Luberon perched villages
A spring in a cliff, Sénanque’s lavender, Roussillon’s ochre cliffs and the hill villages of Bonnieux and Lourmarin.
- Distance
- approx. 71 km (44 mi)
- Driving
- 0 h 59 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- France
- Best time to go
- April–May and September–October
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ €5
- Updated
- August 28, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 71 km (44 mi) with 7 stops, from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to Lourmarin. About 0 h 59 min of driving in total. Best time to go: April–May and September–October. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €5 (France).
More road trips in France · More road trips from Avignon
Photos along the route
Route description
Start at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, where the river Sorgue rises from the foot of a cliff; the spring is most impressive after winter rain. Small roads then climb to Gordes, stacked on a hill above the valley, and down a narrow lane to the abbey of Sénanque.
Across the valley, Roussillon is built of ochre in every shade and its Ochre Trail leads through the old quarries. East of Apt, the Colorado Provençal at Rustrel is a larger and wilder version, with longer walks among coloured cliffs and chimneys.
Follow the D900 back west and climb into the Petit Luberon to Bonnieux, whose terraces look over to Gordes. The D943 then cuts through the Combe de Lourmarin to Lourmarin, with its Renaissance château and the grave of Albert Camus.
The lavender at Sénanque and on the plateau flowers from late June to mid-July, when roads and car parks are busy. Village centres are closed to large vehicles, so use the car parks at the entrance; most villages have a weekly market worth planning around.
Which stops are on Luberon perched villages?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
France - 27 km
Gordes
France - 33 km
Sénanque Abbey
HistoryGordes, FranceA 12th-century Cistercian abbey in a narrow valley, with rows of lavender in front that flower in July. Monks still live here, so dress modestly and keep your voice down.
- 411 km
Ochre Trail
NatureRoussillon, FranceA short trail through old ochre quarries in every shade from yellow to blood red. It takes under an hour, but do not wear white.
- 518 km
Colorado Provençal
NatureRustrel, FranceLarger, wilder ochre cliffs and chimneys left by 19th-century mining, with marked loops of one to three hours. Go early in summer; there is little shade.
- 621 km
Bonnieux
France - 710 km
Lourmarin
France
How do you drive Luberon perched villages in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse → Ochre Trail · 21 km · 0 h 18 minOn the way: Gordes, Sénanque Abbey.Overnight nearby, for example: Les Chênes Blancs (4 km); Camping le Luberon (10 km).
- Day 2: Ochre Trail → Colorado Provençal · 18 km · 0 h 15 minOvernight nearby, for example: Le Colorado (< 1 km); Camping le Luberon (8 km).
- Day 3: Colorado Provençal → Lourmarin · 31 km · 0 h 26 minOn the way: Bonnieux.Overnight nearby, for example: Le Moulin à Vent (7 km); Lou Badareu (7 km).
When is the best time for Luberon perched villages?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
What should you know before driving Luberon perched villages?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €5 (France).
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
More routes for the best months
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FAQs
How long is Luberon perched villages?
3-day road trip of about 71 km (44 mi) with 7 stops, from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to Lourmarin. About 0 h 59 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Luberon perched villages?
We suggest 3 days: about 0 h 59 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Luberon perched villages start and end?
It starts in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and ends in Lourmarin.
Which countries does Luberon perched villages pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Luberon perched villages?
OpenStreetMap lists 79 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Fontaine de Vaucluse - Parking Camping Car, Camping les Royères du Prieuréalt and Les Chênes Blancs.
How much are the tolls on Luberon perched villages?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €5 (France). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
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