Jillian & Danylo
Things To Do
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
For the Wine Lover & History Lover Chatenuef-du-Pape - "new castle of the Pope" dates back to the 14th century when Avignon was chosen as new home of the Pope's court. Take the time to explore the main town and visit a few vineyards and wineries while here. The wine is generally full bodied reds made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. You will also see a lot of the Rose wine in this part of Provence made from the Grenache or Mourvedre grape
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
For the Antique Lover Nicknamed the Venice of Provence, the town is full of small canals and antique shops. This town is one of the best places in all of Europe for antique shopping. We would recommend visiting this town along with Fontaine du Vaucluse which is where the Sorgue river feeds from. Start at Fointaine du Vaucluse and see the famous spring that feeds the Sorgue river. It is a beautiful walk through the town where you will walk through stunning landscapes. After you spent some time here, drive over to L'isle sur-la Sorgue and explore the canals, the river, and antique shops.
Avignon
For the History Lover Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse and one of the most historic parts of Provence. The Papacy moved here from Rome between 1309 and 1377. Highlights include visiting some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: - Palace of Popes - Pont d'Avignon - Festival d'Avignon - annual arts festival held in Avignon in July In addition we would recommend visiting the Pont du Gard - an ancient Roman aqueduct built in 1st century AD. You can swim in the river and explore the natural park around the area. If you need a swim on a hot day this is the best place!
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
For the Lavender Lover If you search "Provence Lavender" you will likely see pictures of this famous Abbey. The lavender should be in bloom in July and you will see gorgeous open fields of purple. We would recommend going early in the morning and then going to the nearby town of Gordes which is classified as one of France's most beautiful villages.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux de Provence, Arles
For the Art Lover & Shopper If you are an art lover you will be in heaven here. Vincent Van Gogh spent many years painting around Arles & St Remy. While you are driving here you will likely come across quintessential Van Gogh landscapes including wheat fields and sunflower fields. In addition St Remy is the birthplace of Nostradamus. In Arles you can see the Van Gogh Cafe and the amphitheater (which is one of based preserved Roman amphitheaters) . Arles was one of the first Roman provinces outside of present day Italian border, and you can see a lot of the classic Roman influence here. Les Baux - Stunning landscapes and another example of one of France's designated most beautiful villages. Not to be missed!!! If you have time, we recommend going here to see the "Carriered des Lumieres" - a sound and light show in old bauxite quarry. Each year they put on an experience based on artist, 2019 was Van Gogh
Gordes, Rousillon, Bonnieux, Menerbes
For the quintessential Provence Experience - Not to be missed Each one of these villages is designated as one of France's most beautiful villages in France. Gordes - perhaps the most beautiful of all of them is the top recommendation if you only do one. Combine with the Abbey and other lavender fields. Rousillon - village made from ochre rock surrounding village. I highly recommend doing the ochre trail right outside the village Bonneiux & Menerbes - If you ever read "A Year in Provence" or any of Peter Mayle books then these towns would sound familiar. This is where the book takes place and where Peter Mayle lived for many years. Note: with all of these villages I highly recommend parking outside the town and walking to the center, it will save you a lot of stress in navigating the narrow town roads and finding parking.
Lourmarin
This is one of my favorite villages. It is in the South Luberon so a little further away but it is The place for a gastronimical experience in the Vaucluse. Very charming village with amazing shops and restaurants. Visit the Chateau de Laurmarin and explore the village. If you love philosophy, then you will need to visit as this is where Albert Camus spent the last years of his life - you can even visit his grave. If you are coming from the North Luberon to Laurmarin you will drive through Natural Regional Park of the Luberon. The drive and landscape views are unparalleled and worth the trip.