"I appreciated Dig's flexibility in  giving us time to do what interested us, in addition to the preplanned activities. His ability to recall history and his entertaining stories certainly added a lot to our trip."  Darlene Stoops

Spring time in Paris....  We are sure that the majority of you will wish to seize this opportunity to visit one the world's most glorious cities at the best possible time. To facilitate this option we suggest that you spend as much time as wished exploring Paris before enjoying the fast, convenient journey to Avignon by super fast TGV train. On arrival at Avignon station we will be waiting to welcome you to Provence.

Day 1
Meet at Avignon rail station.  We drive for 1 hour by the banks of the Durance and into the hills of Le Petit Luberon and our new home of Roussillon. The village has been famed since Roman times for its stunning ochre colored cliffs from where the dust was gathered for use in cosmetics right up to the 1930’s.  Today, it is simply the captivating beauty of the glorious ochre cliffs and pine covered hills that make Roussillon one of the prettiest villages in all of France.  On our first night we will settle into our hotel before a gentle amble through the woods will bring us to the heart of the village and a Provencal feast  - a fitting start to our adventure.

Day 2
Perhaps more than anywhere else Provence is beloved of artists.  A short drive will bring us to the historic village of Maubec from where we will gently hike through woods and vineyards to the delightful hill village of Opedde le Vieux. This enchanting little village has been saved from ruin by the community of artists who now bring life back to this little walled hamlet that is hidden within the woods of Le Petit Luberon hills.  We will picnic by the old church with stunning views to distant Mont Ventoux – the giant of Provence before returning home in time to relax by the pool before dinner is taken in the village.

Day 3
Today we explore our home of Roussillon and when better than on market day? On Thursdays the village square plays host to the market where typical Provencal treasures such as violet soaps, lavender bags, wine, ceramics, cheese and hams are to be found. Simply to wander the stalls to the music of traveling minstrels and sample local produce is a delight.  You will be free to picnic under a shady tree or take lunch at one of the many little taverns before we enjoy a short hike. Twisting forest trails lead above the ochre cliffs to stunning 360 degree views of the entire region in all its glory before we stroll downhill to our hotel to relax by the pool before dinner in the village – the perfect end to a perfect day.

Day 4
Bonnieux is a picturesque perched village girded by the remains of the medieval ramparts that ensured its safety.  Being a Catholic town, Bonnieux was never damaged or even plundered and indeed is said to stretch over the hillside like a contented cat.    Nearby Lacoste is still haunted by the ghost of the Marquis de Sade where the remains of his great chateau stand and just 3 miles to the west sits the enchanting  village of Menerbes – much of Peter Mayles “Year in Provence” is connected with Menerbes.  The villages themselves are great rivals and each considers itself the pick of the Luberon.  We shall explore them all in addition to enjoying a gentle hike through the Forret de Cedre where we shall picnic.  Dinner will be in Roussillon.

Day 5
Today we set out to explore the limestone canyon lands of Buoix.  We will discover an ancient hill top fort and then hike to fabulous view points high above the canyon. Later our hike leads on through vineyards and woods to the tiny village of Buoix where you will relax to the gentle sound of spring water filling the ancient well before picnicking by the old church.  The Roman town of Apt will be our finishing place where we may well feel that we have earned a beer in the town square before the short ride home to Roussillon.

Day 6
Our day starts with a short drive to perhaps the most photographed village in all Provence – Gordes.  The village cloaks the hill with a multi colored fabric of tall houses, wooded terraces, winding staircases, arched passages and gardens.  We shall explore the village on foot before descending the hill to the village of the Borries for an insight into the old ways of rural Provence. Lunch will be a picnic feast amongst the olive groves before going on to visit the famous Lavender Museum of the Lincele family who have grown Lavender here for over two hundred years.  Evening will see our return home to Roussillon for dinner and a well earned rest.

