Provence is widely known for wall to wall sunshine, pastis, pétanque and delicious dishes based mainly on tomatoes, garlic and olive oil, so called “à la Provençale”. Ratatouille is its signature dish and contrary to popular belief does not contain any rats! The most well known Provence export must surely be lavender. But did you know for instance that the asp that killed Cleopatra was said to have been found under a lavender bush? Lavender was also reputed to be a charm against the devil. The flowers were bound into the shape of a cross and hung on doorways to deter evil spirits. Nowadays, lavender is used as an effective insect repellent, a sleeping aid and can even be used in cooking to flavour biscuits.
7 Related Holidays
Van Gogh’s Provence
Shimmering light and olive groves
Wonderful buildings, charming village squares and the smell of herbs growing wild under your feet, this holiday gives you all the right ingredients for great walking. Immerse yourself in this picturesque part of Provence on this moderate route....
A Week in Provence
Quiet roads and magnificent hilltop villages
This moderate cycling introduces the Provence of Peter Mayle's novels. Discover the beautiful, diverse landscape of the Luberon with the cypress dotted plains of Saint Rémy and the brightly coloured village of Roussillon.
Provence Prestige en Vélo
Vineyards and olive groves
Absorb the essence of Provence – sleepy villages, sun soaked vineyards, Roman ruins and the magnificent Pont du Gard. Easy cycling along quiet lanes and canal paths brings you to charming destinations where you are guaranteed a comfortable...
Provence Prestige à Pied
Scented pines and dazzling skies
Wander through pretty village squares, past vineyards and fields of sunflowers, over remote hill sides and along canal towpaths with the smell of wild herbs in the air. Charming accommodation adds a touch of luxury to the delights of...
Provence Wine Trails - Châteauneuf du Pape
Easy walking through stunning vineyards
Châteauneuf du Pape is southern France’s most prestigious wine village: a small village of only 2000 people. Grapes have been grown here for 700 years and the best way to discover these vineyards is by foot, strolling between the gnarled vines...
Provençal Cycling
Wild herbs and lavender
An easy-going tour that soaks up the Provençal atmosphere, this holiday offers plenty of time for sight-seeing. Explore historic towns and meandering canals as you admire the pretty scenery of this splendid region. This holiday is best...
Luxury Walking in the Luberon
Prestigious hotels, beautiful hilltop villages, stunning views of the Alps and Mediterranean Sea
If you need to pick one place in Provence that grouped the most stunning perched villages, landscapes and walking trails, it would be here in the Luberon. Made famous by Peter Mayle’s books ‘A Year in Provence’ and ‘A Good Year’ we have...
