Stir the sugar, water, and yeast together and set aside until bubbly, about 10 minutes.

Add the oil to the yeast mixture, then beat in the 1 1/2 cups flour and the herbes de provence(sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley) until smooth.

Work in the last cup of flour, and knead until dough is springy, about 10-15 minutes. Let rise until doubled. Punch down and shape into a loaf.

Bake at 400' for 25 minutes.