The Luberon Experience
2011 Trips: : May 28-June 4 (one spot left); June 4-11; September 24-October 1
Fall 2010 Trips: September 18-25 (FULL)
The Luberon is the most beautiful area in Provence, stretching 34 miles on either side of a small, rocky mountain range, an hour or so north of the Mediterranean Sea. This is the area Peter Mayle described in his best-selling book, “A Year in Provence” and was featured in the 2006 movie “A Good Year.”
Our base for The Luberon Experience is the ancient perched village of Bonnieux (seen above) with sweeping views across the valley. Our family lived in this village during our six month stay in the Luberon a few years ago, and our friends always give our groups a great welcome. With a population of 1400, Bonnieux is an ideal base to enjoy village life in Provence.
The Luberon offers a wide diversity of experiences for a week-long stay: a rich history dating back to prehistoric and Roman times, incredible landscapes of mountains and farmland, hilltop stone villages, the ruins of old castles, delightful outdoor markets, and outstanding cuisine and wine.
Highlights of a typical week in the Luberon include:
- The perched villages of Bonnieux, Lacoste, Gordes, Roussillon, Saignon and Oppède-le-Vieux
- Outdoor markets at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Gordes and Bonnieux
- A very special winery lunch at Domaine Faverot, a family-owned winery with delightful owners
- A tour and tasting at Château la Canorgue, filming location for the movie A Good Year
- The Abbaye de Sénanque, a 12th century monastery hidden in a deep gorge near Gordes
- A visit to La Cabriole, a goat farm near Saignon, including a cheese tasting
- A memorable evening at our friend Janice’s home, including the opportunity to help prepare the meal and learn about Provençal cooking.
Our midweek day trips “beyond the Luberon” are determined based on the group’s interests. Possibilities include a trip to the village of Cassis and the Mediterranean Sea and a trip to the Alpilles mountains. Some travelers also prefer a day on their own in Bonnieux, relaxing and shopping, hiking, or renting bikes.
Our Luberon Experiences (2006-2009)
Most years we offer a special “Women’s Week.” Women (in pairs, small groups, or solo) are welcome and will feel comfortable on any of our weeks, but this is a very special week that is only women. We usually have a few more solo travelers this week, along with mothers-daughters, sisters, and friends. (Note: our next Women’s Week will be in May 2012.)
We meet travelers at either the Avignon TGV station or the Marseille Airport on Saturday morning. You do not have to arrive and depart from the same location. Many travelers begin or end their stay in France with a few days in Paris. Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Marseille are also interesting destinations in Provence.
Visit our Luberon Experience website at www.luberonexperience.com for more detailed information about these trips. And to prepare for your trip to Provence, be sure to visit our Amazon store at www.ourprovencestore.com.