Imagine sun-drenched landscapes and charming hilltop villages. Picture vibrant markets filled with local crafts and produce. This seven-day itinerary guides you through the heart of Provence and the Luberon. It provides a perfect blend of history, nature, and unforgettable culinary experiences. Prepare to explore ancient Roman ruins, wander through fragrant lavender fields, and soak in the relaxed southern French lifestyle. This journey balances iconic sights with hidden gems for a truly memorable week.
Day 1: Arrival in Avignon & Papal History
Your Provençal adventure begins in the historic city of Avignon. After settling into your accommodation, head straight to the city’s monumental heart. Your main destination is the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). This imposing Gothic fortress was the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. Indeed, its sheer scale is breathtaking. You can explore grand halls, private papal apartments, and serene courtyards. The audio guide provides fascinating stories about the popes who lived here.
Next, walk to the famous Pont d’Avignon, officially the Pont Saint-Bénézet. While only four of the original 22 arches remain, it offers lovely views of the Rhône River. In the evening, enjoy your first Provençal dinner. Find a restaurant in the Place de l’Horloge, the city’s main square. Here, you can savor regional specialties like ratatouille or daube provençale. Avignon’s historical core is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to its global importance . Source. Roussillon – Official Tourism Website
Day 2: The Ochre Cliffs of Roussillon & Hilltop Gordes
On your second day, pick up your rental car and drive into the Luberon Natural Regional Park. Your first stop is Roussillon, a village famous for its striking red and yellow ochre cliffs. The buildings themselves glow with warm, earthy tones. You can walk the Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail), a short path that winds through the former quarries. The colors are truly spectacular, especially in the morning light. Consequently, it’s a paradise for photographers.
. Gordes – Official Provence Tourism Guide
In the afternoon, drive to the nearby village of Gordes. This iconic village clings dramatically to a hillside, offering panoramic views of the Luberon valley. Its stone houses and narrow cobblestone streets are incredibly charming. At the top, you will find a Renaissance château and a historic church. Gordes is a perfect place to simply wander and get lost. Enjoy a coffee at a café with a view before heading to your accommodation for the night, perhaps in a traditional stone farmhouse known as a mas.
Day 3: The Luberon’s Golden Triangle
…Golden Triangle of Provence, a moniker perfectly capturing the region’s unparalleled concentration of picturesque hilltop villages, sun-drenched landscapes, and rich historical tapestry. Prepare to be captivated as you wander the ancient, labyrinthine lanes of places like Gordes, its honey-hued stone architecture seemingly carved directly from the rock face, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the valley. Discover Roussillon, a village ablaze with the vibrant reds and oranges of its ochre cliffs and quarries, where every building seems to glow under the Provençal sun. Or perhaps Ménerbes, a fortified village perched majestically on a ridge, exuding an air of timeless tranquility and artistic inspiration that once drew luminaries like Peter Mayle.
Each village, a unique jewel, invites leisurely strolls past centuries-old fountains, through bustling local markets brimming with regional delicacies, and into charming artisan boutiques showcasing local crafts and produce. You’ll find yourself pausing often, whether to admire a perfectly preserved Renaissance façade, sample a glass of rosé on a shaded terrace, or simply soak in the profound sense of history that permeates every cobblestone street. Beyond their individual beauty, it’s the collective charm and the sense of stepping back in time that truly defines the Luberon, solidifying its reputation as a quintessential slice of French paradise.