Overview

The Luberon Regional Natural Park in Provence is a showcase of sustainable planning in one of France’s 10 protected bio-regions.  You will stay in the village of Cucuron where you will enjoy the rural life of the inhabitants.  Farm and forest are at your doorstep in this protected medieval village in the south of Luberon.  From there we will explore Provence’s laboratory of medieval villages, farms, and vineyards set in the mountains and plains of the Luberon.

This trip will give you the experience of a centuries-old regional village set to the rhythms of residents of all ages gathering in community spaces, animated by the work of farms, cottage industries and local businesses. Experience the “joie de vivre” as one can only in a living village. 

While this trip is geared toward the planning professional, our structure is left intentionally informal and relaxed to be accessible to anyone with an interest in sustainable living and awe-inspiring landscapes. There is plenty of time to stroll through the villages and countryside, absorbing the sights and sounds, and enjoy the local food and wine. In this land of lavender, olive terraces, cool courtyards, dazzling sunsets, and starry Van Gogh skies, you are sure to connect with the rural culture of Provence.

Program Highlights

•Experience Avignon, along the banks of the Rhone River, where we will spend a day and evening. The “city of arts and culture”, Avignon is a spectacular example of pedestrian urbanism. Be sure to take time to explore the old walled city and the central “Place de L’orloge” surrounded by ramparts.  And, of course, the visit would not be complete without a visit to the Ponts d’Avignon and a round of that famous French song “sur le ponts d”Avignon, ...”

•Experience Aix en Provence, the city of fountains and tree-lined alles.

•The Luberon. We will steep ourselves in this timeless rural culture for 7 days while participating in programs by the French Minister of Ecology and Sustainable Development andVillage Habitat Design.

•Participate in guided visits of new sustainable develop-ment, local farms and cottage industries.

•Visit the medieval villages perched on hilltops throughout the Luberon, including Gordes,  Rousillon and Saignon. 

•Enjoy hikes or bike rides to surrounding villages, forests and mountains. Hike up to the peak of Mourre Negre where, from 3691 ft, you can see the Alps on a clear day.

•Visit the local farmers markets scheduled on different days in villages throughout the Luberon.

•Embark on a day visit to the Mediterranean Coast to Cassis and the Camargue Region (a second bio-regional preserve at the delta of the Rhone River) or explore Orange, renowned for its public Roman buildings—a world heritage sight, or explore the nearby Haute Provence Alps.

Travel and Transportation

The trip will start in Avignon. You may arrive there from various ports of entry, though if departing from the US, our recommendation is to fly to Paris and then to take the TGV (bullet train) to Avignon. You probably want to leave an extra day or two to visit in Paris before or after the week in Luberon. We will meet you in Avignon and return you to Avignon. During our week together, we will do considerable walking in villages and through the countryside. Those interested may rent bicycles, as there are a number of bicycle routes designated in the Luberon.

Preliminary Itinerary

2 - JuneArrive Avignon - Relax and enjoy the evening.

3 – JuneAvignon - Guided walking tour. Depart for Cucuron.

4 – JuneCucuron -  Cucuron: guided visits of village and farms.

5 – JuneCucuron - Pertuis: guided visits of new district development.

6 – JuneCucuron -  Visit hill towns, Gordes and Roussillon.

7 – JuneOPEN   - Day trip to the sea or the Alps or linger at Cucuron.

8 – JuneCucuron -  Luberon hike and visit to Chateau de L’environment .

9 – JuneCucuron -  Visit to Aix en Provence and reception with regional director .

10 – JuneCucuron -  Bicycle visit of nearby Luberon farms and villages.

11 – June Cucuron - Avignon.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Luberon, France

Bio-Region mission statement

Greg Ramsey, your group leader, has resided in France for 10 years, is fluent in French, and will travel with the group from Avignon. As a principal of Village Habitat Design, a second-generation village designer, and recipient of international and national awards, including the United Nations’  World Habitat Award, he will guide you through principles and applications for the planning of sustainable communities.

The Luberon Regional Natural Park is a unique national treasure and an ideal setting for our tour. A landscape of medieval villages, farms and vineyards surrounded by mountains, it offers an excellent study area for planning and community professionals and unparalleled recreation and diversions for all.

Sustainable planning topics include:

1. •Regional planning and policies focused on regional preservation
   

2. •Community transportation and planning for future hamlets and villages
   

3. •Village and hamlet design focused on developing clear urban growth boundaries and a convivial pedestrian environment
   

4. •Sustainable building technologies focused on how to develop a regional built expression
   

5. •Cottage Industries focused on redeveloping a human scaled and entrepreneurial village economy
   

6. •Small farms and value added goods focused on developing village oriented farms and cottage industries for food processing and preparation.
   

VILLAGE ACCOMMODATION

The home provides local ambience while serving as an excellent base for day trips throughout the region. We will sit around the living area and share our projects and learning experiences with each other while anticipating the next day’s sortie.

Meals

The Luberon has a rich abundance of local markets with fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses and other delights at this time of year. The local restaurants will offer regional cuisine, which will further your appreciation for the region.

Dinner menus in Cucuron can be simple to elegant. A simple dinner menu for the “plat du jour” in Cucuron offers dinner for around $20 with the following:

Hors d’Oeuvres: Pate and Olive pulp or Potiron soup

Plat du Jour: wine cooked rabbit or red fish with a tomato veloute

Desert “maison” or cheese platter

Served with Baguette and a glass of Luberon wine

Program Fees

per person, double occupancy.

Single supplement $550.

 

Registration:

    Dec 1 - March 15        $2750.

All trips are subject to registration of the minimum number of participants.  Typically, this is six registrations.  For trips that are cancelled because they do not meet the minimum number of participants, the reservation fee will be refunded.

Fee includes:

1. Seven nights of unique accommodations in the Cucuron
   

2. One night in Avignon
   

3. Continental breakfasts
   

4. Two group dinners with wine and aperitif with French hosts.
   

5. Ground transportation from Avignon to Cucuron and driving tours.
   

6. Educational programs, presented by Village Habitat Design
   

7. Educational materials
   

8. Travel and destination information to assist you in your planning
   

9. Certificate of completion
   

Does not include:

1. Air transportation
   

2. Meals other than noted above
   

3. All other land transportation                                
   

Note:

Please pack light:  carry-on luggage should be sufficient. Choose the items you bring in anticipation of spending the week strolling about in a Southern California-type climate.  Sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket are recommended.

The program is designed to be an tax-deductible expense.  Please consult your tax professional to determine the tax treatment of this program for you.

Village Tours is a program inspired by two generations of experience in introducing French sustainable planning concepts to small groups of persons interested in sustainable development.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact Greg Ramsey at 404-992-4399  GRamsey@VillageHabitat.com