Three weeks after my relationship ended, I did the only thing that made sense: I booked a solo trip somewhere I’d always wanted to go but had been waiting for the “right time” to visit together. Provence had lived on that list for years — the lavender fields, the crumbling hilltop villages, the markets piled high with olives and herbs — and I was done waiting. What unfolded over three days in Provence and the Luberon was exactly the kind of trip I hadn’t known I needed: slow mornings in sun-drenched villages, wandering ancient Roman ruins without an agenda, and eating far too much cheese with no one to negotiate the itinerary with. This guide is the exact three-day route I followed, blending the region’s most iconic sights with a few quieter corners that don’t always make the highlight reels.
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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.