RUTH RECOMMENDS ...

WHERE TO STAY

La Bastide de Marie In the countryside of Ménerbes, made famous by Peter Mayle in his book A Year in Provence, this hotel is a luxurious bolthole in the heart of some of the most beautiful villages in Provence, labastidedemarie.com.

La Maison sur la Sorgue A boutique hotel boasting beautiful, spacious rooms in the heart of L’Isle sur la Sorgue, a charming town best known for its famous antiques shops, lamaisonsurlasorgue.com.

La Divine Comédie in Avignon A hidden gem in the heart of Avignon, where ancient antiques marry beautifully with contemporary art, la-divine-comedie.com.

WHERE TO EAT

Vert Bouteille, L’Isle sur la Sorgue This vegan restaurant is owned by former fashion stylist and antiques dealer Bénédicte Leuwers. Perfectly placed in the centre of L’Isle sur la Sorgue, France’s second biggest antiques hub after Paris.

Chez Serge, Carpentras A real insider’s secret. This is where great value meets excellent-quality Michelin guide restaurant. I’d highly recommend their wonderful year-round truffle menu, chez-serge.fr.

La Ferme de Capelongue, Bonnieux We save this one for special occasions, as it’s the most extraordinary culinary experience – every bite filled with flavour and passion for terroir, capelongue.com.