From Avignon: Luberon villages From Avignon: Luberon Hilltop Villages

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ID: GYG272887-473437
Category:
Country: France

Duration: 08:30 hours


Description

Fall under the spell of the Luberon valley by wandering through the narrow streets of its hilltop villages on this day tour from Avignon. Visit Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, Roussillon and Ménerbes.
After a 45-minute drive from Avignon, your tour guide will first stop in the charming little town of Fontaine de Vaucluse, nestled along the shores of the river Sorgue at the end of a narrow lush green valley. You'll have here some free time to discover on your own its impressive spring, where water flows out from a mysterious chasm. While taking a walk along the shaded pedestrian roads of the village, prepare to be amazed by the emerald green colour of the water and the peaceful atmosphere of this unique place. An ancient watermill still producing traditional paper can be visited in the town, as well as a lovely Romanesque church dating back in the 11th century. After you've visited Fontaine, your guide will meet you again at the meeting point and take you to the next destination.

On the way to the old town of Gordes, a photo stop at Gordes' famous overlook is planned. Here you'll have the chance to admire one of the most incredible panoramas of the Luberon valley, where vineyards and olive groves stretch out as far as the eye can see, surrounded by gentle green mountains. Minutes later, your driver will drop you off by the town's castle from where you can easily explore the cobbled streets of this world-known hilltop town and admire stunning views of the Luberon landscapes. Plenty of shopping opportunities are available here, as well as small cafes and ice-cream shops. Meet your tour guide again at the meeting point and head to another wonderful village.

At around 1 pm your tour guide will drop you off in the following village, Roussillon, where you'll have a longer time to spend than in the other towns. This allows everyone to have lunch in one of the cafes or snack bars and to explore the colorful streets of Roussillon, where every house is painted a different shade of ochre. If you opt for a quick lunch on the go, you'll also have enough time to walk the beautiful Ochre Trail (entrance fee not included - 3.50€/adult), a developed pathway through the red-colored cliffs of a former ochre mine.

Meet your guide back after lunch and continue your journey through the Luberon valley. Discover another hill-top town, Ménerbes, listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France. Enjoy a relaxing walk on the peaceful streets of this fortified village, that inspired the British author Peter Mayle to write the successful novel «One year in Provence». Afterwards, your guide will drive you back to Avignon, where you'll arrive between 5 and 5.30 pm.

Highlights

  • Be amazed by the colours of the river Sorgue in Fontaine de Vaucluse
  • Enjoy a stroll in the cobbled streets of Gordes
  • Explore the red village of Roussillon and its Ochre Trail
  • Discover Ménerbes, one of France's most beautiful villages
  • Marvel at wide poppy fields along the way (in spring only)

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our groups are international. The tour could be operated in multiple languages simultaneously (English, French, Italian).
Avignon Tourism Office
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.