Luberon Villages Day Trip from Aix: Markets, Gordes & Roussillon

Summary

Provence villages, market mornings and ochre cliffs in Luberon

You’ll wind through Luberon’s villages with a local guide from Aix-en-Provence, tasting fresh market treats in Gordes or Roussillon, pausing by Sénanque Abbey’s lavender fields (in season), and wandering quiet corners like Fountain of Vaucluse. Expect honest flavors, sun-warmed stones underfoot, and moments that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Aix-en-Provence just after breakfast, windows down to let in that dry, herbal air. Our guide, Camille, had this habit of humming along with the radio between stories about the region — I liked that. First stop was Gordes, perched up on its limestone ledge. The view from the panoramic point made me pause (and fumble for my camera). There was a market on Tuesday — stalls stacked with lavender sachets and goat cheese. I tried to ask for olives in French; the vendor grinned and switched to English before I could finish. That’s Provence for you.

Driving through the Luberon feels like flipping through a storybook — every bend opens up something new. We passed fields that smelled faintly of wild thyme and stopped near Sénanque Abbey (mid-June to mid-July only) when the lavender was just starting to purple up the air. Camille pointed out how monks still live there in silence — “except for their honey sales,” she joked. I bought a tiny jar anyway. Roussillon came next, all ochre cliffs and narrow lanes splashed with color so bright it almost hurt my eyes after the pale stone of Gordes.

I wandered Roussillon’s Thursday market alone for a bit — tasted a slice of apricot tart that left sugar on my fingers and listened to two old men argue softly over tomatoes. At some point I lost track of time, just watching sunlight flicker off painted shutters. The Fountain of Vaucluse was our last stop (at least until April 2026), where water rushed cold and green under plane trees. It’s funny how quiet it gets there, even with other visitors around.

By late afternoon we were all a little sun-drowsy in the minibus heading back to Aix-en-Provence, arms full of bread or soap or whatever caught our eye at those Luberon markets. I still think about that view over Gordes — how it looked like it might slide right off its hill if you breathed too hard. Anyway, if you’re thinking about a day trip from Aix-en-Provence into these villages, just go hungry and curious.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Luberon villages and markets

• Enjoy panoramic village view
• Photo stop at Sénanque Abbey
• Free time in Roussillon village
• Free time at Fountain of Vaucluse

Top questions

Which villages are included on the Luberon day trip from Aix?

The tour visits Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, and sometimes Fountain of Vaucluse depending on season.

Is there time to explore local markets during the tour?

Yes, free time is given in villages on their respective market days: Gordes (Tuesday), Roussillon (Thursday), Lourmarin (Friday), and others as scheduled.

Does the tour stop at Sénanque Abbey?

The tour includes a photo stop at Sénanque Abbey from mid-June to mid-July when lavender is blooming.

Is lunch included on this Luberon villages day trip?

No lunch is included but you can buy food at village markets during free time.

What kind of transport is used for this day trip?

The tour uses an air-conditioned minibus driven by your guide.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children under 4 years old are not allowed on this tour.

How long does the Luberon day trip last?

The tour runs approximately 8–8.5 hours depending on season: 9 am–5:30 pm from November to March.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

The tour starts from Aix-en-Provence but does not include hotel pickup; check meeting point details when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by air-conditioned minibus through Provence’s countryside with a professional driver-guide at the wheel. You’ll get plenty of free time in each Luberon village—Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin—to wander markets or grab lunch as you like before returning to Aix-en-Provence in the afternoon.