If you plan to be in Provence at the end of September and you're fascinated by things medieval, you're in luck. At Les Baux de Provence, the perched fortress not far from Avignon, this year's medieval re-enactment includes 1000 actors who will re-create the sights and sounds of life in the middle ages, complete with falconry and catapult-launching. The highlight of the show is the full-scale assault on the castle.
Dates are September 24-26, 2010 and tickets are available online at www.culturespaces-minisite.com/baux/

Even if you can't make those dates, you can still visit and see the catapults catapulting every day until the end of September.




While you're in Les Baux, it's really worth a stop at the Cathédrale d'Images, a multi-image sound and light show in the old quarries at the foot of the village. Never mind that it sounds like one of those tourist things you wouldn't do - the brochures don't do it justice. The current show is a voyage to Australia, the next show, coming in winter 2011, showcases the art of Leonardo da Vinci.



Finally, for lovers of fine cuisine, there's Oustau de Baumanière, a Michelin-starred restaurant with wonderful food and an elegant setting. I was able to participate in a cooking class here not long ago - a mouth-watering behind the scenes experience. Not only did we get to see the skill and work that go into the preparation of the dishes, but we got a chance to see all the goings-on of a restaurant kitchen getting ready for serving a great meal. Cooking classes can be arranged for small groups at Oustau de Baumanière, depending on the time of year.