Come discover the Provence we’ve come to know and love. Where you’ll follow in the footsteps of artists. Explore beautiful hilltop villages. Browse through colorful markets. Enjoy the tastes and aromas of Provençal foods and wines.

And stay in a marvelous stone villa, spending a week in leisurely exploration of the market towns, castles, villages and wineries in this wonderful region of France. This is the perfect time to visit Provence, when the sun is warm enough for sunbathing but gentle enough for sightseeing.

Throughout the week, you will be accompanied by travel writers Judi Janofsky and Rich Steck, who co-founded Provence Escapes. Judi and Rich will share all that they know and love about Provence, including its magnificent food, wines, markets, ruins and villages.

Day 1 – Saturday

Arrival at the Villa

You’ll be met at the Avignon TGV station in late afternoon and transferred to the villa in plenty of time to unpack and explore this luxurious property or take a refreshing dip in the pool before the evening’s welcome reception and dinner served on the terrace.

Day 2 – Sunday

L’Isle sur la Sorgue

Today we’ll explore one of the best and most famous markets in Provence where you’ll find bountiful local products, including lavender soaps, hand-thrown pottery, luxurious fabrics, locally made olive oil, fresh fruit, vegetables and cheeses. Considered the “Venice of Provence,” this beautifully set town, graced by canals and the Sorgue River, is also recognized as one of the best places for antique shopping outside of Paris. And you’ll have plenty of time to browse the indoor and outdoor antique stalls.

Breakfast at the villa. Lunch on your own in L’Isle sur la Sorgue. And dinner at the villa.

Day 3 – Monday

Cote du Rhone

We’ll spend the day exploring the Cote du Rhone Wine Route stopping in small charming villages, including Gigondas which produces a very nice full-bodied red wine and where we’ll have lunch.

We’ll also visit Seguret, considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in France, and Crestet, one of our favorite towns.

Breakfast at the villa. Lunch on your own in Gigondas. Dinner at the villa.

Day 4 – Tuesday

Gordes / Wine Tasting

Today is market day in the spectacular perched village of Gordes. This 12th century village, one of the most picturesque in Provence, is an amazing place to explore on your own. And you’ll have all morning to do it. Stroll along and you’ll see small, sometimes stepped alleyways lined with rampart ruins, art galleries and cafes. The market will be bustling with local people and tourists buying everything from fennel-flavored sausages to foie gras, crusty breads, pottery and linens. Two must-sees in Gordes are the impressive 16th century Chateau de Gordes and the charming church of St. Firmin. In the valley below, poppies spring up among orchards of cherry trees. After lunch, we’ll visit a local family run winery – one of the best in the Luberon region.

Breakfast at the villa. Picnic lunch with foods we purchase at the local market. Dinner on your own -- perhaps at the local bistro or at a delightful butcher-shop-turned-restaurant that’s nearby.

Day 5 – Wednesday

Bonnieux / Afternoon Cooking Class

Enjoy a leisurely morning strolling the narrow streets of Bonnieux, a lovely perched village topped by a 12th century church. In the afternoon, you’ll create several wonderful Provençal dishes during a cooking class at the villa taught by Judi. Those who don’t participate in the cooking class can spend the afternoon hiking, biking or exploring the nearby Lavender Museum.

Breakfast at the villa. Lunch on your own. Dinner will be the cooking class creation.

Day 6 – Thursday

Morning On Your Own / Lourmarin

This morning will be a leisurely one at the villa. where you can enjoy a morning at the pool, a bit of tennis or a hike in a nearby forest. In the afternoon, we’ll travel to the village of Lourmarin with its wonderful cafes, boutiques and galleries. This is the town where Peter Mayle, author of A Year in Provence, lives. Later in the afternoon we’ll visit the Chateau Val Joanis in Pertuis for a tour of its beautiful gardens and winery. Of their Reserve les Griottes, wine critic Robert Parker says: “I feel as if I am drinking a great Chateauneuf du Pape.”

Breakfast and lunch at the villa. Dinner on your own at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Day 7 – Friday

Saignon / Goat Farm

In the morning, we’ll journey to Saignon, a pretty little village with spectacular views from the ruins of a fortress. For lunch, we’ll travel up the mountains to our guests’ favorite place in Provence -- a goat farm high atop the Luberon where we’ll have a fabulous lunch made by the farmer and his wife.

Breakfast at the villa. Lunch on your own at the goat farm. Farewell dinner at the villa.

Day 8 – Saturday

Au Revoir...

Morning departure to Avignon TGV Station. And bonne journée for those of you who plan to extend your visit in France!