Perched villages of Provence and the Luberon

Begin at Ansouis, a quiet hill village where you can join a summer tour of the château and then stroll to the wine museum. The views reach over vineyards and olive groves. Pour yourself a glass of Côtes du Luberon, then drive on to Lourmarin.

Lourmarin is a gentle place for a first coffee. Wander up to the Renaissance château, then find the village cemetery, where Albert Camus and Henri Bosco are buried. Take your time in the lanes before you head on to Ménerbes.

Ménerbes is where the day ends. Visit the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon, wander the hilltop lanes and call at the church of Saint-Luc before the light fades. Stay the night here, and try the black truffle if it is on the menu.

The second day opens in ochre country. Roussillon glows red and yellow, so follow the Sentier des Ocres through the old workings, then look in at the Conservatoire des Ocres. Try a few cherries or peaches if they are in season, then drive on to Gordes.

At Gordes, climb to the château at the heart of the village, then walk out to the Village des Bories to see the dry-stone huts up close. The abbey of Sénanque lies nearby, framed by lavender in summer. Have lunch here, then on to Venasque.

Venasque is your resting place tonight. Look into the Merovingian baptistery, then let the view towards Mont Ventoux fill the evening, with a taste of the Muscat de Venasque grapes. In June the village holds its cherry festival.

The third day starts among the vines. Climb Séguret's lanes through the Porte Neuve to the ruined castle, with the Dentelles de Montmirail jagged against the sky behind. Pour a Côtes du Rhône Villages with lunch, then head on to Les Baux-de-Provence.

Les Baux-de-Provence brings the journey to a close on its rocky spur. Explore the ruined Château des Baux, then step into the Carrières de Lumières, where images are projected inside old quarries. Stay the night here, and taste the valley's olive oil at dinner.