There is a provençal saying that reads: "When God created the sun, the earth, the mountains and seas, and put them in place, he realised that a little of each remained. So he gathered the bits together to make a paradise and so was born, Provence".

The Romans came here in 118B.C. and the towns of Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Orange, Vaison la Romaine and Fréjus still boast the magnificent remains of arenas, amphitheatres, spas and villas. And the awesome Pont du Gard can still be walked or cycled across.

Bathed in a beautiful light are a rich variety of landscapes that so captivated and inspired Picasso, Cézanne, and Van Gogh.

Provence is a symphony for the senses: chalky limestone stand boldly out against azure skies; olive groves and vineyards spread across the rolling hills; clay coloured houses with multicoloured shutters overlook cobbled streets; the joyful hum of lively markets; the ringing of boules; the cicada's song; and the fragrances of Rosemary, thyme, and lavender are everywhere.

Here one can enjoy a pace of life perfectly in tune with the local 'art de vivre' (art of living). And to sustain one through all this nonchalant living is a rich and varied Mediterranean cuisine and wine appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône.

Peter Mayle swung the spotlight on a small part of the region, but there are many places here to escape the tourist hordes: the Drôme region beneath the fearsome Mont Ventoux - scourge of Tour de France cyclists - is an unspoilt rural treasure.

WHY NOT - Have a cooking class with a famous chef. Although there are many cooking classes in Provence, why not have one with the chef from the restaurant featured in Peter Mayle's 'A Year in Provence'. A charming man and excellent cook who also featured in the film of the book. Superb walking and cycling everywhere. For the truly brave there is the fearsome Mont Ventoux stage of the Tour de France - champagne at the top if you make it!

And to stay:
Hôtel Crillon le Brave - Website
Hôtel Les Bories - Website
Mas de L'Oulivie - Website