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

Summary

Colorful villages, Roman marvels and ochre trails from Avignon

You’ll wander ancient Roman aqueducts at Pont du Gard, stroll cliffside villages like Gordes and Roussillon with their sun-washed colors, taste local bread in tiny bakeries, and travel with a guide who brings Provence’s stories to life. Includes pickup from Avignon and all entry fees — just bring curiosity (and maybe comfy shoes).

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing under the Pont du Gard — honestly, I thought it’d just be another old stone thing, but there’s something about the way the river moves below and the sun hits those arches. Our guide, Pierre, told us it’s been standing since the Romans (he said “Nîmes” with this proud little nod). I kept thinking about all that water rushing through here centuries ago. The air smelled faintly of wet stone and wild herbs — or maybe that was just my imagination running wild.

We’d started out in Avignon early, with coffee still warming my hands in the van. Driving through Provence is like flipping through a storybook: olive trees everywhere, then suddenly these villages appear on cliffs. In Gordes, I tried to pronounce the name right (it’s more like “Gord” than “Gordez”, by the way) and got a grin from an old man sweeping his stoop. The view over the valley is… well, it just kind of sits in your chest for a while after you leave. I think I took too many photos but none really got it.

Lunch was in Roussillon — that place is wild with color. Ochre dust on my shoes, orange walls almost glowing against blue shutters. We wandered narrow streets and Pierre pointed out how locals used to dig pigment straight from the earth for painting houses. There was this bakery with fresh fougasse; I grabbed one and ate it leaning against a wall, crumbs everywhere (worth it). If you come during late June or July you’ll stop at Sénanque Abbey for lavender fields — we missed peak bloom but even without it, the abbey looked peaceful tucked into its valley.

By late afternoon I was tired but didn’t want it to end yet — there’s something about moving from place to place with someone who knows every shortcut and story. The minivan felt cozy by then; bottled water rattling around on the floor, everyone quietly watching vineyards roll past outside. I still think about that ochre dust when I unpack my shoes now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Provence's key highlights

• Visit Fontaine de Vaucluse wellspring
• Tour hilltop village of Gordes
• Photo stop at Senanque Abbey
• Lunch and explore Roussillon village
• Walking tour in Saint Remy de Provence
• Visit les Baux de Provence fortress
• See Pont du Gard aqueduct

Top questions

How long is the Provence day trip from Avignon?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 9 hours including transport between stops.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is not included but there is a lunch stop in Roussillon where you can buy food.

Does this tour visit Pont du Gard?

Yes, Pont du Gard is one of the main highlights of this Provence day trip from Avignon.

Are hotel pickups available?

The tour includes pickup in Avignon; check when booking for exact details.

Is this suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; specialized seats are available if needed.

Do we visit lavender fields at Sénanque Abbey?

The tour stops at Sénanque Abbey only during lavender blossom season (late June to mid-July).

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

The tour uses an air-conditioned minivan for comfort throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Avignon by air-conditioned minivan with a local driver-guide leading you through each village and historic site; bottled water is provided along with all entry fees and taxes covered so you can relax and focus on exploring without any extra hassle.