You could stay in this area for months and still find plenty of new things to see and do. This list is far from exhaustive, merely a taste of what is on offer with a shameless personal bias:
A visit to Glanum, the remains of an ancient Roman town just outside St Rémy, and to the old Roman amphitheatres of Nimes and Arles. (If you get the chance, go see course camarguaise (a sort of bloodless bullfighting).
Also not to be missed are the Palais des Papes in Avignon, the beautiful St Paul de Mausole asylum outside St Rémy where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life, and Les Baux, a fortified hill-top town, 15 minutes to the south, with spectacular views. Be sure to take the scenic route home to Maillane through the Val d'Enfer.
A spin round the various villages of the Alpilles is another 'must' - Eygalières and Maussane are our favourites - visiting the local markets, wine houses and olive oil mills: plenty of opportunities for dégustation! And a morning's antiquing in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, an attractive market town at the edge of the Luberon and a world-renowned antiques mecca: even if you're not looking to buy, it's still fun to browse.
Further afield, Vaison-la-Romaine , Chateauneuf-du-Pape , Uzès and the various mountainous villages of the Luberon are all worth the extra mileage.
If you're feeling energetic how about a canoe trip on the Gardon river passing under the Pont du Gard, a hugely impressive tiered Roman aqueduct; or horse riding in the Camargue among the bulls, flamingoes, and various other birdlife; or a balloon ride over the Luberon especially in lavender season?
See also BESPOKE BAMBOU for our exclusive activities and tours.