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A Day in the South Luberon: Charming Villages and Authentic Discoveries The South Luberon is a picturesque region of Provence, dotted with hilltop villages, historic castles and renowned vineyards. In one day, you can explore several of these gems, each offering its own charm and treasures to discover. Here is an itinerary for a memorable day in the South Luberon. Morning: Villages and Heritage Departure for Lourmarin Start your day in Lourmarin, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Stroll through its narrow streets lined with old houses and visit the Château de Lourmarin, a magnificent Renaissance building that hosts art exhibitions. Don't miss the Provencal market if you're there on a Friday morning, to discover local products. If you choose to go on Friday for the market, leave early as it is very busy and parking spaces are scarce. Visit to Vaugines Next, head to Vaugines, a small, authentic village that served as the setting for the film "Jean de Florette". Stroll through its quiet streets and admire the Saint-Barthélemy church, a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. Discovery of Cucuron Continue your morning in Cucuron, famous for its large pond surrounded by century-old plane trees. Visit the Notre-Dame-de-Beaulieu church and climb up to the Saint-Michel keep for a panoramic view of the village and the surrounding area. Lunch: Local Flavors For lunch, choose a restaurant in Cucuron or Ansouis, where you can enjoy typical regional dishes, such as daube provençale or tian de légumes, accompanied by a local wine. Afternoon: Castles and Vineyards Exploration of Ansouis After lunch, head to Ansouis, another village listed as one of the most beautiful in France. Visit the Château d'Ansouis, a beautifully restored medieval fortress, and stroll through the formal gardens. Don't miss the ice creams at Art Glacier outside the village amidst the vineyards. Tasting in a Vineyard The South Luberon is renowned for its wines, so don't miss the opportunity to visit a winery. Take part in a tasting to discover the AOC Luberon wines, which are distinguished by their freshness and elegance. Many wineries offer guided tours of their cellars and vineyards. Visit to Lauris Continue your afternoon in Lauris, a hilltop village offering breathtaking views of the Durance Valley. Visit the terraces of the castle, where the Conservatory Garden of Dyeing Plants is located, unique in Europe. Discovery of Cadenet End your day in Cadenet, a lively village with a rich historical heritage. Explore the ruins of the medieval castle and enjoy the views over the valley. If time permits, visit a local craftsman's workshop to discover traditional skills.

1h15 from Villa Bam Bam, Arles, capital of the Camargue A Day in Arles: Between History, Art and Modernity Arles, located about 75 kilometers from Apt, is a city rich in history and culture. The drive from Apt takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, making it an ideal day trip. Here is an itinerary to discover the must-see places in Arles. Morning: Diving into History Visit to the Arles Arena Start your day with a visit to the Arles Arena, an impressive Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century. This iconic monument, which could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators, is still used today for cultural events and shows. Be sure to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city. Discovery of the Réattu Museum Continue your morning with the Musée Réattu, housed in a former Grand Priory of the Order of Malta. This art museum offers a varied collection, including works by Jacques Réattu and contemporary photographs. A room is dedicated to Picasso, who generously donated several drawings to the museum. Lunch: Provençal Flavors For lunch, choose a typical restaurant in the city center and taste local specialties such as gardiane de taureau or ratatouille, accompanied by a wine from the Alpilles. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Arlesian streets. Afternoon: Art and Modernity Exploring the Luma Foundation In the afternoon, head to the Luma Foundation, a contemporary art center located in the Parc des Ateliers. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this complex features temporary exhibitions and art installations. The building’s bold architecture is a spectacle in itself. Visit to the Lee Ufan Foundation Nearby, the Lee Ufan Foundation is another must-see for contemporary art lovers. This museum features the works of Korean artist Lee Ufan, known for his minimalist and poetic creations. The space, designed to interact with the environment, offers a unique artistic experience. The Arles Meetings If you visit Arles in the summer, don't miss the Rencontres d'Arles, an international photography festival. Exhibitions are held in various iconic locations around the city, showcasing photographers from all over the world. It's a unique opportunity to discover inspiring works and participate in workshops and conferences. Visit to the Mosquito Shop Before ending your day, stop by the Moustique Boutique, a must-see for design and decoration lovers. You will find an original selection of objects, clothes and accessories, often from local designers. It is the ideal place to find a unique souvenir of your visit to Arles.

20km from Apt, begin the Alpes de Haute Provence, a region which offers a very different and fascinating setting as the Vaucluse. We recommend starting with Céreste, a village whose history dates back to the Paleolithic period, then the small village of Oppedette, which seems not to have changed for several centuries and which overlooks dizzying gorges. Further north, you will find the impressive dome of the medieval castle of Simiane la Rotonde, the rose garden of the abbey of Valsaintes and finally Banon for its famous goat cheeses wrapped in vine leaves and a legendary bookstore, Le Bleuet , the largest independent bookstore in a rural area, located in a house where every room is filled with books. Returning to Apt in summer, you can pass through Saint Christol to admire the lavender fields.

