Luberon Villages from Aix: Half-Day Tour with Minibus

Summary

Hilltop villages, winding roads and quiet Provencal afternoons

You’ll wander through four classic Luberon villages—Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Roussillon and Gordes—each with its own rhythm and color. Enjoy free time to explore cobbled streets or grab something sweet from a local bakery. Your driver-guide shares stories along winding roads, all with easy transport included from Aix-en-Provence.

What’s the experience like?

“Is that really lavender I smell, or am I just imagining it?” That’s what I asked our guide, Luc, as we rolled out of Aix-en-Provence in the minibus. He just grinned and said, “Depends on the wind.” The air was warm but not heavy, and you could see the hills starting to ripple up in the distance. We’d barely left the city before everything felt slower — even my phone lost signal for a bit, which honestly was kind of perfect.

Our first stop was Lourmarin. The shutters were all painted that faded blue you only see in this part of France. We wandered past a bakery where someone inside was laughing (no idea what about), and Luc pointed out a tiny fountain he said people used to fill up at when summers got too dry. It’s funny how these Luberon villages seem almost staged, but then you catch someone arguing over tomatoes or hear a scooter backfire and it feels real again.

Bonnieux came next — perched so high I swear my ears popped a little. There’s this old church at the top; climbing up there made my legs ache but the view down over the valley is one of those things that sticks with you. After that we headed to Roussillon for some free time. The ochre cliffs are wild — like someone spilled paint everywhere — and I kept getting dust on my shoes. It gets under your nails too, which is annoying but also kind of proof you were actually there.

We finished in Gordes as late sun started sliding across the stone walls. People sat outside cafés with their dogs under the table (one barked at me — maybe I looked suspicious). On the drive back to Aix-en-Provence nobody talked much; everyone just watched the light change out the window. I didn’t expect to feel so quiet after just an afternoon away, but something about those hilltop towns settles you down for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luberon hilltop villages

• Visit Lourmarin village
• Photo stop in Bonnieux
• Free time in Roussillon village
• Free time in Gordes village

Top questions

How long is the Luberon Villages half-day tour from Aix-en-Provence?

The tour lasts an afternoon and covers four villages in several hours.

Which villages do you visit on this Luberon tour?

The tour visits Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Roussillon, and Gordes.

Is transport included on this day trip from Aix-en-Provence?

Yes, air-conditioned minibus transport is included throughout the tour.

Will there be free time in each village?

Yes, you’ll have free time to explore each village during the tour.

Are children allowed on this Luberon day trip?

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

Is lunch included during the half-day Luberon tour?

No, lunch is not included; you have free time to find your own snacks or meals.

Does this tour include a professional guide?

Yes, your driver also serves as your professional guide during the trip.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes air-conditioned minibus transport through Provence’s countryside and visits to Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Roussillon (with its ochre cliffs), and Gordes—all with a knowledgeable driver-guide leading the way. You’ll have plenty of free time in each village before returning comfortably to Aix-en-Provence.