Start with:
South of France Travel Itinerary: 12 Days in Provence and the French Riviera
Southern France Travel Itinerary – 5 Magical Days from Nice to the Verdon Canyon
Roussillon
Our South of France itinerary continues with the villages in the Avignon region and starts with Roussillon – beautiful old village in Provence.
Perched proudly on top of a hill, Roussillon overlooks the first ochre quarries dug more than two centuries ago. The unique canyons located right next to the village, shining in all shades of ochrе, the red walls of the rocks and the red facades of the houses in the Provencal style, give a unique charm to the Provençal village .
In the Middle Ages, Roussillon was only a fortified village with a small castle and a church, but with the development of ochrе quarries and the installation of the factory, the village experienced its rise.
In the second half of the 20th century, Roussillon became the second most visited village in the Luberon after Gord. Thanks to the old quarries, converted into pedestrian zones, the picturesque atmosphere and greenery of the surrounding rural areas and wooded hills covered with vineyards, tourism is beginning to develop.
How to get to Roussillon?
- By rent-a-car
- By bus from Marseille
- By bus from Avignon
- By bus from Aix-en-Provence
Where to stay in Roussillon?
- La Clé des Champs & Spa – the hotel is located in the middle of the lavender fields of the Luberon, 3 km from Roussillon. It offers an outdoor pool, a hammam and a hottube. A library, a fireplace and free parking are also available to guests. The rating is Excellent 9.1 and the price per night for two is 257 EUR.
- Bastide des Demoiselles – is located in a historic building in Roussillon and features an outdoor pool and free parking. The rating is Excellent 9.6 and the price for a night for two is 247 EUR.
- Omma – the decor is Provençal. The hotel offers a restaurant, free parking and facilities for guests with disabilities. The rating is Exceptional 8.9 and the price for a night for two is 185 EUR.
- Other suggestions
What to see in Roussillon?
- The cobbled streets
- The houses in the different colors of ocher
- Saint Michel Church
- Clock tower du Pasquier
- The building of the municipality
- The distilleries
- The galleries
What to visit in the Roussillon area?
- The Ochre Trail (Sentier des Ocres )
- Gord
- Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
The Ochre Trail ( Sentier des Ocres )
No, they are not in Bryce Canyon.
They are located in the heart of the Luberon, Southern France. In one of the most beautiful villages of Provence, Roussillon, on the site of former quarries the Ochrе Trail winds its way, shining in all shades of yellow, orange and red.
Ocher is a natural pigment found in sandy soils. The iron oxide turns the sand into amazing colors ranging from yellow to purple. Sculpted by storms, these former ocher deposits today reveal to the visitor a fascinating landscape. The rocks, the pillars of earth, the ochre-colored sandhills, once dug with shovels and picks, continue to be shaped by the will of the winds and rain.
Important!
The paths are of different lengths – long and short. Information about routes and ticket prices.
What to visit in the area?
- The villages of the Luberon
- The village of Gordes
- Fontaine de Vaucluse
Gordes
Gordes is a small picturesque village in Provence, 38 kilometers east of Avignon, perched on a cliff in the Vaucluse mountains.
The village, which has preserved its medieval buildings dating from the 13th century, is a member of the Association of the most beautiful villages of France .
The narrow cobbled streets that wind high through the village, the stone houses, the view of the mountains and the Luberon area have inspired many artists and photographers.
How to get to Gordes?
- By rent-a-car
- By bus from Avignon
- By bus from Aix-en-Provence
Where to stay in Gordes?
- Le Clos de Gordes – extremely cozy, in the style of Provence, the property offers its guests a garden, a swimming pool and free parking. The rating is Exceptional 10.0, and the price for a night for two is 257 EUR.
- la réveuse – offers its guests a garden, swimming pool and free parking. The rating is Exceptional 9.2 , and the price for a night for two is 160 EUR.
- Domaine de l’Enclos – the cozy property in Provence offers its guests a garden, a swimming pool and free parking. The rating is Exceptional 9.5, and the price for a night for two is 418 EUR.
- More suggestions
What to see in Gordes?
