Our trip begins at the stylish yet casual Provencal farmhouse, Hostellerie le Phebus. The views from your private terrace or the shaded pool offer a calm panorama of the entire Luberon region.

Tonight we enjoy our first “taste” of Provence at the hands of our master chef, Xavier Mathieu. He and his staff bring Provencal traditions, such as “gigot” (slow roasted lamb shanks), to a new level of sophistication.

Our walk today winds through scented pine forests and secluded vineyards to the village of Goult. At a visit to the “caves” of the Domaine de Verriere, we often cross paths with locals for whom the Domaine is a favorite place to fill their 52-liter jugs with this year’s latest vintage. We will sample some of the light whites and roses before continuing on to Goult and the Café de la Poste for lunch.

After lunch we head to Roussillon and visit the local ochre quarries. This is a totally unique landscape, more reminiscent of the American southwest than France. All surfaces glow with rich burnt oranges and reds, and a walk through these gardened quarries is truly memorable.

From our trailhead at the eastern edge of the rugged Alpilles chain of hills, we walk along an isolated path surrounded by boulders and scrub oak. The bulk of Mont Ventoux is often in view to the northeast.

Eventually we drop down into the bustling village of St. Remy de Provence. With its decor of boulevards shaded by plane trees, fountains splashing in the square, and charming old-town alleyways, St. Remy symbolizes the heart of Provence. A jambon (French ham) and Camembert sandwich on a crusty baguette or steak hache with a plate of twice-cooked “frites” awaits for lunch.

This afternoon, we have arranged for a private guide to give us a tour of historic Glanum, once a thriving Roman village and now a fascinating archeological treasure.

This morning we discover the eerie landscape and ruins of Les Baux des Alpilles. Eight hundred years ago, this was the fortress of the lords of Provence who fought the House of Barcelona for control of Provence.

By the time any bus-borne tourists arrive, we will be blissfully walking in the surrounding pine forests on our way to lunch with our friends David and Nito at their perfectly restored Provencal farm house. Nito Carpita, the owner and principal instructor of the Seasons of Provence Cooking School, has trained in France at the Le Notre and Alain Ducasse professional schools. He is also certified by the International Association of Culinary Professionals, so one can only imagine the treat this meal will be.

After a dip in the pool or a game of “boules,” choose between a short walk or van ride directly back to town.

We say good-bye to St. Remy and head by private coach to the Gard river area and its lovely vineyards and orchards to begin our walk to Colias. This is a lovely, gentle landscape with small medieval villages dotting the surrounding hills.

Enjoy an elegant lunch of (perhaps) duck with fresh herbs in the garden of an exquisite “auberge” in the village of Colias. Next we continue to the Roman Aqueduct known as the Pont du Gard. One of the wonders of ancient times, this aqueduct dates from the 1st century B.C., and once carried water 60 km from Uzes to Nimes.

The Hotel Marie D’Agoult is a resplendently renovated 18th-century chateau, and our home for our final two nights.

The ruined towers of medieval Uzes serve as our beacon this morning as we slowly approach this bustling village. Lush trees and wide arcades comfortably shade the streets and squares of Uzes. Within the maze of streets and alleys, every type of artisan and vendor can be found. Uzes is the perfect spot to relax with a cafe au lait or perhaps a refreshing glass of chilled rose.

For lunch we will sample the traditional “gallette,” a wheat crepe filled with ham, cheese and egg or mushrooms, and chocolate and bananas or sweet cream for dessert.

Afterward, we follow a path down from the city’s park to the meandering Alzon River. The clear waters of the Alzon were so prized by the Romans that they built the entire aqueduct system of the Pont du Gard in order to bring these waters to Uzes.

Transfer by private coach to Avignon for our departure.

Whatever your travel plans, we will go over them with you and make sure that your continuing journey is as easy and effortless as possible.

Au revoir!