Provence.
Avignon, ochre in the Luberon, markets in Aix and the Verdon: Provence works best with few bases.
Avignon, ochre in the Luberon, markets in Aix and the Verdon: Provence works best with few bases.
Our 6-day route plans five nights and treats lavender honestly as a seasonal extra.
Background
History.
Avignon was the papal seat from 1309 to 1377; the Palais des Papes still shapes the walled old town.
The Luberon joins historic villages with a landscape shaped by farming over centuries; ochre mining formed places such as Roussillon.
Aix-en-Provence was capital of historic Provence. Today Roman traces, markets and the heritage linked to Paul Cézanne meet a modern university city.
Must-sees
Top 10.
1. Avignon: Palais des Papes and old town as a compact start.
2. Gordes: views and two nights as a Luberon base.
3. Roussillon: ochre trail early in the day.
4. Lourmarin: quieter extra south of the Luberon.
5. Aix-en-Provence: market, squares and a car-free city day.
6. Valensole: plan only in season as a lavender stop.
7. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: base before the Verdon.
8. Pont du Galetas: access to the Verdon Gorge depending on weather.
9. Four hotel bases instead of daily suitcase moves.
10. Check heat, wildfire and road notices at short notice.
Gallery
Impressions.
Stay
Hotels in Provence.
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