Luberon Villages Day Trip: Gordes, Roussillon & Sénanque Abbey

Four Luberon villages in one day, each one a different Provence

A full-day private tour from Arles explores four villages across the Luberon valley: L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with its riverside waterwheels, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse at the foot of limestone cliffs, Gordes spread across a rocky hilltop, the ochre-built Roussillon, and the 12th-century Sénanque Abbey. An English-speaking guide and air-conditioned minivan are included, with hotel pickup and drop-off. Moderate fitness is needed for walking through villages and optional trails.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Sénanque Abbey30m
2. Roussillon1h

Explore Luberon Villages and Scenic Views

• Visit L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue canals
• Stroll historic center and boutiques
• Optional coffee or lunch break
• Walk beside Sorgue River at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
• Photo stops at spring and pools
• Explore village shops and cafés
• Stop at panoramic viewpoint of Gordes
• Admire Gordes village and landscape
• Visit Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
• Photo and optional abbey interior visit
• Walk through Roussillon village
• See ochre cliffs and colorful streets
• Optional Ochre Trail walk
• Time for coffee or snack in Roussillon

The experience

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue opens the day: a canalside town often called the Venice of Provence, where the Sorgue River runs through the historic center past small bridges and iconic waterwheels. You walk the riverside paths and explore local boutiques and squares at your own pace, with time for coffee or lunch if the day falls on a market or antiques day, when France's most famous brocante scene fills the streets with vintage finds. Your guide shares the story of the river and daily life in Provence as you stop for photos in the most picturesque corners.

The route then climbs into the heart of the Luberon. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse sits at the foot of dramatic limestone cliffs, where the emerald Sorgue River emerges from a deep karst cave: one of Europe's most powerful resurgences. You follow the shaded riverside path to the legendary spring, cross charming stone bridges, and pause at the crystal-clear pools. Gordes comes next, approached first from a panoramic viewpoint where the stone houses cascade down the hillside in a view that defines Provence on postcards. Sénanque Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery hidden in a quiet valley, offers time for photos and the story of the monks' simple life. Entry inside is optional and at your own cost.

Roussillon, built on top of an ochre cliff, is where the villages shift in character. The old town's warm red-orange streets and vibrant façades come from the local ochre deposits that shaped the village's history. You walk through the charming center, discover art galleries and scenic viewpoints over the Luberon countryside, and have the option to walk the Ochre Trail through dramatic ochre landscapes (optional ticket, own expense). The day ends with time in the village for ice cream or a coffee before the return to Arles.

What’s included

• Private English-speaking guide and driver.
• air-conditioned minivan transport.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Arles.
• fuel surcharge.
• stops in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, Gordes, Sénanque Abbey and Roussillon with time for photos and exploration at each.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, Chinese and Korean

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 28 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by DOMITIA TOURS

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide narrating the history and geology of each village while your driver handles the route. You'll stop at five specific locations rather than wandering at your own pace, and can sync departure with your cruise ship schedule.

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Top questions

What is L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue like when we arrive?

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a riverside town where the Sorgue River runs through the historic center past small bridges and iconic waterwheels. You'll stroll along the canalside paths through local boutiques and charming squares. If the day falls on a market or antiques day, you'll find one of France's most famous antiques and brocante scenes full of unique vintage treasures.

Can we go inside Sénanque Abbey, or is it just photos from outside?

Sénanque Abbey offers time for photos from the best viewpoints and to learn the story of the monks and the abbey's history from your guide. Entry inside the church, cloister and monastic rooms is optional and requires a separate ticket at your own expense, depending on opening hours.

What makes Roussillon different from the other villages on this tour?

Roussillon is built on top of an ochre cliff and is famous for its striking red-orange streets and warm-colored façades, shaped by the local ochre deposits. You'll walk through the old town to discover vibrant buildings, art galleries and scenic viewpoints. The optional Ochre Trail walks through dramatic ochre landscapes (own expense).

How long is this tour, and what's included in the price?

The tour runs for eight hours and includes a private English-speaking guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan, hotel pickup and drop-off, and fuel. Food, drinks and lunch are at your own expense, as are optional attractions like the Ochre Trail or entry inside Sénanque Abbey.