Lodges en Provence

Truffles first? What a sensible choice. Lodges en Provence is five minutes' drive from the Provence truffle town of Richerenches, which holds a truffle market every Saturday morning from November to March, and a famed truffle auction every year in January. If you're not in town then (boo), investigate the whole truffly tale at the town museum, where you can also find out about Richerenches's role in the history of the Knights Templar (hint: significant). Spectacular sites of southern France heritage are within easy driving distance, such as the Renaissance castle of Grignan, on a rocky promontory occupied since the Iron Age, and the Château of Suze-la-Rousse, a medieval fortress that was the country retreat for the princes of Orange from the 14th to 17th centuries. If you're more up for getting active, Lodges en Provence is partnered with several local businesses, which can take you on guided horse trekking, quad biking or cycling tours.