- The old town
- The Castle
- Saint Firmin Church
- Caves of Saint Firmin
- The stunning view that is revealed from the fortress walls
- Gordes Fountain
- Stroll along the cobbled streets
- Boutiques and souvenir shops
What to visit in the Gordes area?
- The open-air archeological museum Village de Bories
- The picturesque Abbey of Senanque (Abbey de Senanque), especially if you visit the area when the lavender is in bloom
- Roussillon
- Fontaine de Vaucluse
- Avignon
Fontaine de Vaucluse
The attractive medieval village is surrounded dramatically by the high cliffs of Vaucluse. From there springs the emerald green river Sorgue, which defines Fontaine de Vaucluse as one of the most visited villages in Provence.
Naturally, you might assume that the name of the village comes from ‘fountain’ or ‘fountain’, but it actually comes from Vallis Clausa, ‘closed valley’.
Is Fontaine de Vaucluse worth visiting? Definitely. Nature, eco-trails, fresh air and historical sights will not leave you indifferent.
How to get to Fontaine de Vaucluse?
- With rent-a-car
- By bus from Avignon
- By bus from Aix-en-Provence
Where to stay in Fontaine de Vaucluse?
- Hotel Restaurant du Parc en Bord de Rivière – the hotel is located on the river bank. It has a restaurant, hot tube and free parking. The rating is Very good 8.5, and the price for a night for two is 143 EUR.
- La Figuiere Fontaine de Vaucluse – the old stone house offers its guests a cozy garden, views, a restaurant and free parking. The rating is Exceptional 8.7 and the price for a night for two is 98 EUR.
- Hotel du Poète – the hotel is located on the banks of the Sorg River. It offers an outdoor pool, bar, restaurant, facilities for guests with disabilities. The rating is Exceptional 9.2, and the price for a night for two is 220 EUR.
What to see in Fontaine de Vaucluse?
- Sorgue River
- The source of the Sorgue River
- The old mill
- Chemin de la Fontaine eco-trail
- The fortress
- Bishop’s Castle
- The Paper Factory – Vallis Clausa
- The historical center
- Petrarch’s house-museum
What to visit in the Fontaine de Vaucluse area?
- Isle sur la Sorgue
- The aqueducts
- Gordes
- Avignon
- Roussillon
Avignon
Capital of Vaucluse and Côte du Rhône, seat of the Popes and city of art and culture, theatre, cinema and museums, Avignon is full of history and life.
Claiming to be one of the most beautiful cities in Provence, with a beautiful and majestic old quarter, Avignon is the ideal starting point for exploring the traditional Provençal villages of the Luberon Natural Park, many of which are members of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. I have already introduced you to some of them.
How to get to Avignon?
- By plane
- With rent-a-car
Where to stay in Avignon?
- La Demoiselle – the apartment is spacious and stylishly furnished. It has an enclosed internal garden. It is an 8-minute walk from the Papal Palace and 15 minutes from Avignon Train Station. The rating is Exceptional 9.5, and the price for a night for two is 203 EUR, including a superb breakfast .
- La Maison Grivolas Appartements et Maison d’hôtes – the building is located in a quiet place near the Papal Palace. It offers family rooms that are comfortably furnished. It has a garden and an outdoor pool. Paid parking is available on site. The rating is Excellent 9.6, and the price for a night for two is 200 EUR.
- L’Avant Scène – Loft de Luxe – Atelier d’artiste – the artistically furnished studio has a bedroom, living room, kitchen, garden, hot tube and free parking. The rating is Exceptional 9.8, and the price for a night for two is 206 EUR.
- Palais des Papes – Havre de Paix III – apartment is located a 13-minute walk from the Papal Palace. It is comfortably furnished in the spirit of a bygone era. It has a fully equipped kitchen and a bath. 4 people can be accommodated and the price per night is 307 EUR. The rating is Exceptional 9.1 .
- Artistic Loft Travel Experience – a spacious, bright apartment located just a 6 minute walk from the Papal Palace. It has two bedrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen. Pets are accepted. The rating is Excellent 9.8, and the price for a night for two is 315 EUR.
