Take advantage of the bus trips from the Avignon coach company Lieutaud, who will take you on day outings to the Camargue, the Luberon, Chateauneuf du Pape and the Pont du Gard.

Take care though. We were carried away by the Pont du Gard and walked right across the valley to photograph the viaduct from above. We well and truly had red faces when the driver had to come to find us. We hadn't been paying sufficient attention to our French listening and thought we had an hour for the stop, rather than the half hour that the driver had requested.

I think we understood the odd "les Anglais," though, as we re-entered the coach!

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

While in Avignon, hire a car and head east to Mont Ventoux, 'the giant of Provence'.

The weird lunar landscape at the summit is not to be missed, just watch out for the strong winds and the heat!

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Hire a car and drive to Grasse, the heart of the perfume industry. The 3 hour drive through stunning scenery is lovely; the perfume museum quirky and interesting and the perfume shops irresistable. At the right time of year, the yellow Mimosa delights the eye and the nose!

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Don't bother going on a tour of the Palais des Papes, the most interesting bits you can see from the outside.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If you remember "Sur le pont", Hurry down to Avignon. A warm welcome there you'll find, plenty sights to fill your mind.

Relax at Hotel Maganeraie, after a rather busy day. This 15th century papal mansion has all mod cons you could imagine, wonderful food excellent wine and you'll want to return another time.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Stunning restored village house just outside of Avignon. Sit all day in the garden and dip in the beautiful stone pool when you've tired of sightseeing.

www.maison-felisa.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

My girlfriend and I just came from a wonderful trip to the south of France. Our recommendation: get away from the coast and drive from Cannes to Avignon.

You will encounter the Gorges du Verdon and end up in a little village of Moustiers Sainte Marie. Try the Restaurant Les Santons. It has the most wonderful food, a chef who cares about what he cooks and is very romantic. It is much better than Alain Ducasse's La Bastide.

Take a day trip to Gigondas from Avignon. Everyone raves about Chateauneuf du Pape. This is much better. They have a tasting room in the village. Try their wines from 1999 to 2003 for the best. You will not resist taking a few bottles back.

www.gourmetvoyageurs.com/country-pages/pages-france/provence/santons.html
Map: tinyurl.com/3ckv2m

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Roussillon is one of the most beautiful villages in Provence and for that reason it is often crowded with tourists - but go towards the late afternoon when they've all gone and it's your beauty to behold.

The numerous craft shops, art galleries and friendly cafes bestow life and atmosphere to a village which is frequented by artists who are attracted to the light of sunset glistening on the famous ochre-built houses and church tower.

The ochre quarries outside Rousillon have been eroded by the wind into weird and wonderful shapes.

Rousillon lies 7 miles to the east of Avignon, deep within the Luberon valley. No public transport goes anywhere near the village so you really need your own car to get there (take the Cavaillon exit off the A7 motorway).
Map: tinyurl.com/3xupwx

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends