We will meet you at the Avignon train station and transfer you to our beautiful, well-appointed accommodations, a charming Provençcal mas -- a typical type of rural lodge-guesthouse in this part of France. Take time to settle in, relax by the pool (weather permitting), or explore the private 5-acre park that surrounds the house. This will be our home base for the entire week. In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed by a gourmet dinner.(Please note: There are good high-speed train connections to Avignon from Paris.)

This morning we set out for Isle sur Sorgue, a lovely village built on an island with the Sorgue river flowing around it. Here we have a chance to stroll and shop the wonderful Sunday markets: the food market and the biggest antique market in Provence. Next up is one of the "most beautiful villages" of France, that of Roussillon, perched on a ridge above dazzling ocher quarries and steep cliffs. We'll explore its narrow, twisting streets before taking a walk through the haunting ancient ocher quarries that give the village its name. On our way back home, we will stop in Gordes, also on that same list of towns recognized for their exceptional beauty. Some would argue that Gordes is the most spectacular village in Provence, teetering on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse. The view from the village is a panorama out across fields, vineyards and forests, and small-perched villages to the Montagne du Luberon.

The village of Chateau Neuf du Pape is dedicated to its world famous eponymous wine which is also part of the famous Côtes du Rhône. At the wine musem we will have a guided visit to learn about this famous wine and how it's made. The visit will end with the tasting of three exquisite Chateau Neuf du Pape wines. Next on our culinary agenda are chocolate and nougat. Not only will you learn about the history of cocoa but you will also attend a chocolate making demonstration by the master maker himself. At the end, you will savor this wonderful treat, of course. We will then have a demonstration of turning almonds and honey into nougat, a specialty of Provence. This, too, we will be able to sample.

Lavender is inseparable from the image of Provence. A heady lavender scent is in the air and the distinctive taste of lavender-infused dishes forms part of the Provençal cuisine. At the lavendar museum we'll learn about its history, distillation, and use in medicinal therapy and cooking. This is also the perfect time to shop for all things lavendar! Later, we find ourselves in Saint Rémy de Provence with its plentiful cafés and antique shops, a town popular with the trendy Parisian film and fashion set. The beauty of the countryside here and the quality of light has inspired many writers and painters throughout the ages. Without a doubt, the most famous was Vincent Van Gogh who produced more than 150 paintings of the countryside surrounding Saint Rémy de Provence. We will walk a trail through this countryside which highlights some of the locations of his work.

This morning a local producer of olive oil will take us on a walk through his olive orchard and share with us his knowledge and passion for olives. After the walk, he will show us his mill and the visit will finish with a tasting of his olive oil and tapenade. We will then move on to explore the majestic Pont du Gard. This Roman-built wonder is an aqueduct supported by three tiers of arches straddling a gorge, 150 feet above the river. It's in astonishingly good condition and is now a UNESCO World Heritage monument. To understand better the construction of the bridge as well as learn about the rich Gallo-Roman civilization, we will spend some time in the interactive museum of the Pont du Gard with its replicas, maps, multi-screen images, video and sound archives.

Still encircled by its powerful 14th-century walls, Avignon has a dynamic, city flavor. Seven French popes reigned here for a century, and even today the imposing Palais des Papes remains the center of town. This amazing and expansive structure is the highlight of Avignon. We will have an audio-guided visit of the Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. After the visit, you will have leisure time in this interesting city. There is much to do: stroll in the old streets in search of antique dealers and art galleries. In addition to the large variety of well-stocked luxury shops, you will find Provençal ceramics and pottery, terra cotta figurines (santons), handicrafts, and other specialties of the region. You can also savor local cuisine in the tea-rooms and restaurants and taste the flavours of Provence such as the "Papalines", Avignon's specialty -- a delicacy made of fine chocolate, sugar and oregano liqueur. You also have a choice of several museums: from Provencal history to paintings, sculptures, contemporary art, and more. We recommend a private mansion converted to a museum featuring paintings from Cezanne, Van Gogh, Picasso, Degas, and Modigliani among others.

We arrive at haunting Les Baux-de-Provence, situated on a spectacular plateau between two plunging ravines. Crowned by the ruins of a medieval fortress that has inspired fantastic tales, this is a wonderful place to let your imagination roam as we walk around the town and its magnificent ruins. Impressive limestone quarries still remain in Les Baux de Provence. Today, "Cathédrale d'Images" uses one of the quarries as natural screens for a Van Gogh sound and light show, with projections of huge images on the walls and ceilings. The bases of these natural pillars measure from 15 to 30 feet and rise as high as 27 feet.

After breakfast we'll transfer you back to the Avignon train station where high-speed trains can take you to Paris or wherever you might wish to continue your journey.