Luberon Authentic Tours introduces an Apéro Pétanque

Luberon Authentic Tours has introduced a brand-new experience to enrich your day in Provence: an Apéro Pétanque held on their newly built pétanque court at La Bastide des Amandiers. This relaxed and convivial moment invites you to unwind like a local—sipping a refreshing drink while enjoying a friendly game of pétanque in a beautiful, authentic setting. It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploration, combining Provençal tradition, leisure, and the art of living in the South of France.

In the golden light of a Provençal morning in 2026, Guylaine and Franck welcome their guests with an easy smile and a promise: today, you won’t just see the Luberon—you’ll live it.

©Luberon Authentic Tours

Luberon Tours

The journey begins off the beaten path, aboard their iconic Land Rover Defender, climbing gently into the hills where the air carries the scent of pine and wild herbs. As the road narrows and the views widen, the Luberon reveals itself in layers—rolling hills, perched villages, and endless sky. At carefully chosen stops, hidden wildlife cameras are checked, offering glimpses into the secret lives of Provence’s fauna. A fox at dawn, a deer at dusk—small, magical moments that make the land feel alive.

Deeper into the woods, Guylaine shares her knowledge of the region’s flora. Hands brush over thyme, rosemary, and wild lavender as you gather aromatic herbs—the very soul of Provençal cuisine. By midday, these scents follow you to a panoramic lookout, where a picnic awaits. Fresh Mediterranean flavours, a chilled rosé, and even a celebratory flute of champagne turn a simple meal into a memory suspended in sunlight.

©Tasha Anne Powell

The afternoon drifts onward to the banks of the Durance River, wild and untamed as it flows down from the Southern Alps. Birds trace patterns across the sky while the water glimmers below, adding a raw beauty to the landscape. From there, the experience softens into the silvery calm of an olive grove. Beneath twisted, ancient trees, you learn the story of “green gold”—olive oil—and taste its subtle variations, each one shaped by the land itself.

As the day gently unfolds, you arrive at a historic vineyard, where time seems to slow. A glass of wine in hand, laughter comes easily, and strangers begin to feel like friends.

Pétanque Lesson

And just when you think the day has given all it can, a final surprise awaits.

At La Bastide des Amandiers, as the sun dips low, casting warm hues across the countryside, you’re invited into a new ritual introduced by Luberon Authentic Tours: the Apéro Pétanque. On their newly built pétanque court, the mood is light and convivial. A refreshing drink in hand, you join a friendly game, learning—or rediscovering—the simple joy of this beloved Provençal pastime. The soft clink of metal balls, shared smiles, and the hum of evening cicadas create a perfect closing note.

Here, in this relaxed and authentic setting, you understand something essential: Provence isn’t just a place—it’s an art of living.

And as the last light fades, Guylaine and Franck simply say, “We hope you’ll join us again.”

Practical Information:

Luberon Authentic Tours (Website)

Follow @luberon_authentic_tours on Instagram.

Full-day tours include an olive oil tasting experience and a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Half-day tours are also available. Guylaine and Franck are delighted to welcome you to Provence. They hope you will choose Luberon Authentic Tours to enhance your experience.

A Picnic in Provence

Picnic is a universal term for creating a culinary experience in nature with some of your favourite portable foods. The French, though, take the word pique-nique to an elevated culinary level! My experiences in North America pale in comparison to the memorable pique-niques I have experienced in Provence. Start with a basket or cooler of the food that you want to share with your group. Often, the destination is as important as the precious cargo you are transporting.

Picnic Essentials? Click Here.

Crespeou Provencal Picnic Fare

This dish is not complicated, despite the number of steps. You can use whatever ingredients you prefer in the layers. Serve with the tomato sauce and a green salad. Alternates for ingredients: roasted red pepper, mushrooms, ham, cheese, pesto - just make sure to choose one ingredient per layer

Check out this recipe

Roast Chicken for a Picnic

A delicious roast chicken best served with a glass (or can) of wine at your evening picnic!

Check out this recipe

Pan Bagnat

Like the pissaladiere, the pan bagnat takes us back to the origin of food and meals made of bread and accompaniments. Pan bagnat remains one of the summer's delights and a favourite picnic dish.

Check out this recipe

Pork and Chicken Liver Pâté

This recipe from the kitchen of Anne Challier is really a French cuisine classic. Pâté fois de volaille is easy to make in advance and perfect for an appetizer or a picnic.

Check out this recipe

From Nice: Full-Day 4x4 Alpine Escape with Local Food & Wine Tastings

Hop aboard a premium 4x4 Ford Raptor and venture far from the bustle of the French Riviera into the hidden mountain landscapes of Nice. This exclusive experience takes you off the beaten path to explore the soul of alpine Provence, where perched villages, wild valleys, and enduring local traditions await.

Book this Experience

Tasha Powell

Tasha Powell is a food stylist and writer who specializes in working with celebrity chefs and leaders in the hospitality industry. She cooks and styles for monographs, cookbooks and Satellite Media Tours, working between North America and Europe. Take a look at her mouthwatering photos on Cooking with a French Twist. Since July 2020, she has offered themed Zoom cooking classes influenced by her travels in France and Morocco. Here are a few:

• Fusion Vegetarian Menu: Cheese Soufflé, Grilled Vegetable Kabobs, Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lime Crème Fraiche & Floating Islands
• Fall in Provence: Carrot Soup, Seared Duck Breast and Chocolate & Pear Tarte
• 3-Course Gluten-Free Menu: Panisse, Grilled Shrimp & Chocolate Towers with Michelin Star plating techniques
• Food Styling Tips: Apéro Dînatoire, presentation & plating
• 4-Course Gluten-Free Menu: Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri Sauce, Zucchini Rollups, Roasted Leek Salad & Chocolate Lava Cakes, Michelin Star plating techniques
• Just Stuffed! Stuffed Aubergines, Tomatoes & Zucchini
• Provençal Cuisine: Baked Ratatouille Tian & Tarte du Soleil
• Add Sparkle, Shimmer, Silver and Gold to Your Culinary Presentations! By Lynn Neuberg of Easy Leaf Products and Chef Tasha Powell

Class listings can be found at Chef Tasha Events

Tasha also arranges culinary tours with Barbara Pitcher in Provence, France, in Marrakech, Morocco, in Sicily, Italy and in Parry Sound, Canada under Pitcher and Powell Cuisine and Culture.