I spent my first time in the south of France this past summer and adored these three villages not to miss in the Luberon. Growing up visiting France, we had never ventured into the south east part of France. We mostly went to Biarritz or stayed in the region of our family near Poitiers. So when my mom suggested we go to Provence to explore the idyllic, windy roads, I was sold.
We did quite a bit of research prior to going so we could plan our one day of road tripping in the Luberon. I remember when my friend Julia from GMG went, and instantly went to her page for some inspiration. After settling on a few spots, these were the three villages not to miss in the Luberon. The best part about road tripping is that you can easily move on or stay in each place for as long as you like.
If you want to move a bit slower, you could spend a few days in one village and do smaller road trips or do it in one shot.
Three Villages Not to Miss in the Luberon
Oppède
This is one of the smaller hilltop villages in the region, and it’s oh so charming. One of the best parts of visiting the village is that you park your car below, and walk into town. It makes it feel so old-world, and the surrounding hillside is enchanting. All of the 15th and 16th houses have been restored, so you get a great feeling for what it was like back in the day.
Roussillon
One town you absolutely cannot miss is Roussillon — also known as the red city. Its contrasting colors stand out (in a good way), and you can’t help but spend a few days exploring its backstreets. There’s often farmers markets on the weekend, so try to time it when the city is bustling. One of the best views in town is from the top of the church and I definitely recommend an ice cream to take for the small climb!
Gordes
My favorite of the three villages not to miss in the Luberon was indeed Gordes. It’s fortified walls jet out over the valley and it feels like a fairytale. The green vineyards line up against the hill, providing the perfect setting. If you’re looking for a good place to stop for lunch or dinner, I would recommend selecting one here. If you’re feeling up for a luxury experience, a cup of tea at the La Bastide de Gordes on the terrace overlooking the valley is well worth it!
If you want to read more about my time in France, be sure to check out all of the posts here!
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
1 Comment
They are all so unique!