Provence road trip with your own car - The perfect week in the south of France

A Provence round trip with your own car is the ideal way to discover Southern France in a relaxed manner and at your own pace. Charming villages, Mediterranean landscapes, culinary highlights, and hand-picked accommodations await you on this 7-day itinerary from Birgit and Johannes, guests of casapilot. Whether lavender fields, small markets, or viewpoints – here you'll find not just a route, but real inspiration for your road trip through Provence.

The Provence tour route begins in Avignon, a city with medieval charm and a vibrant cultural scene. Even before check-in, we walk through the impressive city walls into the historic old town. Cobblestones, colorful shutters, and the massive Papal Palace are reminders of Avignon's significant history as a church metropolis in the 14th century.

A stroll through the alleys takes you past handicrafts, bookstores, and small squares where Provençal life is evident. If you wish, you can visit the Papal Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or simply enjoy the hustle and bustle around the Place de l’Horloge.

The first day of your Provence tour by car ends at the Pont Saint-Bénézet – at sunset over the Rhône, with a view of the roofs of the old town. A perfect moment to arrive.

☕ Tip: At Café Tulipe (7 Rue des Trois Faucons) you can expect excellent specialty coffee, homemade cakes and creative brunch dishes with international flavors – all with a focus on regionality and sustainability. Ideal for a stylish break after arrival. Open Mon 9:00–15:00, Tue–Fri 9:00–17:30, Sat 9:30–18:00, Sun closed (as of June 2025)

From Avignon, the drive takes about one hour to the picturesque village of Gordes, perched on a hilltop and offering breathtaking views over the Luberon Valley. A stroll through the cobbled streets with their light-colored stone houses and small boutiques leads to the historic castle in the village center.

We continue to Roussillon, which is only about a 15-minute drive from Gordes. Known for its bright ochre cliffs, the famous Sentier des Ocres invites you to a colorful hike. The red-orange dirt paths appear almost surreal under the southern French sun.

🍽 Tip: Restaurant Omma Luberon (38 Place de la Poste, Roussillon) offers regional, bistronomic cuisine with spectacular views of the ochre cliffs. Opening hours: Wed–Sun, lunch 12:00–15:00 (last order 14:00) and dinner 19:00–22:00 (last order 21:00). The restaurant is closed on Thursdays and Fridays (as of June 2025).

In the evening, return to your cozy country house in the Luberon – a tranquil oasis that perfectly reflects the region's relaxed pace of life.

The third day of the road trip in Provence starts with the lively market in Lourmarin, which livens up the Boulevard du Rayol and Place Henri Barthélémy under the plane trees in the north of the old town every Friday from around 8 am to 12.30 pm. Up to 180 stalls offer seasonal products such as fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, charcuterie, handicrafts, kitchen utensils and more. The variety varies depending on the season and weather - a real experience that brings the local way of life to life.

In the afternoon, the couple head to Saignon, a village in the heart of the Luberon Regional Nature Park. Between vineyards, orchards and wooded hills, they enjoy the peace and space of nature. The park is home to around 300 species of vertebrates, including the rare Bonelli's eagle, which you might be lucky enough to spot on a walk.

Nature lovers and active holidaymakers will also find the Voie Verte du Calavon, a green cycle path that passes through some of the most beautiful villages in the region, including Ansouis, Lourmarin, Gordes, Ménerbes and Roussillon.

In the evening, you return to your cosy country house, where you can reflect on the impressions of the day.

The fourth day of the trip takes the couple on a scenic route (approx. 2.5 hours) from their country house in the Luberon to the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The idyllic village, famous for its centuries-old ceramic tradition, is picturesquely situated at the entrance to the imposing Verdon Gorge. The narrow, charming alleyways invite you to take a relaxing stroll, while small workshops and boutiques showcase traditional craftsmanship.

For a short break, visit one of the cafés in the town centre, where you can enjoy the atmosphere and the view of the surrounding limestone cliffs over a cup of coffee. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is the perfect place to recharge your batteries before setting off again.

In the afternoon, Birgit and Johannes continue their journey and reach the Verdon Gorge, one of Europe's most spectacular natural wonders. With its steep rock faces, emerald green water and breathtaking panoramas, the gorge offers a variety of opportunities for hiking, canoeing or simply marvelling.

Here you can spend a day full of nature experiences. The Verdon Gorge perfectly combines adventure and relaxation and remains an unforgettable highlight of the Provence round trip by car.

On the fifth day, the road trip takes you to the famous Valensole Plateau, which delights with endless lavender fields in full bloom from mid-June to mid-July. The intensely fragrant and bright purple fields are an absolute highlight of Provence and offer numerous photo opportunities and walking trails. The plateau stretches over approximately 800 square kilometers and is ideal for a leisurely exploration by car or bicycle.

After enjoying the splendor of lavender, Birgit and Johannes continue their journey towards Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The journey from morning until arrival in the city takes about three hours. The city is known for its historic old town, the narrow streets and its artistic history – Vincent van Gogh spent a formative time here.

Saint-Rémy offers a perfect combination of culture, history, and Mediterranean flair, ideal for a relaxing evening stroll and an authentic glimpse into Provençal life.

🍽 Evening tip: The Restaurant Le Moulin de Sophie (150 Route De Maillane, 13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence) impresses with regional cuisine in a stylish setting—the perfect way to end the day on a high note.

The sixth day begins with a relaxing morning in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Birgit and Johannes stroll through the historic streets and enjoy the charming atmosphere of the city. Saint-Rémy is known for its Roman remains, art galleries, and close connection to Vincent van Gogh, who created some of his most famous works in Saint-Paul-de-Mausole.

In the afternoon, they take a short trip to Les Baux-de-Provence, only about a 20-minute drive away. This spectacular hilltop village sits high above the plain and delights with its well-preserved medieval ruins, winding streets, and breathtaking views.

A **visit to the fortress**and the nearby Carrières de Lumières – an impressive light and sound installation in a former quarry hall – perfectly rounds off the day.

After a day full of culture and nature, Birgit and Johannes return to Saint-Rémy to relax in their holiday home.

On the last day of their road trip through Provence, Birgit and Johannes visit the historic city of Arles, which, with its Roman buildings, narrow streets, and vibrant culture, invites you to linger. The Roman amphitheater, the ancient theater, and the well-preserved remains of the ancient city are particularly impressive.

A leisurely stroll through the old town leads past charming cafés and small boutiques that invite you to linger.

After an enjoyable lunch in one of the traditional restaurants, Birgit and Johannes relax and depart for their journey home, enjoying a final evening in their own car through Provence.

🍽 Tip: For an authentic meal, the Restaurant L'Escaladou is just a stone's throw from the Arena and the ancient theater. Here, mother and daughter run the traditional restaurant, which was founded by their grandfather in 1976. Homemade Provençal dishes are served here – ideal for rounding off your road trip in style.

Birgit and Johannes' seven-day road trip through Provence demonstrates how diverse and multifaceted this region is. From historic cities to breathtaking natural landscapes to culinary highlights – Provence delights with every drive, every stop, and every new experience.

With peace, openness, and your own rhythm, the beauty of Southern France can be discovered in a particularly intense way. We wish you an equally inspiring journey full of unforgettable moments.