PROVENCAL CLASSICS & UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

When art imitates life. Step into a living, breathing painting awash with the colours, smells, and flavours of a vibrant Provençal market, clasped between the dazzling ochres of the Luberon, the balmy olive tree groves that line the dips and rises of the hills, the musical chanting of the cicadas, and the glowing wash of Mediterranean light. Wander down the winding little streets, taking shelter from the beating sun, and soak up the architecture, culture, and history that rise up off the old stone walls. Coquillade's surrounding area is packed full of surprises that cry out to be explored...

Suspended in time in the region's perched villages

Taking to the great outdoors to follow the châteaux route. Wandering deep into the garrigue, picking your way past lavender fields and olive trees, as a village beckons on the horizon, glistening through the haze like a mirage. France's most beautiful villages await, in a living, breathing embodiment of Provence's unrivalled heritage. The ochre hues of Roussillon, the impassive houses watching over Ménerbes, Gordes and its symphony of rocky wonders, the Château de Lourmarin castle, and Ansouis' enchanting paved courtyards cry out to be explored, whether by car, bike, or motorbike. Welcome to the beating heart of Provence.

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THE TREASURES OF THE PARC RÉGIONAL DU LUBERON

Luscious vegetation home to 270 different species of wildlife, and hundreds of trails and pathways to lose yourself down. Watch as forests, hills, marshes, and ochre canyons whirl by, layered under the heavy thyme-, rosemary-, and lavender-laden air. The balmy beauty of the garrigue, and a perfect snapshot of untamed Provence.

The Luberon region is synonymous with surprise and wonderment. From Provence's very own Colorado, to the ochre mines in Bruoux and the Oriental atmosphere at the Forêt des Cèdres…

Lavender is quintessentailly Provence and has a pre-eminent place in the cultural heritage and history of the region. Discover the sumptuous purple-blue landscape formed by the endless lavender fields that criss-cross Provence and whose flowering season only lasts a few short weeks from June to early August.

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ART, HERITAGE & CULTURE SET AGAINST A DEEP AZURE SKY

Art and the art of living, historical monuments and iconic buildings, the beauty of the old stone and history swirling all around you here in the great outdoors: Provence's rich and layered heritage is yours for the taking. From Sénanque Abbey in Gordes to the Popes' Palace in Avignon and Saint Véran cathedral in Cavaillon, the Luberon's crown jewels are ripe for discovery whatever the season.

Glazed in intense colour and serving as both muse and museum, Provence is home to art galleries that continue to flourish around every street corner, as well as the Carrières de Lumière centre in Les Baux de Provence, the SCAD art school and exhibitions in Lacoste, and the Mucem in Marseille. A rich collection of venues that continues to expand day after day.

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Sun-drenched delicacies

Indulging in mouth-watering dishes bursting with the full flavour of fresh ingredients grown by expert hands is practically an art form here in Provence.

In Saturnin les Apt, enjoy a crash course in all things olive oil from a family that has been honing and perfecting this liquid gold for generations now.

Stop off at the little village of Saignon to sample the La Cabriole dairy's exquisite goats' cheeses and yoghurts, and try the tangy La Brousse du Rove cheese at one of the Coquillade Village restaurants, an unmissable stop on your mission to map the flavours of Provence…

Apt is the region's capital of glossy, succulent candied fruits, bite-sized morsels of sunny sweetness candied by La Maison du Fruit Confit in the finest of ancient tradition.

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