Our Top Ten Things to do in Provence

In my image I am also wearing a floppy sun hat and there are some chickens in the yard! But although that may sound like the life that we all want to have in the glorious south of France, the truth is that most of us will only get a few weeks holiday in which to enjoy this vast region.

So we need to make the most of that time and experience some of the amazing sights and activites that Provence has to offer. We've done some of the hard work for and narrowed it down to just ten things that you really MUST do if you are visiting the area this summer.

1. Mont Ventoux - This one is really for the keen beans, those people who love to be out on the open road, clad in lycra, bent over the handle bars and ticking off as many famous climbs of the Tour de France as they can. A cycle trip up the legnedary Mont Ventoux has to be on a lot of people's bucket list! But this fantastic climb is not only for the hardened professionals, as one of our reporters found out when he summited Mont Ventoux on a fold-up bike. Yes, there is an easier up this Giant of Provence! And remeber that if cycling is not your thing then you can always hike up (or drive!) - regardless of how you get to the top the views are certainly worth it.

2. Truffle Hunting - A more relaxing pastime, this activity comes not only with a glimpse of authentic Provencal life, but a delicious truffle tasting at the end of it! Les Pastras near Cadent in the Vaucluse region is the perfect place to spend an afternoon learning how this 'black gold' is cultivated and how truffle dogs are trained. The world's most secretive business is open to you for a very special day!

3. Roman Ruins - Any visit to France is not complete without experiencing their long and ancient heritage, and Provence in particular is crammed full of Roman ruins and artifacts. The town of Arles is home to perhaps some of the best examples of Roman architecture in France, including the Amphitheatre of Arenes d'Arles and its neighbouring Roman Theatre. Just under 40km to the north of Arles is the spectacular structure of the Pont du Gard, originally a Roman aqueduct; the perfect spot to soak up the history and the sunshine!

4. Lavender of Provence - If truffles are the 'black gold' then lavender is the 'blue gold' of Provence, used in everything from soaps, cosmetics, falvouring honey and Provencal cuisine. Following the Lavender Roads in Provence during July and August lets you see the fields in full bloom. A visit to the Lavender Museum on the route du Gordes can teach you everything you need to know, or a take guided tour of Les Agnels Lavender Distillery if you feel your eyes need a break from the beauty that surrounds you!

5. French Chateaux - As famous as Scotland is for its castles, France is for its Chateaux. If there are two that you must not miss in Provence is the Chateau de Lacoste and the Chateau des Baux. The former was once home to the notorious Marquis de Sade and is now owned by fashion millionaire Pierre Cardin. Along with stunning views of the Luberon the chateau also boasts an annual music festival which is a wonderful summer celebration of the performing arts in a dramatic backdrop. The Chateau des Baux on the other hand is possibly one of the best Medieval sites that you will visit in France. During the summer there are a whole host of activities for the entire family to enjoy from falconry to archery and battle re-enactments.

6. Gorges du Verdon - Amongst the plethora of nature reserves, phenomenal scenery and National Parks in Provence, the Gorge du Verdon is not only one of the most stunning and dramatic but probably one of the best known. And no trip to Provence should be without a glimpse of the turquoise waters and steep canyons that draw everyone from the extreme sports lovers to the vintage car Sunday drivers. With watersports-a-plenty, cliff side towns, pretty floral villages and numerous vistas to enjoy there is something for everyone in this glorious part of Provence.

7. Provencal Cookery Course - When you return home from your trip to Provence, not only do you want to 'wow' your friends with your knowledge of fine wines, but what better way to tell them about your holiday than to cook them a delicious Provencal-style meal. You will find many cookery school across the region and some hotels, such as La Mirande in Avignon which offer cookery courses as part of your stay with them.

8. Artists & Painting - Provence has long been the scene upon which many canvases have been painted so spend some time visiting the sights and discover the history of the local artists. Paul Cezanne is probably Provence's most famous artist but both Henri Matisse and Vincent Van Gogh were both enchanted with the area. You can find a host of art galleries and museums to discover their artwork. Every year the Carrieres de Lumieres put on new sound and light art exhibition in the stone quarry, this year the Giants of the Renaissance -Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci & Raphael will be on display.

9. Vineyards - Famed internationally for its wines Provence, despite Brangelina's top selling Miraval Côtes de Provence, is not just about the Rosé.
   Provence is also home to some spicy, full-flavoured red wines from Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Bandol and Vacqueyras. Visit the vineyards in Provence for wine tasting sessions, combine with an al fresco restaurant stop and an optional spending frenzy.

10. A visit to Avignon - The city walls that surround Avignon were built betwen 1359 and 1370 so you can be assured that a rich history is one thing you will get here! There is plenty to see and do in this famous city, including of course a visit to the magnificent Palais des Papes which is the largest gothic palalce in the world. Each summer/autumn it hosts the Les Luminessences, an audio and visual show which projected onto the building and tells you of the dramatic history of the city. Avignon is also well known for its many markets, festivals, music and art, so make sure you check out our events calendar before you go to see what might be on.