Provence – based in one hotel

Individual journey to Gargas. Relax by the hotel's beautiful pool with a view of the Luberon

The area around Gargas was once the centre of ochre mining. Start the day with a visit to an old quarry that bears witness to the glorious years of the ochre industry. Wander through a labyrinth of galleries that are more than 40 kilometres long and 15 metres high. Later, cycle through the Colorado Provencal, a unique landscape that glows in a variety of ochre colours.

A visit to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is undoubtedly a must on any tour of Provence. On Sundays, one of the most beautiful markets attracts visitors to the pretty little town, which is known throughout France for its many antique shops. It is also worth making a detour to the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, one of the largest springs in France.

Today we head for the Luberon. First, we head to Bonnieux and continue via Buoux, with its high, jagged rock faces, on to Saignon, with a magnificent view of the Vaucluse mountains and Mont Ventoux.

Lacoste with the castle of the Marquis de Sade, Ménerbes, a charming medieval town and the small but old Oppede-le-Vieux are the stops on this stage. The route leads up and down through a scenic region.

This stage takes you through two of the most beautiful villages in France. Roussillon impresses with its variety of colours, all in ochre tones of course, and Gordes with its exceptional location. In the immediate vicinity of Gordes, two other sights await, the abbey of Sénanque and the Village des Bories, a village of stone huts.