Provence Day Trip from Avignon: Gordes, Roussillon & Pont du Gard

Summary

Hilltop villages, ochre streets & ancient bridges in Provence

You’ll wander through Provence’s most iconic villages—Gordes’ stone lanes, Roussillon’s ochre streets—and pause beneath Pont du Gard’s ancient arches as evening falls. With your local guide handling transport and stories (plus hotel pickup), you’re free to soak up every scent, color, and unexpected moment along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Fontaine de Vaucluse to sound like that—water rushing so loud it almost drowned out our guide’s story about poets hiding here centuries ago. The air smelled green, if that makes sense, and I kept getting distracted by the way the sunlight hit the mossy rocks. Our group was small, just six of us plus Jean-Paul (he said to call him JP), who grew up nearby. He pointed out a bakery with “the best croissants in Vaucluse” but we were already late for Gordes, so maybe next time.

Gordes looked like it was carved straight out of the hill—a jumble of pale stone houses stacked above olive groves. We stopped for photos but honestly I just wanted to sit and watch old men play pétanque in the square. JP told us some movie star has a house here; I believed him because everyone seemed too relaxed to care about tourists. Then Roussillon—wow. The red and orange houses almost glowed against the sky, and there was this dusty smell of clay everywhere. Some kids were laughing at a dog chasing pigeons near the ochre cliffs. I tried to say “bonjour” but probably sounded nervous.

Lunch was quick—just a sandwich from a tiny shop—but sitting on a bench with my feet dangling over a little wall felt perfect. After that we drove through Les Alpilles, all jagged rocks and cypress trees whipping past the window. Les Baux de Provence had these narrow streets where you brush shoulders with strangers without meaning to; one woman selling lavender sachets winked at me when I hesitated over my French. The wind picked up and made everything smell faintly herbal.

Pont du Gard came last, right as the light started turning gold. It’s bigger than it looks in photos—standing under those arches you feel sort of small but also lucky to be there at all. JP told us Romans built it without mortar, which still seems impossible. I sat on a warm stone and watched shadows stretch across the river until it was time to go back to Avignon. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on the subway at home—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Provence's iconic villages and landmarks

• Visit Fontaine de Vaucluse
• Photo stop in Gordes village
• Walk in Roussillon village
• Walk in Alpilles village
• Admire view and walk in Les Baux de Provence
• Visit Pont du Gard

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Avignon to Provence villages?

The tour lasts a full day, starting in the morning from Avignon and returning in the evening.

Does this Provence day trip include Pont du Gard?

Yes, Pont du Gard is included as the final stop on this day trip itinerary.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from select hotels in Avignon; check when booking.

What villages do we visit on this Provence tour?

The tour visits Gordes, Roussillon, Les Baux de Provence, Saint Remy de Provence, and Fontaine de Vaucluse.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

No lunch is included; you’ll have free time to buy your own meal in one of the villages.

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from selected Avignon hotels (just check your spot when booking), transport in an air-conditioned minivan with parking fees covered, plus stories and guidance from a local driver-guide throughout every stop—from Fontaine de Vaucluse to Pont du Gard—before heading back in the evening.