The pier for the island of Porquerolles is a 2h30 drive from Villa Bam Bam. Once you arrive at the Tour Fondue on the Giens peninsula, the crossing takes 20 minutes. On the island you can rent bikes or get around on foot. We recommend renting a bike if you want to tour the island to explore its heavenly beaches, but you can also spend a day between the Carmignac Foundation , a 15-minute walk from the port, the village and the beaches of La Courtade and Argent Beach. The Carmignac Foundation organizes annual contemporary art exhibitions in an exceptional setting and a magnificent garden. The building can be visited barefoot We recommend having lunch under the pine trees in the garden of the Carmignac Foundation at Poisson Ivre, less touristy than the cafés around the port. And on the way back, you can stop in the village of Cassis to dine on the port and see the cliffs glow red for the sunset.

An hour from Villa Bam Bam, Aix en Provence and its surroundings offer a rich and diverse cultural getaway. Before Aix, in Puy Sainte Réparade, Chateau La Coste , not to be confused with the castle in the village of Lacoste, is a wine estate but also an open-air museum of contemporary art and architecture in the middle of the vineyards and scrubland. Allow 3 hours to tour the estate. Many restaurants on site from Mallman to Helene Darroze and simpler options like La Terrasse or Café Restaurant Tadao Ando. In high season, we advise you to do this visit early in the morning or at the end of the day because the art trail is not very shaded. Don't forget to take water. Just before arriving in Aix en Provence, the Vasarely Foundation which presents some of the artist's monumental works. In the city, you can walk the streets of the old town and stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, discover Cézanne's studio , the Mazarin district, the Hôtel de Caumont , an Art Center, and the Granet Museum housed in the priory of the Saint-Jean-de-Malte church since 1838. The Michel stationery store on Cours Mirabeau is full of treasures, both for its selection of art books and for its many stationery items.

This port city bordered by the Thau lagoon, a saltwater lagoon, is located 2 hours 15 minutes from Villa Bam Bam. Between relaxing in one of the many bars/restaurants on the beach like La Ola, our favorite, and strolls in town along the canal, in the Halles de Sète where you can taste the local gastronomy, the Museum of Modest Art, the Museum and the Theater of the Sea, your day will be well filled.

1h20 from Villa Bam Bam by the highway, you can easily spend a day there to get away from it all and discover this endearing and facetious city which is full of surprises. You will find below some ideas for shopping, restaurants, walks and culture. And if you want to know how we spend our day in Marseille here are some tips: we start the day with a wandering in the Empereur house, this 19th century hardware store, a jewel, a huge maze out of time, impossible to leave without buying something there. Next door, l'Epicerie Ideale for a selection of specialized products and a street higher, rue longue des Capucins, you enter the souk of Marrakech with its spice shops. Once your appetite is whetted, head to one of the many restaurants in the neighborhood or take the shuttle to reach Les Goudes by boat and have lunch there after admiring the coast from the sea. Our Favorite tables A starred restaurant : Une Table au Sud. A few tables in a cozy setting, seasonal cuisine inspired by the Marseille region enhanced by chef Ludovic Turac, an unbeatable view of the Old Port and the Bonne-Mère and perfect service. Unusual: Les Beaux Mets, in the Beaumettes prison. Reservation (and blank locker) required. Trendy: Tuba Club in Les Goudes. We find the menu a little expensive but the setting is magical at the entrance to the port, the attentive waiters and the festive atmosphere. Table de Quartier (facing the sea): The Café de l'Abbaye. A table frequented by the Marseillais to take the pulse of the city and enjoy the sunset over the sea. Classic: A great classic nestled in the Vallon des Auffes since 1952, Chez Fonfon offers one of the best bouillabaisse in Marseille. Authentic: The Grand Bar of Goudes. By Goudes lovers, delicious and generous seafood cuisine. Shopping La Maison Empereur, One of Marseille's jewels: a 19th century hardware store where you can find everything, it's beautiful, it smells good, you're hooked. Sessùn Alma: The soul of Sessùn, a French fashion brand from Marseille, transposed into a selection of artisans, artists, limited series and sunny cuisine. L'Epicerie Idéale : "ici, il y a tout, sauf ce qui manque" Okjö, a zero waste shop in Malmousque Les puces de Fifi Turin, a collective of antique dealers in Marseille Culture MUCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations is an architectural treasure La Friche La Belle de mai: An artistic factory, a space of life and culture in Marseille La Friche is a cultural adventure conducted for 20 years on 45,000 m2 of the former tobacco factory in Marseille La Cité Radieuse de Le Corbusier ,listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vertical garden city, a set of individual dwellings inserted into a collective structure is designed as a laboratory for a new "housing system". La basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, called the Good Mother, who watches over sailors, fishermen and all Marseille residents since 1864. And many other museums whose program you can find here:https://musees.marseille.fr/