This popular and scenic region in the southeast corner of France has come to worldwide attention thanks in large part to the books of Peter Mayle, the British expatriate who chronicled its charms and curiosities so warmly. True to his description, the Luberon section of Provence is breathtaking: purple lavender fields, craggy olive trees, multicolored vineyards, cliffs, gorges and ancient villages. But Provence's appeal goes much further back, and artists over the centuries have been captivated by the quality of the light in the countryside. You really have to see it to believe it.

The larger cities and towns of Provence – notably Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Avignon and Arles – all have their merits, but it's the region's small towns where the true colors of Provence really shine. Take note, however, that it can be very hot (and touristy) in summer, and the famous mistral wind can be vicious in winter. Spring and fall are the best times to visit.

Food in Provence is superb – this, after all, is the country's prime fruit and vegetable-producing area. Regional specialties are tapenade (an olive-and-herb paste), bouillabaisse (an outstanding fish and shellfish soup flavored with tomatoes, saffron, thyme and garlic), anchoiade (anchovy, oil and garlic paste), daube (braised meat, poultry, fish or game), marcassin (young wild boar) and panade (fruit tart). Even the common potato chip, fried in oil and spiced with various herbs, is elevated to an art in Provence.