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 smells of Provençal foods and wines.

And stay in a marvelous stone villa in the center of Provence, spending a week in leisurely exploration of the market towns, castles, villages and wineries in this wonderful region of France. Throughout this Provence tour, we’ll enjoy regional meals in very special restaurants and at the villa. We’ll have picnics with views. Taste some special wines at boutique wineries.

And while we’ll explore lots of amazing places together, you will also have time on your own to roam the picturesque streets, shop the markets or just sit back and relax in the garden or at the pool.

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 in the garden.

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

Arles / Les Baux / St. Remy

Today we’ll journey back to Roman times, exploring 2,000-year-old ruins. Arles was once a Roman capital and a major religious center in the Middle Ages. We’ll discover the Roman theater and arena, as well as the 12th century Church of St. Trophime. We’ll also follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh who found inspiration for some of his best work here. Next we’ll venture to Les Baux, a medieval stone citadel that was once the stronghold of lords who terrorized southern Provence. Today costumed guides demonstrate the massive siege weapons used in medieval times to breach the citadel’s fortifications. In St. Remy we’ll continue in our search for Van Gogh, visiting the asylum where he stayed after mutilating his ear.

Breakfast included. Lunch on you own in Les Baux. A delightful dinner of regional food 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 Optional 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 / Abbaye de Senangue

If you’re up and about early, you can enjoy a walk in a nearby forest, take one of the bikes to explore a nearby village or just relax around the pool. After lunch, we’ll travel to the Abbaye de Senanque, one of three Cistercian monasteries in Provence and famous for its fields of lavender.

Breakfast and lunch at the villa. Dinner on your own.

Day 7 – Friday

Roussillon

In the morning, we’ll journey to the ochre-colored hilltop village of Roussillon, a photographer’s dream. Built on the slopes of the Vaucluse mountains, Roussillon is known for its red cliffs and ochre quarries. You’ll have free time to explore the village and enjoy lunch at one of the cafes on the main plaza. Later in the afternoon, we’ll hike the village’s Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail) which passes through old mine works and quarries.

Breakfast at the villa. Lunch on your own. 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!