Luberon, Roussillon & Gordes: Half-Day Small Group Tour

Summary

Colors of Roussillon, quiet abbeys and Luberon’s hilltop villages in one afternoon

You’ll wind through Luberon’s hills with a small group and local guide, pausing at Gordes’ stone terraces, feeling the cool hush inside Sénanque Abbey, then wandering Roussillon’s ochre lanes where colors stick to your shoes. Expect real moments — laughter over coffee, quiet views — plus pickup from Avignon and bottled water included.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect from a half-day tour out of Avignon — maybe just some nice views, a few old stone houses. But the drive into the Luberon felt different right away. Our guide, Sylvie, had this way of pointing out little things I’d miss: the twist of wild thyme by the roadside, or how the light kept shifting on the hills. The minivan was quiet for a bit as we wound up towards Gordes; I think everyone was just taking it in. There’s something about seeing those villages perched so impossibly above the valley that makes you feel small but kind of lucky to be there.

We stopped at Sénanque Abbey — only for photos since it wasn’t lavender season (Sylvie joked that even without purple fields, monks still keep their secrets). The stone felt cool under my hand, and there was this hush in the air that made me whisper without thinking. I tried to picture what it must sound like when the fields are buzzing with bees in June. After that, we rolled into Roussillon. That place is wild — all reds and oranges everywhere you look. The pigments get on your shoes if you aren’t careful; I caught myself brushing dust off my jeans later. Walking those narrow lanes, I heard two old men arguing softly over pétanque rules and caught a whiff of fresh bread somewhere nearby.

There was time for a coffee in a tiny square (I ordered badly; Sylvie laughed at my accent). She told us how people here still use ochre from the cliffs to paint shutters and walls — it’s not just for tourists. On our way back toward Avignon, we passed another village whose name I can’t remember now (the “surprise” stop), but I do remember an old woman waving at us from her garden like she knew every visitor by heart. It felt honest somehow — not staged or showy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Luberon villages and landmarks

• Explore Fontaine natural wellspring
• Discover Gordes village and views
• Photo stop at Sénanque Abbey
• Walk through Roussillon village streets

Top questions

How long is the Luberon & Roussillon half-day tour from Avignon?

The tour lasts approximately half a day, departing from Avignon.

Is hotel pickup included for this Luberon day trip?

The tour includes pickup in Avignon but does not specify hotel pickup.

Do you visit Sénanque Abbey during lavender season?

You stop for photos at Sénanque Abbey only during lavender blossom (mid-June to mid-July).

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized seats are available if needed.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included with your booking.

What languages does the guide speak?

The description doesn’t specify languages spoken by guides.

Are there public transportation options near departure point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby in Avignon.

Is lunch included on this half-day Luberon tour?

No lunch is included; only bottled water is provided.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes transport by air-conditioned minivan with an experienced driver-guide, bottled water throughout the journey, and stops at Gordes, Sénanque Abbey (for photos), Roussillon’s colorful streets, plus one extra village before returning to Avignon together.