Menerbes, France
Patty Bakker Journeys
Provençal Market Retreats
Meaningful Journeys
Wonderful Connections
Provençal Market Retreats
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Our home base for the retreat is the beautiful hilltop village of Menerbes, in the heart of the Luberon region of Provence.
Here, winding country roads lead to hilltop villages that feel unchanged by time. These smaller villages are filled with charming streets ( photo opportunities!), local cafe’s, artisan shops, and markets that remain a vital part of daily life. This is the Provence many people dream about. Relaxed, beautiful, and deeply connected to everyday French life.
This is the Provence we will experience together.
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An intimate group of 5 women, hosted by Patty, staying a week in Provence
Private Lodging in the heart of the village of Menerbes, in the Luberon valley of Provence
Transportation to and from Nice, Marseille airport or Avignon TGV station and entire time while in Provence
French- style Breakfasts each morning provided. Dinners with 1 drink each evening.
Exploring handpicked local markets & shops that beautifully reflect the region’s culture, flavors and traditions, all within an hour drive of our home base.
Offering personal guidance and trip hosting throughout the week as we visit different villages and their markets each day.
What’s not included:
Airfare to Nice, France
Lunches
Personal purchases
Travel Insurance (strongly encouraged)
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Single room - $4500.00 USD total paid in 3 installments: $2500 at booking, $1500 2nd payment, and $500 final payment
Shared double room - $4000 USD total paid in 3 installments: $2000 at booking, $1500 2nd payment, and $500 final payment. Only 1 shared room available per trip.
*non-refundable. Trip insurance is strongly encouraged. We have available for you or you can choose your own.
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Your Home in Provence
Our base for the week is a beautifully renovated village house nestled in the heart of the Luberon — in the charming hilltop village of Ménerbes. Fully restored in 2023, this south-facing home opens onto a private terrace with sweeping views of the Petit Luberon mountain range, where lavender fields spill down the hillside below and the sun sets in full view every evening. It is, quite simply, the kind of place you'll never want to leave.
The Space
The 3 story house comfortably accommodates our group, with five bedrooms and three bathrooms thoughtfully spread across second and third floors.
The Kitchen & Outdoor Living
The fully equipped kitchen makes mornings effortless — outfitted with a steam oven, induction stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator so that our French-style breakfasts come together beautifully each day.
Step outside and the terrace becomes the heart of the home. Furnished with comfortable seating and a shading umbrella, it's where mornings begin slowly over coffee, and evenings end with the last light fading over the Luberon. With lavender fields just below and the mountains stretching across the horizon, the view alone is worth the journey.
Imagine a week in Provence wandering through colorful village markets, discovering charming Luberon villages, savoring delicious French food, and enjoying a glass of rosé as the sun sets over the countryside.
Join me, Patty Bakker, for 7 nights in the heart of Provence, where we'll explore the markets, villages, and hidden corners of this beautiful region together. With a small group of just five or six women, we'll enjoy a more personal experience filled with wonderful discoveries, leisurely meals, local treasures, and the simple pleasures of French life.
Each retreat reflects the season, from springtime markets and lavender landscapes to the olive groves, vineyards, and rich colors of autumn.
Come for the beauty of Provence. Leave with wonderful memories, new friendships, and a little piece of France in your heart.
Dates for upcoming trips:
May 29 - June 5, 2027 or June 5-12, 2027
September 24 - October 2, 2027 or October 2 - 9, 2027
Reserve your spots before they’re gone!
Each experience is intentionally limited to just five or six women, plus me as your host. I invite you to connect with me for early details and priority access.
If larger groups are requested, contact me for details. We’d be happy to accommodate!
Aix en Provence, France
Lourmarin, France
Provence Through My Eyes
The beauty is in the places we discover, the moments we share and the memories be bring home.
From charming hilltop villages and colorful Provencal markets to leisurely lunches, winding country roads, and golden sunsets over the Luberon Valley, Provence has a way of capturing your heart.
My photographs and videos are glimpses of the special people I’ve had the pleasure to travel with, places I’ve explored, the experiences I’ve loved, and the little moments that make this corner of France so special to me.
I’d love to share them with you in person!
The Timeless Beauty of the Luberon
Menerbes
Gordes
Cucuron, France
Our Home in Menerbes, France
Video’s from the villa window and from the patio. Breathtaking!
The five bedrooms in our villa.
1 King with bathroom, 1 Queen with bathroom, 3 twin bedrooms with 1 bathroom and 1 separate toilet room.
Friendships made in Provence, September, 2026
The Magic of Provencal Markets
L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue
The Vineyards through out the Luberon valley, with wine tastings!
About Patty Bakker Journeys
A Love of Provence, A Passion for Sharing It.
Some places find their way into your heart and never quite leave. For me, that place is Provence.
My love affair with France has grown over many years of exploring its beautiful villages, wandering through colorful markets, discovering little cafés, lingering over wonderful meals, and appreciating the simple pleasures of everyday French life. The more time I spend there, the more I want to return.
And somewhere along the way, I realized that I didn't just want to experience Provence myself. I wanted to share it.
More Than a Trip to France
Patty Bakker Journeys grew from a simple idea: what if I could bring together a small group of women who share a love of travel, beautiful places, good food, and the joy of discovering something new?
Not a big tour group rushing from one destination to the next, but an intimate experience with time to wander, explore, enjoy a leisurely lunch, browse a village market, sip a glass of rosé, and appreciate the moments that make a place memorable.
I wanted to create the kind of week I would love to experience myself. A beautiful home in the Luberon, the charm of the surrounding villages, the pleasures of Provençal markets, and the company of women who enjoy the same things.
And just as importantly, I wanted everyone to feel comfortable coming as they are. You don't need to know anyone before you arrive. There's something wonderful about discovering a new place together and watching friendships develop along the way.
Why Provence?
For me, Provence is about so much more than its beautiful scenery. It's the rhythm of life, the warmth of a sunny afternoon, the colors of a village market, the scent of fresh bread from a local boulangerie (bakery), and the pleasure of sitting around a table with nowhere else you need to be.
I love discovering the little places that make this region so special, whether it's a charming village tucked into the hills, a favorite local restaurant, or a market filled with treasures waiting to be found.
These are the experiences I want to share with you. Not simply seeing Provence, but having the time to enjoy it, connect with it, and make it your own.
A Personal Invitation
Patty Bakker Journeys is a very personal adventure for me. I'll be there to welcome you, share my favorite discoveries, introduce you to the places I love, and enjoy this beautiful part of France right alongside you.
Our groups are intentionally small, creating a more relaxed and personal experience where there's room for conversation, spontaneous discoveries, and the occasional change of plans when something wonderful catches our eye.
My hope is that you'll return home with more than photographs. Perhaps you'll have discovered a new favorite village, enjoyed a meal you'll remember for years, laughed until your cheeks hurt, or formed friendships that continue long after our week together.
Because sometimes the most wonderful part of traveling isn't just where you go. It's how you feel while you're there and the people with whom you share it.
I'd love to share my Provence with you.
“Meaningful Journeys. Wonderful Connections”
Patty
Menerbes, France
Kind Words from My Clients
A few Lovely words from the people who have traveled with me.
Gordes, France
Domaine La Garelle
L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France
Our trip to Provence was truly wonderful, and so much of that was thanks to Patty! From the moment we arrived, every detail made the experience special. The lovely home in Ménerbes was the perfect place for six women to stay together—beautiful, comfortable, and welcoming, with everything we needed to relax, enjoy one another's company, and make wonderful memories.
Patty's knowledge of Provence was exceptional. She knew all the charming villages, wonderful markets, fabulous restaurants, wineries, and so many special places that we might never have discovered on our own. Her recommendations and thoughtful planning allowed us to experience the very best of the region while still enjoying the spontaneity and pleasures of traveling together.
What truly sets Patty apart is her ability to make everyone feel comfortable, accommodated, and cared for. She brought together the beauty, culture, food, wine, and charm of Provence with such warmth and enthusiasm that the entire trip felt effortless.
Sara P - - Provence trip 2026
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Bonnieux, France
So grateful for my unforgettable first trip to Europe and adventure in France!
A special thank you to Patty for making it all effortless. I’m already dreaming of the next adventure!
Nina R. - - Provence Trip 2026
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Roussillon, France
Patty,
Thanks for all your planning efforts and driving expertise!
It’s clear you have a passion for Provence and I am grateful that you shared it with us.
Definitely a memorable ladies trip!
Chris B.-- Provence trip 2026
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Menerbes, France
Menerbes, France
Your Questions, Answered
What is a Provencal Market Retreat?
Imagine wandering through colorful outdoor markets, discovering charming villages, enjoying delicious French food, and returning each evening to a beautiful Provençal villa. My retreats are designed to give a small group of women the opportunity to experience the Luberon region of Provence at a relaxed pace, with time to explore, shop, enjoy wonderful meals, and make new friendships along the way.
Which villages will we visit?
We'll explore villages and markets throughout the Luberon region of France. The Luberon is in the Southeastern part of France, famous for it’s medieval hilltop villages, rolling vineyard and purple lavender fields. I shall vary the exact itinerary according to the season and local market schedules. Part of the pleasure of traveling with me is discovering the character of each village, browsing local shops, enjoying a café, and having time to take in the surroundings.
The final itinerary will be shared with guests before departure. But several of the villages we typically visit will be L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue, St. Remy & Gordes, plus more!
How many women will be in the group?
I keep my retreats small and personal, accepting just five or six women for each week. A smaller group allows us to explore the villages together, enjoy local restaurants, and experience Provence in a more intimate way.
Will you, Patty, be with us throughout the trip?
Absolutely! I'll be with you throughout the entire retreat, guiding you through the region and sharing some of my favorite places. I've been traveling to France for 15 years and have extensive experience exploring the Luberon. I love helping others discover the beauty, character, and everyday pleasures that make this part of France so special.
Will the experience be different in spring and fall?
Yes! One of the lovely things about Provence is how the landscape and local experiences change with the seasons.
Spring retreats will focus more on the beautiful countryside, seasonal lavender experiences where available, and the wonderful village markets.
Fall retreats will offer opportunities to discover olive groves, wineries, seasonal markets, and the warm colors and flavors of autumn in Provence.
Each retreat will have its own character, with visits to villages and markets throughout the beautiful Luberon region.
Will I have my own bedroom?
Single and double room options are available, depending on the final group size and room availability.
The price is $4,500 per person for a single room or $4,000 per person for a double room.
Because our villa has five bedrooms and the group is intentionally small, the room configuration will depend on the number of women attending. Double rooms are limited, so please confirm availability when making your inquiry.
If you're traveling with a friend and would like to share a room, let me know when you contact me.
How much walking is involved? What if I have mobility concerns?
Our days will include walking through outdoor markets and exploring historic Provençal villages. Many of these villages have charming cobblestone streets, uneven surfaces, hills, and steps.
The activity level is generally mild to moderate, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Also, our villa is a 3 story home and has stairs to the bedrooms.
Please let me know before booking if you have arthritis, any medical conditions, or mobility concerns that might make walking on cobblestones or navigating uphill village streets difficult.
I'm happy to talk through the itinerary with you and discuss your needs so you can make an informed decision about whether the retreat is right for you.
My goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy the experience as much as possible.
How do I get to Provence? And which airport do I fly into?
We'll coordinate our arrival in the town of Avignon, where the TGV train arrives from all of the French airports. I'll meet the group at the designated TGV train station and take you into Provence.
There are 3 international airport arrival options: flying into Paris, Marseille, or Nice. And then taking the TGV to Avignon.
Once the arrangements are finalized, I'll provide the recommended travel route and arrival instructions so everyone knows where to meet.
*Airfare and train tickets are NOT included in the retreat price.
What is the payment schedule & cancellation policy?
For the $4,500 single-room option, payments are divided into three installments:
At booking: $2,500 nonrefundable deposit
Four months before departure: $1,500
One month before departure: Final payment of $500
For the $4,000 double-room option, payments are divided into three installments:
At booking: $2,500 nonrefundable deposit
Four months before departure: $1,500
One month before departure: Final payment of $500
Because accommodations, transportation, and other arrangements are made in advance, the entire retreat is nonrefundable.
However, if your plans change, your reservation may be transferred to a friend or family member with my prior authorization.
READY TO DISCOVER PROVENCE?
If you've been dreaming of experiencing the markets, villages, and countryside of Provence, I'd love to hear from you.
Contact Patty Bakker Journeys to learn more about the upcoming retreats, ask questions, and find out about availability.
Let's discover Provence together!
Let’s Bring Your Journey To Life
Ready to experience the beauty, charm, and unforgettable moments of Provence? Whether you’re dreaming of joining on of my intimate Provencal market retreats or simply want to learn more about an upcoming journey, I would love to hear from you.
Every great journey begins with a conversation. Share your questions, tell me what you’re dreaming of, and let’s explore the possibilities together.
I look forward to connecting with you!
Patty
Sault, France