Our Week in the Luberon

A Small Group Trip that Isn't a Tour

The Luberon Experience is a one week immersion experience in this very special part of Provence, France. We offer a slower, more relaxing way of traveling, very unlike most group tours. Other people visit the Luberon. With us you will experience it.

Experience a Village

Our week is based in the ancient hilltop village of Bonnieux (pronounced "bon you"). Bonnieux-with a year-round population of 1436-is centrally located on the north side of the Luberon mountains and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. This is the village we call "home" in Provence.

Bonnieux offers panoramic views of the valley, farms and vineyards, neighboring villages, the Luberon mountains, and the 6263 foot peak of Mont Ventoux. The surrounding area is rich with discoveries including evidence of prehistoric life and a 2000-year old Roman bridge. Peter Mayle's famous books about Provence were set in this area, and the soon-to-be released movie "A Good Year" starring Russell Crowe was recently filmed in the village.

During a week with The Luberon Experience, our groups become part of village life. They get to know local residents; enjoy the cafes and restaurants, shops, artist galleries; and shop at the Friday morning market. We have at least one meal in a private home.

Bonnieux church

Experience the Lifestyle

The Luberon Experience is based in beautiful "chambres d'hôtes" properties (small, intimate B&B hotels) in or near the village of Bonnieux. These traditional Provençal properties are hundreds of years old but have been recently restored to high standards of comfort and style. Our groups enjoy special attention from the friendly local hosts. Each B&B has a swimming pool, an outdoor relaxation area, and an unforgettable view. And we do allow plenty of unstructured time to enjoy these surroundings.

Accommodations are in comfortable double rooms, each with an en-suite bath. Most rooms are equipped with a double or queen-sized bed, but some twin-bed rooms are available.

Experience the Cuisine and Wine

France is known for its wonderful cuisine, and Provence has many local specialties. Our meals are a highlight of our week and involve a variety of settings and styles. Although we have breakfast at our B&B most days, we visit the local patisserie one morning for our café et croissant. One lunch is a picnic after a market visit, including various foods purchased that morning from various market vendors. We eat at simple cafes, small intimate bistros, award-winning restaurants, and private homes. And one afternoon we even have a cooking class, enjoying the results of our efforts at dinner that evening.

The Luberon is a major wine region, surrounded by some very important wine-producing areas. You'll sample a variety of local wines with our meals. Several outstanding wineries are located near Bonnieux, and we'll spend part of one day visiting wineries and caves and enjoying personalized tastings.

Simple cafe terrace in Lacoste

Experience a Stress-free Vacation

We handle the difficult and time-consuming aspects of international travel for your trip. We've arranged ideal accommodations, selected wonderful restaurants, and planned interesting and unique daily activities. You won't have to worry about driving on unfamiliar roads or dealing on your own in a foreign language. You won't waste time unpacking, repacking and moving between hotels. Instead you'll have time to relax and enjoy unexpected pleasures.

Our trip is similar to traveling with a group of compatible friends. You'll enjoy sharing time with an interesting small group of travel companions, but you'll also have plenty of personal time. Our groups include a variety of travelers: couples, pairs and small groups of friends and relatives, and solo travelers.

Most important, you'll have the advantage of two leaders who know the area very well. You'll meet several of our local friends and visit our favorite places. We'll sample the best of life in the Luberon: the outdoor markets, the towns and villages, the never-ending views. You'll enjoy the food and wine, taste the cheese, and even have a chance to do some cooking. You'll have an experience that wouldn't be possible on your own, an experience far beyond that of most visitors to Provence.