The Luberon Valley, to the east, was made famous in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, and is noted for its picturesque hilltop villages such as Gordes, Menerbes, and Roussillon. A lively market can be found in one village or another each day of the week, while the Sunday market at Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a mecca for antiques collectors. Whether it is apricot blossoms in April, lavender in July, sweet figs in September, boules and pastis in the shade of platane trees, or a lazy summer day observing village life from a favorite cafe, Provence is a year-round feast for the senses.

Day 2: Visit to a local market

This morning you will delve right into French life with a visit to the local Isle-sur-la-Sorgue market. Stop by a local cafe for a coffee first and enjoy the sights and sounds of French life as you explore this charming village.

We suggest you do a quick tour of the market before buying anything; get your bearings then go around again to buy the best of what you’ve seen. Don’t be afraid to ask vendors how to prepare an unfamiliar vegetable, of if you can sample the olives, or strawberries. Ask to taste the cheese or the saucisson before you buy; most vendors will be happy to oblige. There are lots of nice places to enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading back to the villa.

Bike Tour

Today you will discover some of France’s most beautiful landscapes with a guided bike tour. There is truly nothing like road riding in Europe, especially in France. The roads are quiet and scenic, and the drivers are respectful. And every few miles there is a shop, cafe or restaurant where you can get supplies or a bite to eat.

Escorted by the sounds of the cicadas through the garrigues and guarded by olive trees, our professional guide will take you on a ride into the heart of Les Alpilles, the area surrounding the villa renowned for its olive groves and vineyards. Enjoy a picnic at Domaine de Lauzières.

Truffle Hunting (see our story: A Truffle Guide)

If you prefer to hunt and not cycle, try Truffle Hunting! With the aid of a professional Trufficulteur and his truffle dog, search through the caves and truffle patches. Stop at the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin in Menerbes for a Truffle infused lunch and wine tasting.

Home to rocky mountain racing roads, lavender and olive trees, Provence has also been making wine for over 2600 years, making it the oldest wine-producing region in France.

Today you will visit the vineyards and cellars of four leading wine estates in each of the four Rhône cru wine villages of Gigondas, Rasteau, Vacqueyras and Chateauneuf du Pape with an expert.

The tour includes the tasting of a few different wines per estate during which the guide explains the tasting characteristics of the Rhône grape varieties, the ageing potential of the wines and the varying influences of the terroir and cellar methods on the wines that we taste. At most of the wine estates you will indulge a small selection of cheese with which to taste and appreciate the wines.

Start your day off with a trip to the St. Remy market to stock up on some fine French delicacies, beautiful souvenirs (soaps, baskets and fabrics) and gourmet items. Stay a little longer and explore the village. The old town, with its winding streets, fountains, archways and intriguing mix of traditional shops and upscale boutiques, is certainly St. Rémy’s main attraction. You may also wish to discover Les Antiques (the Roman ruins of Glanum), and for art lovers, exploring the views which inspired some of Van Gogh’s most famous works when he was a patient at the clinic of the Cloître St. Paul le Mausolée is a must. We suggest bringing some delicacies home with you for a light dinner or a barbecue on your terrace.

This afternoon you will have the tasty opportunity to learn the art of French pastry-making from a patissier. Your Chef will come to your villa to teach you how to make sweet and savory treats. Make sure to bring a pen and some paper to take notes – these are great lessons to bring home as a souvenir and will surely impress your family and friends.

Day 7: Boutique Shopping

We kept the best for last…shopping? Yes, but when combined with historical and cultural discoveries it’s even greater! Choose from the two most characteristic cities of Provence, Avignon and Aix en Provence, both offering many shops and boutiques but also rich in history, architecture and culture.

Avignon

Located in the heart of Provence, Avignon has everything needed to enchant you with its art de vivre and rich architectural heritage. The largest Gothic palace in Europe and epicenter of the city, the Palais des Papes was the residence of pontifical sovereigns during the 14th century. Towards the edges of the city, the Pont d’Avignon – celebrated across the world – is also an amazing must-see witness to the city’s history. Avignon, surrounded by its ancient ramparts, is very suitable to explore on foot.

Through its narrow streets, you can discover many old monuments: chapels, churches, buildings from the Middle Ages. Art can be found on every corner, a true open-sky museum.

Discover elegant fashion boutiques, antique dealers, regional products, Provençal gourmet cuisine and Côtes du Rhône wine. During the summer, thanks to its annual festival, the city shines with a unique atmosphere, transforming into one giant concert and theater hall. At the heart of Avignon, the Place de l’Horloge is lined with shady plane trees and filled with cafés where patrons sit, and people watch.