Just wondering if anyone here has ever heard of a one week tour in Provence called “The Luberon Experience”? Guests stay in the village of Bonnieux where Russell Crowe’s “A Good Year" was filmed (light on story but heavy on scenery). The tour is orchestrated by an American couple, formerly of the corporate world, who own a home in Provence and love the area. They run three trips in May and two in September. Unfortunately, I could not make it for another year when I “retire again” from academia. I would be flying solo which I am quite used to doing. Just came across this offering a while back and would love feedback if you are familiar with it or could suggest a similar trip in Provence.
Merci….

Hi Neighbor, yes I know of it. It's run by a Poster here and on slowtrav, on line name Kaydee along with her husband Charlie.

Ditto - while we have never gone on a trip with them,we do know the couple - I would not hesitate to recommend them and their program. I know that they have spent 12 weeks in Europe this summer doing research for adventures in other locales; their Luberon clients want to go with them other places. I consider that a good recommendation.

Hi latedaytraveler! My husband and I did the Luberon Experience tour last September and absolutely loved it. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in a stress-free week in Provence. Kathy and Charlie love what they do and are great people to hang out with for a week.

I loved that we only had to unpack once -- at the inn in Bonnieux where you are treated to the most fabulous breakfast each morning. Each day you head out for day-trips (sometimes one in the AM and one in the PM) to visit the surrounding villages. It is all very slow paced and you'll never feel like you are being rushed from village to village. Plus all the restaurants they've chosen for lunches and dinners are wonderful.

Many people on Fodors will discourage you from doing a tour, but if you are flying solo and would prefer not to rent a car and bury yourself in maps, this tour is a wonderful choice. They handles all the details and you can just relax and enjoy the gorgeous Provence scenery.

My husband and I don't often do tours, like many fodorites we like to be independent. But lately it seems like whenever we rent a car on our own and start driving to see little villages, we manage to arrive when all the shops are closed and we bicker at each other about which road to take or where to park. After taking this tour we realized that if a tour is done right it can be a much more enjoyable and stress free experience than what we are able to create for ourselves. Plus Kathy and Charlie have formed relationships with the locals, allowing their groups to visit places we never would have found on our own (like the Good Year vineyard.)

If you have any specific questions I'm happy to answer!

cigalechanta & socaltraveler, thank you for your reassuring comments about this tour. Without meeting this couple, their openness and hospitality come through clearly when one peruses their web site.

bniemand, I appreciate your first hand experience with the Luberon Experience. Sounds just what I am looking for. I know what you mean – many Fodorites insist on discouraging any kind of a “tour.” My guess is that most of those folks who hold this view have never tried one. I have done the independent train and driving trips in the past. Enjoyed both but find the tour suits my needs and tastes at this point – particularly the kind with one hotel and friendly hosts who know the locals.

May I ask, where did you fly in from? The web site suggests getting the train from Paris to Avignon or flying into Marseilles. The latter would be my choice. Although the train to Provence is pleasant (done it before), I would not want the hassle of getting from CDG to the Gare de Lyon (I believe) and would not enjoy the trip in reverse on the return home.

I have also read that Kathy and Charlie are planning other venues in Europe for future trips. Will stayed tuned. Again, my thanks to you all for the info.

I met kaydee at a GTG in Provrnce.
]and I can assure you how nice she is.

sorry for my typos.
I met kaydee at a GTG in Provence(as well as Ken, who has a wonderful B&B) and they were as the French say,
very formidable.

lateday, we flew from the states to CDG and took the TGV directly from CDG to Avignon (no transfer to Gare de Lyon required) and stayed one night in Avignon before the tour. I think the TGV option makes sense if you want to spend time in Paris before or after the tour -- we went to Paris after. Otherwise I think flying into Marseilles may be a bit less hassle and faster.

bniemand, thanks for that info - forgot that one can get the TGV to Avignon from CDG. Hope to join the LUBERON EXPERIENCE next year....