Sights in Avignon
- Explore Avignon with a local guide
- The Papal Palace
- Notre Dame de Doms Cathedral
- The statue of the Virgin Mary
- Square in front of the Papal Palace
- The Old Mint
- The old town
- The town hall
- The theater
- Saint Didier Church
- Pont St. Bénézet
- Musée du Petit-Palais
- The Garden of Rocher des Doms ( Jardin du Rocher des Doms )
- Eglise Saint-Pierre
- Saint-André Abbey and Gardens ( St-André Abbey & Gardens )
- The Lambert Collection (Collection Lambert)
- Musée Calvet
- Discover the hidden places of Avignon
What to visit in the Avignon area?
Numerous routes depart from Avignon to the charming villages of Provence. Here are some of them:
- A day trip to the Luberon villages and take pictures in the lavender fields
- A day trip to Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, Roussillon and Menerbes
- Visit Camargue Nature Reserve
- Grottes de Thouzon
Les Baux-de-Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence is one of the most remarkable villages in the department of Bouches-du-Rhone in Provence in the south of France, near Arles and Avignon and is included in the Association of the most beautiful villages in France (Plus Beaux Villages de France).
The name Les Baux comes from the Provençal “Baou” – ” high rock “, which is associated with the defensive fortress, the main attraction in the village. Located in the center of the Alpilles (Less Alpes) mountain range, on a rocky edge at 245 m above sea level, from the top of the village there is a stunning panoramic view of Arles, the Camargue nature reserve, the Lesser Alps.
More than 4,000 people once lived here. Now there are no more than 400, but this does not prevent Les Baux-de-Provence from being one of the most visited places in Provence.
How to get to Les Baux-de-Provence?
- With rent-a-car
- By bus from Aix-en-Provence
- By bus from Avignon
- By bus or train from Nice
- By bus from Marseille
Where to stay in Les Baux-de-Provence?
- Domaine De Manville – the luxury hotel in the heart of Les Baux-de-Provence has a spa, two swimming pools, a restaurant and a golf course. Offers facilities for guests with disabilities. The rating is Excellent 9.3, and the price for a night for two is 464 EUR.
- Domaine du Mas Foucray – the hotel gives you the opportunity to touch all the treasures that Provence hides. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen. The hotel offers its guests a garden, outdoor pool, free parking. You can also bring your pet. The rating is Excellent 8.9, and the price for a night for two is 146 EUR.
- Mas de l’Oulivié – and here you will feel the soul of Provence among the aromas of lavender and rosemary. The rooms in the mansion are furnished in a Provençal style, there is a restaurant and a bar at your disposal, and in the middle of the olive grove you will enjoy a pool and a beach. The hotel is handicap accessible and offers free parking. The rating is Excellent 8.8 , and the price for a night for two is 343 EUR.
- Les Maisons de l’Hôtel Particulier – the hotel is unique. Even if you don’t plan to visit it, it’s worth looking at the pictures it’s presented with. The interior design, the garden, the outdoor pool so beautifully harmonize and complement each other. In addition, you get a bar and free parking. The hotel is located in Maussane-les-Alpilles in the square between Les Baux-de-Provence, Arles and Avignon. The rating is Excellent 9.4, and the price for a night for two is 428 EUR.
- Auberge De Saint-Rémy – Hôtel de Charme – Restaurant Gastronomique – for culinary tourists or lovers of good French cuisine. The hotel has two restaurants, one of which offers home cooking and the other has a Michelin star. Located in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, free public parking is available nearby. The rating is Excellent 9.0, and the price for a night for two is 270 EUR.
Things to do in Les Baux-de-Provence
- Chateau de Baux
- Chapel of the White Penitents (Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs)
- The fortress walls
- The Renaissance window
- Jeanne Mathieu’s home
- The narrow streets of Les Baux
- An unique experience in the heart of Provence. Carrières de Lumières pays tribute to the greatest artists in the history of art through digital, immersive and contemporary exhibitions.
What to visit in the region of Les Baux-de-Provence?
- A day trip to Pont du Gard, Saint Remy and Les Baux-de-Provence from Avignon
- Pont du Gard
- Arles
- Avignon
Arles
Arles is one of the most interesting cities in Provence, located in Southern France south of Avignon. Arles is also the gateway to the Camargue nature reserve, famous for its rich fauna and the stunning beauty of the white Camargue horses.
