Luberon villages & Roussillon: Small group tour from Avignon

Summary

Half a day in Provence: ochre cliffs, quiet rivers, and village rhythms

Step into Provence with a small group tour from Avignon: wander Roussillon’s ochre-colored streets, taste fresh fruit from local stalls, and follow the Sorgue river up to its mysterious source at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. With a friendly local guide and transport included, you’ll catch glimpses of village life and colors you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Avignon just as the shutters were creaking open in the old town — our guide, Lucie, had that gentle way of talking that makes you feel like you’ve known her for ages. The minivan was quiet at first, but someone cracked a joke about French coffee being “rocket fuel” and suddenly we were all swapping stories. The road to Roussillon twisted through fields that smelled faintly of thyme and something sweet I couldn’t place. When we finally stepped out, the red ochre cliffs looked almost unreal against the blue sky. I got dust on my shoes (should’ve worn darker ones), but honestly, it felt good to be messy for once.

Lucie pointed out how the houses in Roussillon are painted with pigments from those same cliffs — she even showed us a spot where you could rub your fingers on the stone and come away stained orange. There was this old man selling apricots near the square; he gave me one to try and winked when I tried to thank him in French (I probably butchered it). We wandered around, no rush, just letting ourselves get lost in those narrow lanes. Someone’s dog barked at us from a window ledge — made me laugh for no reason at all.

The drive to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse was quieter — maybe everyone was thinking about lunch or maybe it was just that kind of peaceful stretch. The Sorgue river is colder than you’d expect if you dip your hand in (I did). Lucie told us about speleologists still trying to figure out how deep that spring really goes; apparently nobody knows for sure. We walked along the water up to where it disappears into rock — there’s this hush there, broken only by birds and the sound of water slipping over stones. I still think about that green light under the surface.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luberon Villages and River Source

• Free time in Roussillon village
• Photo stop at panorama viewpoint
• Walk to source of Sorgue River

Top questions

How long is the Luberon villages tour from Avignon?

This is a half-day tour departing from Avignon.

Is pickup included for this small group tour?

Yes, pickup from Avignon is included in your booking.

What villages do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit Roussillon and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse during the trip.

How many people are on each tour?

The group size is limited to eight people for a more personal experience.

Is there a guide on this day trip?

Yes, a local guide accompanies your group throughout the tour.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children under 4 years old are not permitted on these tours.

What is special about Roussillon?

Roussillon is famous for its unique red ochre cliffs and colorful village houses.

Do we have free time during the tour?

You’ll have free time in both Roussillon and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to explore at your own pace.

What’s included

Your half-day includes pickup in Avignon, travel by air-conditioned minivan with a local guide who shares stories along the way, plus plenty of time to wander through Roussillon’s ochre streets and walk beside the Sorgue river before heading back together.