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Hilltop villages, scenic drives, and classic Provençal landscapes
Provence is one of France’s most evocative regions: picture lavender fields, olive groves, hilltop stone villages, Roman ruins, and Mediterranean cliffs all within a few hours’ drive of each other.
A Provence road trip by car lets you see the region at a relaxed pace, mix culture with outdoor experiences, and dip into both famous towns and hidden gems.
Provence Road Trip Map
Route: Aix-en-Provence – Cassis & Calanques – Verdon Gorge – Luberon Villages – Avignon & Rhône Valley
Distance: ~650 km (loop)
Duration: 7–10 days
Best time to go: Spring to early autumn, with lavender peaking mid-June to mid-July
Best for: Hilltop villages, Mediterranean views, scenic drives, food and wine, nature
Planning tools we actually use for France Road Trips
Day 1: Aix-en-Provence – Mediterranean Start
Base: Aix-en-Provence
Begin your trip in Aix-en-Provence, a city known for its elegant boulevards, fountains, and markets. Spend your first day wandering the Cours Mirabeau, exploring the Old Town, and sampling Provençal cuisine on a terrace. Aix also makes a great launch point for exploring both the coast and inland Provence.
Day 2: Cassis and the Calanques
Drive: ~45 min from Aix
Head south toward Cassis and the stunning Calanques National Park. These dramatic limestone inlets framed by turquoise water are perfect for a half-day hike, kayak trip, or boat cruise. Wander Cassis’ old port before sunset.
Day 3: Verdon Gorge
Drive: ~2 hrs from Cassis
Today’s highlight is the Verdon Gorge, one of Europe’s most spectacular river canyons. Stop along scenic overlooks, walk short trails to viewpoints, or try kayaking in the emerald waters below the cliffs. The drive itself, winding and scenic, is a highlight.
Day 4: Valensole Plateau & Luberon Villages
Drive: ~1 hr from Verdon
Visit the Valensole Plateau if you’re here in summer; the endless lavender fields are a bucket-list experience and perfect for photos. Then continue toward the Luberon region’s hilltop villages: Gordes, Roussillon, and Menerbes are classics, each with its own colour palette and markets.
Day 5: Hilltop Villages & Markets
Use today to explore more Luberon gems. Wander cobblestone lanes, sip rosé at vineyards, and time your visit with regional market days. Towns like Lourmarin, Lacoste, and Bonnieux each host weekly markets with fresh produce and local crafts.
Day 6: Avignon & Rhône Valley
Drive: ~1 hr from Luberon
Head northwest into the Rhône Valley to Avignon. Explore the Palais des Papes, stroll the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, and sample wines from nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Avignon’s old quarter is full of cafés and restaurants perfect for long lunches and people-watching.
Day 7: Ancient Rome & Nîmes (optional)
If you have extra days, take a loop west to Orange and Nîmes for some of France’s best-preserved Roman monuments, including the Orange Roman Theatre and the Maison Carrée. These towns are perfect day trips from Avignon.
Where to Stay on a Provence Road Trip
For a Provence road trip, choosing the right bases matters more than hopping hotels every night. These locations keep driving times short, avoid city-centre traffic where possible, and all work well for travellers with a car. Every hotel below has parking and is easily accessible by road.
Aix-en-Provence: Elegant Start or End Point
Aix works well at the beginning or end of the trip, especially if you’re flying into Marseille or arriving from northern France.
Luxury: Hotel Villa Gallici is a refined five-star option just outside the historic centre, with gardens, a pool, and private parking. Ideal if you want classic Provençal luxury without driving into tight old-town streets.
Mid-range: Hôtel des Augustins is centrally located but practical, offering nearby parking options and easy access to restaurants and markets. A solid choice if you want charm without the luxury price tag.
Budget: ibis Aix-en-Provence is a simple, reliable, and car-friendly option, offering free parking and quick access to the motorway. Works well for short stays or early departures.
Cassis or La Ciotat: Coast and Calanques Access
Staying slightly outside Cassis itself often makes life easier with a car.
Luxury: Les Roches Blanches is a dramatic clifftop hotel with sea views, pools, and parking. Expensive, but perfectly placed for the Calanques and a special night or two.
Mid-range: Hotel Liautaud is right on Cassis harbour with parking nearby. Great if you want to stay central and don’t mind planning parking ahead.
Budget: Best Western Premier Vieux-Port La Ciotat offers easier parking than Cassis, good coastal access, and a practical base for exploring the Calanques by car or boat.
Verdon Gorge or Castellane: Nature-Focused Stop
If you want early starts for viewpoints or kayaking, staying close to the gorge makes a big difference.
Luxury: La Bastide de Moustiers is a refined countryside stay near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, with parking and easy access to Verdon viewpoints.
Mid-range: Hotel du Levant is well-located near Castellane, with parking and simple access to hiking trails and gorge roads.
Budget: Camping Les Lavandes is a good low-cost chalet option with parking and self-contained accommodation if you’re travelling slowly or in summer.
Luberon Villages: Countryside Base
This is one of the best areas to slow down and stay put for a few nights.
Luxury: Coquillade Provence is a refined vineyard-estate hotel set in the Luberon countryside, with spacious grounds, a full spa, and easy on-site parking. Best for a relaxed luxury stay with Provençal scenery and straightforward road trip access.
Mid-range: Le Mas des Romarins is a comfortable and well-located hotel near Gordes with parking and easy access to surrounding villages like Roussillon and Bonnieux.
Budget: Hotel Carcarille is set between Gordes and Roussillon, with straightforward rooms, parking, and good road access. A reliable base without the premium village pricing.
Avignon: History and Wine Country Hub
Avignon works well for exploring the Rhône Valley and nearby villages without constantly moving accommodation.
Luxury: La Mirande is a historic townhouse hotel inside the city walls with valet parking options. Atmospheric and central for exploring Avignon on foot.
Mid-range: Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis is characterful, practical, and car-friendly, with parking nearby and easy access to the old town.
Budget: ibis Avignon Centre Gare is convenient, affordable, and well set up for travellers arriving or departing by road.
Booking Tips for Provence Road Trips
Road-Trip Tips for Provence
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