Many artists lived and worked in and around Arles, including Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin . The famous impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889. He was fascinated by the Provençal landscapes and created over 300 paintings and drawings from the time he spent there. Many of his most famous paintings were completed there, including The Night Café, The Yellow House, Starry Night over the Rhone and The Arlesians. Lovers of the artist’s work can walk the tourist trail in the footsteps of Van Gogh, getting to know both his works and his life in Arles.
How to get to Arles?
- With rent-a-car
- By bus from Aix-en-Provence
- By bus or train from Avignon
- By bus from Nice
- By train or bus from Marseille
Where to stay in Arles?
- Mas de la Chapelle – the hotel is located in an old mansion on the outskirts of Arles. It has a huge park, garden, outdoor pool, hot tube and hammam. The rooms are comfortably furnished in an old style. The hotel also has free parking. The rating is Very good 8.5, and the price for a night for two is 156 EUR.
- Hôtel de l’Amphithéâtre – is located 200 m from the Amphitheater in a building from the 17th century. The rooms are decorated in a contemporary style. The hotel offers an outdoor garden. There is a public paid parking lot nearby, and the train station is 800 m away. The rating is Exceptional 8.8, and the price for a night for two is 233 EUR.
- Hôtel & Spa Jules César Arles – MGallery Hotel Collection – the hotel is located in the heart of the historic part of Arles. It offers its guests an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a spa center, facilities for disabled people. There is paid parking nearby and the train station is 1 km away. The rating is Very good 8.5, and the price for a night for two is 190 EUR.
- Hôtel Le Relais de Poste Arles Center Historique – is located in the historic center in a building from the 18th century. The rooms are furnished in a Provençal style. The train station is located 1.1 km away. The rating is Very good 8.5, and the price for a night for two is 183 EUR.
- Pop’Arles – budget option 0.5 km from the Amphitheatre. The small apartment is comfortably furnished in pop style. The train station is 1 km away. The rating is Excellent 9.4, and the price for a night for two is 135 EUR.
Things to do in Arles
- Visit Amédée Pichot fountain
- Van Gogh’s Cafe
- Square with the plane trees
- Forum Square
- The building of the municipality
- Saint Trophime Church
- Republic Square
- The 15-meter Egyptian obelisk
- The Amphitheater (Amphitheater – Les Arènes d’Arles)
- Roman Theater
- The streets of the old town
- Follow the signs on the Van Gogh trail
- Visit the place where Van Gogh lived
- The riverside alley
- The Crypt (Cryptoporticoes)
- The Roman Necropolis (The Alyscamps)
What to visit in the Arles area?
Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard bridge is an absolute triumph in the construction of aqueducts. The Roman architects and hydraulic engineers who designed it created a technical and artistic masterpiece. The tallest of all surviving Roman aqueducts and one of the most impressive bridges and ancient monuments in France, the Pont du Gard is named after the river that crosses the Garde, now renamed the Gardon, and is located on the outskirts of the city .
Information on opening hours, ticket prices and parking
How to get to Pont du Gard?
- With rent-a-car
- By train or bus from Avignon
- By train or bus from Arles
What to do in the Pont du Gard area?
Don’t limit yourself to just walking around the bridge, but walk around the area.
Recommendation:
Grab a bottle of wine and have a picnic while you wait for the sunset. And then enjoy the Sound and Light show as the bridge comes alive.
*the show starts at 10:30 p.m. and the duration is 20 minutes. It takes place in the period 29/06 – 01/09.
What to visit in the Pont du Gard area?
Lacoste
Lacoste is a picturesque village and one of the hidden gems in the Petit Luberon region of Provence, located between Ménerbes and Bonnieux. Although it is not officially included in the Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages in France), the village definitely deserves it. The picturesque stone streets, the old houses, the flowers and the wonderful view of the surroundings create an idyllic picture.
Best known for the castle of the Marquis de Sade, which crowns the top of the village, Lacoste is definitely worth a visit, but not only for the ruins of the castle and you can plan in your South of France itinerary.
