My husband and two friends are travelling to Provence in October and would like advice on what not to miss. We will be staying around Luberon/Arles area but will have a car. Has anyone ever visited Peter Mayle, the author of "A Year in Provence"? My French teacher says he loves people to stop by - could that be true? Thanks.

Well, maybe my wife and I will run into your party while we're there in October for 8 days. Staying in Avignon, we will go for Carcassonne, Avignon, Arles, Rousillon, and of course Chateauneuf du Pape, for our favorite wine!

If you enjoy olive oil and tapenade, the Moulin du Mas des Barres in Maussane les Alpilles is a great place to stock up. It is just south of Les Baux de Provence (also enjoyable), and there are not-so-easy-to-follow signs telling the way-- just keep going, even when you're not sure! <BR> <BR>We also were amazed at le Pont du Gard, just west of Avignon. It's a very well-preserved bridge spanning the Gard river, and it is a stunning example of Roman engineering. <BR> <BR>Provence is wonderful-- enjoy!

I don't know firsthand whether or not Mayle loves people to "stop by," but based on his comments in the books about the more or less constant stream of visitors they faced (even before the books came out, just people they knew who thought they'd "drop by while they were in Provence"), my guess is that while he may be gracious, he's probably exhausted by the attention. My bet is that perhaps your French teacher was having you on, but I could be wrong.

Thanks for all the good advice everyone. Good wine and olive oil rank next to chocolate for me. I will follow your advice and look for Les Baux de Provence, Robin.

Joanna, <BR> <BR>Definitely see the Popes' Palace in Avignon and the Pont du Gard. Just beyond the Pont is a wonderful medieval town of Uzes with a ducal palace. St-Remy is another great town and has Roman ruins just outside in Glanum which are still being excavated. <BR> <BR>Be sure to visit at least one market - there's a great one in Ile-sur-la-Sorgue on Sunday (produce, antiques, fabric, household items). <BR> <BR>Provence is one of my favorite places. Be sure to pickup a good map like a Michelin. The maps supplied from car rental companies aren't detailed enough. You can email me if you'd like more information. <BR> <BR>Bonnes vacances <BR>