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

Summary

Roman bridges, ochre villages, hilltop views, and Provençal markets in one day

You’ll wind through Provence’s hilltop villages, walk along emerald rivers, taste fresh pastries in Roussillon, and stand beneath Pont du Gard’s ancient arches. With a local guide handling all the details (and stories), you’ll have space to take it all in — colors, sounds, even a bit of dust on your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the river at Fontaine de Vaucluse sounded — not loud exactly, but insistent, like it had somewhere to be. Our guide, Sylvie, grinned when she saw me staring at the water. “It’s always this green,” she said. The morning was cool and smelled faintly of wet stone and coffee from a café by the bridge. I didn’t expect to feel so awake so early, but there’s something about Provence that just does that to you.

We wound through roads lined with cypress trees and hit Gordes just as the sun started warming up the stone walls. The houses sort of spiral up around a rock — it looks almost impossible from below. Everyone took photos but honestly, I mostly remember the sound of old shutters being opened and someone laughing in French above us. Sénanque Abbey was next; it sits in this quiet valley surrounded by lavender fields (well, we caught them just before full bloom). The abbey’s stones felt cold if you touched them — centuries old — and Sylvie told us monks still live there. She said they don’t talk much; I get why.

Lunch was in Roussillon where everything is yellow or orange or some mix of both. There’s red dust on your shoes after five minutes walking those streets. We found a little bakery with tartes salées in the window — not fancy but perfect if you’re hungry and maybe a bit lost (which we were). After that, Saint Rémy de Provence felt almost too pretty to be real — narrow lanes full of art galleries and people drinking rosé at noon without any hurry at all.

I think my favorite part was Pont du Gard at the end. It’s massive — bigger than any photo makes it look — and you can hear kids splashing in the river underneath while everyone else just sort of stands there looking up. Some guy tried to explain Roman engineering to his daughter; she wasn’t having it. The sun was starting to go down by then and everything looked gold for a minute or two before we climbed back into the van. Still thinking about that light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Provence's highlights and villages

• Visit Fontaine de Vaucluse natural site
• Enjoy panoramic views of Gordes village
• Tour Sénanque Abbey
• Explore and lunch in colorful Roussillon
• Visit Saint Rémy de Provence village
• Discover Les Baux-de-Provence citadel
• See Pont du Gard Roman bridge

Top questions

How long is the Provence day trip?

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

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included; you’ll have free time to explore Roussillon and find your own meal.

Are there stops at lavender fields?

Yes, during mid-June to late July when lavender is blooming, there’s a special stop at a field near Sénanque Abbey.

Does the tour include pickup?

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport but does not specify hotel pickup; check with your provider for exact details.

What are some main attractions visited?

You’ll visit Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, Sénanque Abbey, Roussillon, Saint Rémy de Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence, and Pont du Gard.

Can children join this day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are allowed.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but involves some walking on uneven village streets.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable air-conditioned transport between each highlight village and site across Provence. There’s plenty of time for wandering markets or grabbing lunch on your own in Roussillon before heading out again with your guide for more stories and views — all travel time is built into the schedule so you don’t feel rushed anywhere along the way.