Day 7
A new area to discover today as we transfer to the coast and Aiguebelle.  Our route takes us by Aix en Provence .  This is a town of incomparable architectural and artistic wealth.  It should be remembered that it was in his studio here that Cezanne died in 1906 however it was in 1954 that American admirers of the painter gifted the studio to the University.  You will enjoy ample opportunity to discover all that is best before we arrive at Aiguebelle, settle in and relish an excellent al fresco dinner before a moonlit stroll to the sound of gentle surf on our beach.

Day 8
From your balcony, shimmering on a blue green sweep of ocean you can just see the Golden Isles, or Isle d’or.  At one time the main island of Porquerolles, which is just over four miles long and a mile wide, was a place of rest. This was where old soldiers returned to recuperate from colonial wars and the building of empire.  Today the island is part of a national park where much of that atmosphere of a bygone age lingers.  A short boat ride brings us to the pier but as no cars are allowed on the island our exploration is by foot following a sleepy little lane through the woods that brings us to a pirates fort before we picnic above the beach.  I usually finish my island day  with one of the delicious ice creams that can be discovered by the boat jetty.  We return to Aiguebelle with time to relax before dinner.

Day 9
The coast between Aiguebelle and St Tropez is a delight to hike.  Easy trails run by the ocean, through woods of oak, pine and Eucalyptus.  It is with a smile that I recall a word of warning is perhaps in order. In this idyllic corner of our world it is considered by some quite normal to hike/swim/enjoy without the benefit of clothing, however, I have somehow always managed to keep a straight face and upturned countenance when giving “bonjour monsieur” to the naked hiker. We will picnic at a favorite spot above the ocean before completing an easy days hiking. Vacations can almost be a little tiring at times – so much to see, so much to do, however, this is a shorter day to allow you a little time to simply relax on the beach, or perhaps catch up your journal before dinner.

Day 10
A special day for us.  We take the short drive to St Tropez where you will first have a little time to explore the town before we set sail.  Victoria is an English lady whose husband is a local seaman and we shall join their Bateau Brigantine to sail the beautiful harbor and coast. This is where the stars homes are to be found and as we sail Victoria will share her local knowledge with us. Later we shall make our way to the hill top castle of Grimaud that stands guard over St Tropez bay before return to Aiguebelle and dinner to complete a memorable day.

Day 11
Sadly we say goodbye to Aiguebelle and return to Avignon.  We will drop our bags off early enough to explore the city before meeting for our final Banquet Provencal.

Day 12
Following breakfast we return to the central station for departure to Paris and home.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION:
GUIDES:
Dig Bulmer & Pat Heffron.  Both enjoy a “civilized” approach to life and thoroughly enjoy comfort, good food and conversation over a glass of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

COST: $3795.  Prices are based on sharing a twin/double room. Single Supplement $650.                            

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Roussillon 6 nights; Aiguebelle 4 Nights; Avignon 1 Night

MEALS:
All continental breakfasts are included.  Lunch usually takes the form of a picnic and to allow you the opportunity to buy according to your tastes and to give you a chance to explore the markets, lunches are not covered.  Six dinners are included while 5 dinners in Roussillon are not, in order to allow you the opportunity to sample some of the many different taverns and restaurants in the village. It should be noted that food to the French, and Provencal people in particular, is almost an art form.  Dinners are not taken quickly or early but are regarded as an important part of the day's ritual.  Food goes with wine, wine goes with conversation and the whole exercise is quite rightly regarded as an opportunity to relax and gently bring to a conclusion the perfect day.

EXTRA COSTS:
Flight to Paris, Train to/from Paris – Avignon
5 Dinners (allow $100)
Picnic Lunches (allow $50)

"Sublime food and beautiful scenery." Joel Engels, CO

" I loved the personalized feel of the trip. I would have hated to  be part of a large           group being herded around like cattle with nametags, and this felt as far away               from that as possible. Your philosophy truly matched what was stated in                             the brochure and it suited me well."   Darlene Stoops