Hilltop villages, lavender fields, gorges and calanques: Provence offers a striking variety of landscapes within a short drive. Here is a one-week road trip from Avignon to Marseille.
Itinerary: from Avignon to Marseille
- Day 1: Avignon and the Palais des Papes
- Day 2: The Pont du Gard and Les Baux-de-Provence
- Days 3 and 4: The Luberon: Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin and Sénanque Abbey
- Day 5: The Valensole plateau, then Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- Day 6: The Verdon gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix
- Day 7: Aix-en-Provence, then Marseille and the calanques
When to go
Lavender usually blooms from late June to mid-July, depending on altitude and year. May, June and September are pleasant and quieter. Summer is hot and very busy, and some hills may be closed when the fire risk is high.
Getting around
A car is essential for the villages, the Luberon and the Verdon. In hilltop villages, park below and walk up.
Our tips
- Check access to the hills in summer: it can be restricted when the fire risk is high
- Some calanques require a reservation in high season
- Start early for the lavender fields and the busiest villages
- Enjoy the Provençal markets, each village has its day
Plan this trip with Voyage : mon guide
Add each stop with its number of nights: the app creates the days and puts the whole route on an Apple Maps map. Keep hilltop villages, markets and swimming spots in the ideas box, log flights, trains and rentals on the right day, then prepare the trip for offline use before leaving. Once there, Guide mode shows the current day and tonight’s hotel.
Frequently asked questions
When can I see the lavender?
Usually from late June to mid-July; harvesting starts afterwards, earlier or later depending on the area.
Is a week enough?
Yes for this itinerary. With ten days, add the Camargue or Mont Ventoux.
Plan this itinerary with Voyage : mon guide.
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