Romantic Luberon

This 8-day self-drive itinerary will give you a taste of the romantic French countryside. This is an in-depth journey through the laid-back region of Luberon, adorned with colorful gardens and old stone houses, inviting by the stirring fragrances and ever-present bird songs. Enjoy stunning Provençal scenery while driving along vineyards and rolling hills in a vintage car. Step back in time and explore hilltop villages, which are too many to count, medieval castles and churches, Roman sites and beautiful nature. This is also, by all means, an epicurean tour: visit the rustic markets to find fresh produce, cheese, olives, jam, lavender products and so much more. No visit to France is complete without food and wine, so go wine-tasting at local vineyards, take a cooking class with a Provencal chef, and let yourself discover the French gastronomic delights. Stay at beautiful small country hotels. On request, a driver-guide and a photographer can be arranged. The trip can be adapted and changed, depending on the airport of arrival and on available time.

08 Days – From £2,260 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Avignon, Gordes, Roussilon, Aix, Lourmarin, Cucuron, Ansouis, Sorgue River, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Saignon, Menerbes

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation with breakfast (upgrades to superior hotels and chateaux possible)
7-day car-hire: vintage car with manual transmission (full tank at pick-up, insurance, technical assistance)
App with GPS
Car delivery to the door of your hotel on day 2
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
All mandatory local taxes
24/7 assistance in English during your trip

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International & Domestic Flights / Train Ticket
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description
Additional kms
Photographer, Guide, Driver (can be arranged on request)

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. The starting point is Marseilles Airport (MRS) which has good connections to the major European and international cities. Marseilles is 1,5 h away from Grignan.

Alternatively, the closest train station is Avignon. There is a TGV high-speed train stop in Avignon when coming from Paris.

How to Book

Send us a message on WhatsApp (+44 7 308 449 233) or email us at explore@boutiquetravelexperts.com to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added.

Day 1 - Arrival in Avignon

Today you will arrive in Avignon, which is located in the heart of Provence, one of the most beautiful regions in France. From here, you can easily explore Luberon with its picturesque hilltop villages, vineyards and olive groves. Spend your first day exploring this historic city. Visit Palais des Papes and its gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Catholic popes. Stroll through the charming streets and squares of the old town, and take a walk along the Rhone River. Walk across Pont Saint-Bénézet Bridge for stunning views of the river and the city. Overnight at Hotel d’Europe.

Day 2 - Gordes & Abbaye de Senanque

Today head to the hilltop village of Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Explore the narrow streets and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Later, visit the 12th-century Abbaye de Senanque, set amid lavender fields. Continue to Village des Bories, a fascinating open-air museum of traditional stone huts. For a traditional Provencal lunch, head to the iconic La Bastide de Gordes. Enjoy a roasted lamb with thyme and garlic, or a grilled sea bass with fennel and orange, the truffle risotto with parmesan and aged balsamic vinegar. Sip a glad of French wine with stunning views of the Luberon Valley. Overnight at Mas des Romarins.

Day 3 - Roussillon & Ochre Trail

Luberon is known for its excellent cuisine, which features fresh ingredients and Provencal flavors. In the morning, take a cooking class with a French chef and learn how to prepare some of the local specialties, such as ratatouille, bouillabaisse, or tarte tropézienne. Later, spend the day in the village of Roussillon, known for its ochre cliffs and red buildings. Walk the Ochre Trail, a scenic route that takes you through the ochre quarries and mines. Continue to the nearby village of Rustrel, where you will find the colorful cliffs of Colorado Provençal. On the way back, stop at Les Mines de Bruoux for a guided tour inside the impressive mines. Overnight at La Maison des Ocres.

Day 4 - Aix-en-Provence

Today drive to the historic town of Aix-en-Provence, dating back to Roman times. Walk along the elegant streets, searching for fountains, markets, and artistic heritage. Visit Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined avenue in the heart of the city, and Musée Granet, which houses a huge collection of art from past centuries. Continue to the former studio of Paul Cézanne, the famous painter, who was born in Aix-en-Provence and lived here for much of his life. On your return, take a wine tastings tour at Château La Coste, a renowned winery with beautiful vineyards, a wine cellar, and an impressive collection of contemporary art installations. The estate produces a range of red, white, and rosé wines. Overnight at Le Moulin de Lourmarin.

Day 5 - Lourmarin, Cucuron & Ansouis

Today take a walking visit in the village of Lourmarin, one of the most picturesque villages in the Luberon. Visit the Renaissance chateau dating back to the 15th century, which was once home to the powerful d’Agoult family, and enjoy the lively market. For lunch, head to Cucuron, and enjoy a Provencal meal in the medieval square with a picturesque pond shaded by giant trees. After lunch visit Ansouis, a beautiful hilltop village with narrow winding streets, dating back to the Middle Ages. Enjoy the stunning surrounding countryside, with vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields. Overnight at Bastide Saint Maurin.

Day 6 - On River Sorgue

Today, explore the charming village of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known for its antique markets and crystalline emerald canals. The delightful old town is particularly well-preserved. Later, head to the nearby village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, which hosts the source of Sorgue River. Relax on the banks of the river, and dare to step into the refreshing crystal-clear waters. On your return, at sunset, stop at Pont Julien, an ancient Roman bridge. The bridge was built in 3 BC and was an important link between Apt and Cavaillon. Walk across it and admire its ancient architecture and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Overnight at Le Clos Du Buis.

Day 7 - Bonnieux, Lacoste & Saignon

Visit the picturesque hilltop villages of Bonnieux, Lacoste and Saignon. Bonnieux is known for its ancient church and winding streets, as well as breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley and the Mont Ventoux mountain. The nearby small village of Lacoste has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, with many well-preserved buildings, being home to a 17th-century castle that was once owned by the infamous Marquis de Sade. In the afternoon, head to the charming village of Saignon. Climb up to the top of the ruins to admire a splendid sunset over the surrounding picturesque landscapes of olive groves and lavender fields. Overnight at Le Roy Soleil.

Day 8 - Menerbes and Departure

Spend your last day in the romantic region of Luberon, visiting the beautiful village of Menerbes, one of the most charming villages in the region, dating back to the Middle Ages. Menerbes was once home to several famous artists, including Picasso, Dora Maar, and Nicolas de Staël. Stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the views. You would suddenly wish you could live a peaceful and happy life here, with the sounds of swallows, mornings full of lavender, jasmine and rose fragrance. Ah, it is time to depart, but you will already make plans to come back again.

* NOTE :The Luberon region in Provence, France is known for its excellent wines, particularly its red and rosé varieties. Here are a few of the best wineries to visit in Luberon to explore in the region: Domaine de la Citadelle, Domaine de Fontenille, Domaine de la Cavale, Domaine des Peyre, Domaine des Masques, Château Vignelaure, Domaine de Saint-Ser, Domaine Terre de Mistral