Private Luberon villages tour: Gordes, Roussillon, Sénanque Abbey

Medieval hilltop villages, ochre quarries and a Cistercian abbey in one unhurried afternoon

A private tour of the Luberon villages and Sénanque Abbey with driver-guide, van pickup and bottled water included. You set the pace at each stop—Gordes with its Renaissance castle and cobblestone streets, Roussillon's ochre cliffs, Bonnieux's panoramic views, and the 12th-century abbey with its lavender fields. The itinerary is fully customizable to your interests, and in June and July the flowering lavender creates the backdrop for photographs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Luberon villages and abbey

• Travel through Luberon Valley
• Visit Roussillon village
• Visit Gordes village
• Photo stop in Bonnieux
• Pass by Lourmarin
• Visit Sénanque Abbey and shop

The Experience

You're picked up from your hotel or cruise ship in a comfortable air-conditioned van with your driver-guide, who speaks English, Italian or French. The route winds through the Luberon Valley past vineyards and olive groves, stopping in a flowering lavender field during June and July so you can step out and photograph the rows. The drive itself is part of the day—the landscape changes as you move between villages, and your guide points out what matters to you.

Roussillon comes first, a village built on ochre cliffs and nicknamed Colorado Provençal for the rust-colored soil. You walk the narrow alleys past craft shops and small squares, and the color of the stone and the streets is what stays with you. Gordes sits higher, a medieval village rebuilt in the 16th century with a Renaissance castle, the Church of Saint Firmin, and a Tuesday market (8am to 1pm) if your day lands on one. Bonnieux is a photo stop—the view across the Luberon from there is the one people come back for. You pass through Lourmarin without stopping unless the Friday market (8am to 1pm) is running and you want to linger.

Sénanque Abbey, built in the 12th century, is the quiet end of the day. The lavender fields surround it, and you can walk the grounds and visit the shop free of charge. An optional guided tour of the abbey itself is available if you want the history; otherwise you spend the time as you choose. The van returns you to your starting point at the end, with WiFi on board and bottled water throughout the day.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned van transportation with your driver-guide.
• pickup from your hotel or cruise ship with punctual return.
• bottled water and WiFi on board.
• access to the grounds and shop at Sénanque Abbey.
• stops in Roussillon, Gordes, Bonnieux and the Luberon Valley lavender fields.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by My Champagne Concierge

Is this one for you?If your guide speaks English, Italian or French, you'll follow the commentary comfortably throughout the day. The fully customizable route means you can linger longer at any village or skip a stop if something else interests you more—the pace is yours, not a fixed schedule.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is Roussillon actually like to walk through?

Roussillon is a compact village built on ochre cliffs, with narrow streets and small craft shops winding through it. The stone itself is rust-colored from the ochre deposits, which is why it's called Colorado Provençal—the color is the main draw, along with the quiet alleys and the views out over the valley.

Can I visit inside Sénanque Abbey, or just walk the grounds?

You can walk the grounds and the lavender fields around Sénanque Abbey free of charge. An optional guided tour of the abbey interior is available if you want to see the 12th-century Cistercian monastery itself and learn its history; otherwise the shop and the exterior are open to explore at your own pace.

What time of year is the lavender in bloom?

The lavender flowers in June and July, when the fields around Sénanque Abbey are in full bloom and create the most dramatic backdrop for photographs. Outside those months, the fields are still there but not flowering.

Does the tour include meals or drinks?

The tour includes bottled water and air-conditioned van transport, but meals and drinks are not included. You can eat at cafes and restaurants in Gordes, Roussillon or Bonnieux, or bring your own food to eat during stops.

Is there a market day that affects which villages I can explore?

Gordes has a Provençal market every Tuesday from 8am to 1pm, and Bonnieux and Lourmarin both have markets on Friday mornings from 8am to 1pm. If your tour falls on one of those days, you may find the village busier or have the chance to browse the market stalls.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs 7 to 8 hours from pickup to return, which gives you time to explore each village at a relaxed pace without rushing between stops.