How to get to Lacoste?
- With rent-a-car
- By bus from Marseille
- By bus from Avignon
- By bus from Aix-en-Provence
Where to stay in Lacoste?
- La Bastide de Marie, Maisons et Hôtels Sibuet – the hotel is located 7 km from Lacoste, in Menerbes, but I can’t resist showing it to you. In the 18th century mansion, surrounded by vineyards, you will find coziness, colors, scents and everything you associate with Provence. In addition, the hotel has an outdoor pool that winds around the stone walls, a spa and wellness center, a restaurant and free parking. The rating is Excellent 9.3, and the price for a night for two is 658 EUR.
- Le Mas Les Eydins – the estate is located among lavender and vineyards between Lacoste, Roussillon and Bonnieux. It offers panoramic views, an outdoor pool and free parking. The rating is Excellent 9.7, and the price for a night for two is 522 EUR.
- Capelongue, a Beaumier hotel & Spa – offers its guests various activities. It has two outdoor pools, a spa, and a Roman bath. The rating is Very good 8.4, and the price for a night for two is 569 EUR.
- You will find more suggestions here .
What to see in Lacoste?
- The stone gate La Porte de la Garde
- The main narrow street
- The bell tower
- Castle of the Marquis de Sade
- Castle prison
- The modern sculptures in front of the castle
- The goat gate to the center of Lacoste (Portail des Chèvres)
- Saint Trophime Church
- Place Elysee
- Retro bazaar
What to visit in the Lacoste area?
- Lourmarin
- Bonnieux
- Menerbes
- A day trip Best of the Luberon – Full Day Tour from Avignon
- Explore the Luberon by bike
Lourmarin
Lourmarin is not the typical Provençal village perched on top of a hill, but that does not prevent it from being one of the most beautiful villages in all of France. Nestled under the southern hills of the Luberon among vineyards, olive groves and almond trees, this hidden gem is situated on two small hills. On one is the village itself and on the other is the 15th century Renaissance castle Villa Medici de Provence .
How to get to Lourmarin?
- With rent-a-car
- By bus from Marseille
- By bus from Avignon
- By bus from Aix-en-Provence
- By train or bus from Nice
Where to stay in Lourmarin?
- Le Mas de la Lombarde – located 3.5 km from Lourmarin and offers its guests a garden, an outdoor pool and an equipped summer kitchen. Free parking is available on site. The rating is Exceptional 9.3, and the price for a night for two is 162 EUR.
- Le Galinier – the authentic, cosily furnished house is located in a 19th century mansion, 2 minutes’ walk from the center of Lourmarin. It offers its guests an outdoor pool, a terrace, an equipped kitchen and free on-site parking. The rating is Excellent 8.9, and the price for a night for two is 421 EUR.
- Hotel Bastide & SPA – Villa de Lourmarin – the hotel is located 200 m from the center. It has a restaurant, outdoor pool, wellness and spa center, free parking. It is suitable for guests with disabilities. The rating is Very good 8.3, and the price for a night for two is 246 EUR.
- You will find more suggestions here .
What to see in Lourmarin?
- The Renaissance castle of the 15th century Villa Medicis de Provence (Villa Medicis de Provence)
- The cream buildings with clay tiles
- The old houses
- The galleries
- The boutiques
- The Fountain of the Three Masks (Fontaine aux Trois Masques)
- The church
- The taps and fountains
- The cozy cafes or restaurants
What to visit in the Lourmarin area?
- A day trip to The Luberon Villages from Aix-en-Provence
- Full day wine tour with wine tasting
- Visit some of Provence’s most picturesque markets in the Luberon area
- More suggestions:
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
South of France Travel Itinerary: 12 Days in Provence and the French Riviera
Southern France Travel Itinerary – 5 Magical Days from Nice to the Verdon Canyon
South France trip itinerary part 3 – Days 9-12
What to do in Nice France for one day – sights and useful information 2024
How to spend 4 days in 10 villages and towns near Nice France
-This post contains affiliate links. For each purchase made through one of these links, I receive a small commission that goes towards maintaining this site at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting me! –
