Four seasons on the farm at the foot of Mont Ventoux

Fertile and sunny lands await you at the foot of the southern slopes of Mont Ventoux, nicknamed the Giant of Provence. From November to March, enjoy a tour of the truffle meadows with the Jaumard family, including a « cavage » (truffle hunting) demonstration in the company of truffle hounds Mirette and Polka. If you’re visiting in September, opt for a tour of Ferme du Rouret, where all the family can enjoy a fun treasure hunt on the farming theme. Next, head to Bédoin and its mouthwatering Monday morning market stalls, before settling down for lunch at Le Saint-Romain, a local « Bistrot de Pays » bistro in Crillon-le-Brave. In the afternoon, visit the Ruchofruit jam maker in the picturesque village of Flassan, where you can fill your hamper with an assortment of delicious jams ranging from classic fig to novel apricot & lavender. After a day full of surprises, it’s time to make your way to Domaine Plein Pagnier for dinner and a restful night.

As a new day dawns over Domaine Plein Pagnier, it’s time to try your hand at working on the farm! How about picking cherries, tending the vines or harvesting olives? After a delightful morning, relax and unwind over a friendly farm lunch before stepping out for a casual tour of the villages of Mont Ventoux. Don’t miss Mormoiron and its patchwork of fields, or Venasque, set on a rocky outcrop standing over the ancient Roman Road. These old villages all possess their own special character and charm. As the sky begins to turn orange and pink it’s time to head back to the farm and revel in the relaxing ambience of your little cottage…

For your third day of your trip, it’s time to explore Sault and the Gorges de la Nesque. Take the panoramic road winding over the gorge before enjoying a gourmet walk in the company of a mountain guide from Ventoux Passion Nature. A 4-hour hike awaits you interspersed with stop-offs where you’ll taste typical Ventoux produce such as lavender honey and Ventoux truffles – divine! And just the ticket for whetting your appetite before settling down for a country picnic… In the late afternoon, you can take part in a fascinating workshop at the Chèvrerie de Bellimure in Saint-Christol, where you’ll learn all about the art of wrapping famous AOP Banon cheese in chestnut leaves. How about winding up the day at the restaurant Les Lavandes in Monieux? On the menu: succulent farm-to-table cuisine sourced from passionate local farmers.

After a morning and lunch on the farm, it’s time to hit the road for a cultural excursion to Vaison-la-Romaine. Set on the banks of the river Ouvèze and encircled by hills, Vaison was renamed Vaison-la-Romaine in 1924. It owes its renown to a 17-acre Gallo-Roman archaeological site. After a guided tour of the Roman remains and upper town, end the day at the fabulous organic eatery O’Natur’elles on Place Montfort, shaded by veteran plane trees and buzzing with lively café and restaurant terraces.

Your last day starts off with a morning visit to Carpentras and guided tour of this captivating hub of history and gastronomy. Roam the sweet-scented stalls of the town’s world-famed market if you’re visiting on a Friday morning. From November to March, the truffle market attracts a throng of gourmets come to meet the local growers. At lunchtime, you’ll be pleased to get your strength up at Auberge de la Camarette before enjoying an afternoon stroll around the lanes of Pernes-les-Fontaines. Your stay is drawing to a close but we bet you’ll be back soon for more of the charms of Ventoux!