thoughts on the Pastis Workshop in Aubagne

The Pastis Creation Workshop at Château des Creissauds offers an engaging introduction to herbal spirits with the chance to craft and take home a personal bottle. The scenic estate, aromatic garden, and intimate group size combine to create a memorable Provençal experience.

While the focus remains on herbal infusion and tasting, the hands-on process and personalized recipe make this tour stand out. It’s best suited for adults passionate about spirits, herbs, and craft-making, who want a practical, authentic, and enjoyable activity during their Provence visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this workshop suitable for children?
No, the activity is not suitable for children under 18 due to alcohol content.

What language is the workshop conducted in?
The workshop is conducted in French.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Do I need to pay upfront?
No, you can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

What do I take home after the workshop?
Participants leave with a 35cl bottle of their own crafted pastis.

Are there any accessibility options?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

How long does the workshop last?
The activity runs for 2 hours.

What’s included in the experience?
The workshop includes all necessary accessories, a guided process, tasting of two pastis varieties, and the personal bottle.

Where does the workshop take place?
At the Château des Creissauds in Aubagne, Provence.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby