Located in the heart of the Luberon Natural Regional Park, Roussillon is a charming village famous for its magnificent red and ochre-coloured cliffs that have been sculpted over millions of years. The village is also known for its traditional ochre mines, which were a major industry in the area. Today, visitors can explore the old quarries, transformed into a hiking trail, to discover the history and techniques of ochre extraction. The village itself is full of character, with narrow streets, old stone houses, and colourful shutters, making it a lovely place to wander and soak up the Provençal atmosphere. Besides, Roussillon is home to several art galleries and studios, where visitors can discover the work of local artists inspired by the beautiful surroundings.

To really get a deeper understanding of the area, head inland towards the golden sand dunes that are home to a myriad of hidden treasures. One not-so-hidden treasure is the amphitheatre of El Jem which was a set for the film Gladiator and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its size and importance during the Roman Empire. Due to the drifting sands of the desert, archaeologists periodically make discoveries here, the most recent of which is a large racetrack that had gone unnoticed for centuries. A private tour, which can last anywhere between four hours and three days, will take adventurers from Monastir through the surrounding Bedouin villages, past Kairouan to El Jem.

The paradisiacal allure of the Cook Islands extends beyond its crystalline waters and white sandy beaches, as evidenced by the Maire Nui Botanical Gardens. These gardens feature a diverse collection of tropical flowers and plants, creating a serene environment ideal for relaxation or a romantic stroll. The lush, well-maintained gardens showcase the island’s vibrant flora and offer a peaceful retreat from the beach.