Learning a language also means immersing yourself in its culture... and what better way to do it than through cooking? At the Centre International d’Antibes, our Gastronomy & Wine program invites you to learn French for adults while cooking iconic French dishes. Today, we invite you to discover a typical Provencal recipe: vegetable tian, a simple, colorful, and tasty dish, perfect for highlighting Mediterranean produce.
The word *tian* comes from old Provençal and originally referred to an earthenware dish, oval or round in shape, used to slowly cook food in the oven or on embers. Dating back to at least the 13th century, the term has been passed down through generations and remains rooted in Southern France’s culinary culture.
Over time, *tian* came to refer not just to the dish, but also to the preparation inside: a baked summer vegetable gratin. A rustic dish, Provençal tian exemplifies the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine. Garden vegetables — tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants — were arranged in colorful layers to make the most of the summer harvest. Often prepared in family settings, it was served warm or cold, sometimes with rice or an egg for a complete meal.
Today, *tian* still graces Provençal tables, both in homes and restaurants, and it’s even taught in the cooking workshops of our
Gastronomy & Wine program.
- 2 zucchinis
- 2 eggplants
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 garlic heads
- Tomato coulis
- Salt
- Pepper
- Herbes de Provence
- Olive oil
Start by cutting the garlic in half and rubbing the bottom of your dish with it to flavor the preparation. Then add tomato coulis at the bottom.
Cut the zucchini, eggplants, and tomatoes into evenly sized and thick slices for uniform cooking.
Arrange the slices in the dish, alternating colors for visual appeal.
Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and add herbs of your choice. Your dish is now ready for the oven!
Once everything is ready, bake at 170°C (340°F) for 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness.
Provençal tian is not just a dish — it’s a symbol of Mediterranean culture, a tribute to simplicity and togetherness. But this recipe is just a taste of what we offer at the
Centre International d’Antibes.
Thanks to our
Gastronomy & Wine program, you can learn French differently — in a lively, sensory, and authentic setting. This program combines
French lessons adapted to your level with cooking workshops led by our chef, tastings, and gourmet outings.
Our chef guides you step-by-step through the preparation of iconic French dishes. Besides the Provençal tian, you’ll learn to make
homemade chocolate cream, traditional
ratatouille,
quiche Lorraine, and many other recipes!
This program is for anyone who wants to learn or improve their French in an inspiring setting — combining pleasure, discovery, and cultural immersion. A flavorful, human, and linguistic experience to enjoy at the pace of Provence.
