Looking for the perfect 1 week travel itinerary for the Provence that covers all of the highlights and includes a ton of hidden gems? I’ve got you covered!
Think sun-drenched landscapes, charming villages, and the intoxicating scent of lavender. That’s what you’ll see driving around the Provence.
For our trip we drove all the way from Belgium to the South of France which is about 11 hours driving. But if you’re traveling from outside Europe or by plane anyway I will also include all of those details so you know which airport to choose and where to grab your rental car. Cause you’ll need one!
Looking to spend two weeks in the South of France? Then make sure to also read my French Riviera travel itinerary so you can add it to your Provence travel itinerary.
Now let’s get into it and discover the most incredible places in the Provence.
Transportation for this Provence itinerary
As I mentioned in the intro we drove all the way from our home in Belgium to the South of France which takes around 11 hours. And having a car at your disposal really is the way to go here. Otherwise there’s simply no way to reach all of the beautiful small towns.
Not traveling by car but flying into France? Then there are several options!
By Air
- Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) – This is the main international airport serving Provence, located about 27 kilometers (17 miles) northwest of Marseille. It offers numerous flights from major cities around Europe and beyond. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle, or use public transportation to reach various destinations in Provence.
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) – Located about 7 kilometers (4 miles) west of Nice, this airport is another major gateway to Provence. It serves many international and domestic flights. From Nice, you can travel to Provence by train, car, or bus.
- Avignon-Provence Airport (AVN) – A smaller airport with limited flights, primarily from other French cities and some European destinations. It’s located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) southeast of Avignon.
💡 TIP – For this specific itinerary the two best options are to either fly into Marseille or Avignon.
🚘 I always use SunnyCars when booking a rental car cause their company policy makes me feel the most at ease.
Another option is to fly into Paris, first spend a few days in France’s magical capital and then hop on a high speed train to the South of France. You can take a TGV from Paris to Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, or Marseille, with the journey taking around 3 hours. Then simply pick up your rental car at your city of arrival.
Best time to visit the Provence
Summer (July to August) is a popular time to visit Provence, particularly for those interested in local festivals and the stunning lavender fields in full bloom from late June to early August. However, the summer months can be hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), and the region is more crowded and expensive.
So if you’re not interested in seeing the lavender fields then I would suggest booking outside of that window and aim for the first weeks of June or the first weeks of September. The weather will still be pleasant but there will be a lot less tourists.
Where to stay in the Provence
Four our 1 week in the Provence we chose to stay near the town of Eygalières at a beautiful country house called Mas du Bonheur with a big garden and an outdoor pool. The domain itself is shared with the owners but our terrace and house were completely private.
Other options in Eygalières are
La Bastide d’Eygalières – This boutique hotel provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere with tastefully decorated rooms and suites. It offers an outdoor pool, a lovely terrace, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
Le Mas des Fées – Located just a short drive from Eygalières, this charming hotel is set in a traditional Provencal farmhouse. It features comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant known for its regional dishes.
Domaine la Pierre Blanche – Situated in a serene setting surrounded by nature, this luxury hotel offers spacious and stylish rooms, a large outdoor pool, a wellness center, and a gourmet restaurant. The hotel’s modern amenities and scenic views provide a luxurious retreat.
The perfect Provence travel itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival and settling in
The first day is all about settling in into our home away from home. I love unpacking the second I arrive and in the meantime Christof took the car to go grocery shopping for the next few days. And after a 10 hour drive there’s nothing as rewarding as a dip in the pool and a delicious glass of rosé!
Due to the fact that we drove almost the entire night we decided to turn in early so we would be well rested the next day.
Day 2 – Les Beaux de Provence and Saint-Rémy de Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence is a picturesque and historic village located in the heart of the Alpilles region in Provence, France. On your way there from Eygalières you’ll also pass by one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area, called Vue Sur Les Baux, offering a spectacular view over the idyllic village.
There are several small parking lots present but I do recommend arriving early since it’s one of the most visited places in the region. The village is dominated by the ruins of the Château des Baux, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The castle includes various exhibits and demonstrations of medieval life, such as catapults and crossbows.
The village itself is a charming maze of narrow streets, stone houses, and boutique shops. It has been carefully preserved to maintain its historical character, making it a delight to explore on foot.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a charming town in the heart of the Alpilles region of Provence, France. Known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant arts scene, Saint-Rémy has been a source of inspiration for many artists, including Vincent van Gogh. The town offers a mix of cultural attractions, picturesque streets, and traditional Provencal markets.
Day 3 – Oppède Le Vieux, Goult, Lacoste and Saignon
Today is all about exploring some of the cutest towns in the Provence. Our first stop of the day is the old historic town of Oppède Le Vieux. Perched on a hillside, this village is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its ancient buildings, narrow cobblestone streets.
This Romanesque-Gothic church is one of the key landmarks in Oppède Le Vieux. Located at the highest point of the village, the church offers panoramic views of the surrounding Luberon Valley and mountains.
Afterwards we drove to the town of Goult, a charming village located in the heart of the Luberon region in Provence. I loved wandering around the town, especially since it’s a lot less crowded compared to other towns in the region. Make sure to walk to the top of the village to admire the view over the Luberon valley!
Next up was Lacoste, one of my favorite stops in this Provence travel itinerary! There’s a big parking lot at the foot of the town and from there you simply walk up through ancient cobblestone streets.
Our last stop of the day was Saignon, perched on a hilltop. One of the most notable landmarks is the Saignon Rock, a natural formation that offers spectacular views of the Luberon Valley and beyond. One of its most characteristic features is the main square where you can find one of the most beautiful fountains in all of the Provence!
💡TIP – Have lunch at Au Comptoir de Balthazar. A charming bistrot where they only serve a handful of dishes, all made with fresh produce.
Day 4 – Gordes, Roussilon and Fontaine de Vaucluse
Today we’ll explore some of the most famous towns in the Provence, starting with Gordes! It’s a member of the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) association and every Tuesday morning you can buy fresh produce and local accessories at the market.
Before heading into town make sure to stop at the picturesque viewpoint of the town called Town View Point Gordes!
💡 TIP – After visiting Gordes, drive down to visit the world famous Senanque Abbey.
Next up is the ochre town of Roussilon! Famous for its ochre cliffs and quarries, which display a stunning palette of red, orange, and yellow hues. The Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail) allows you to walk through these remarkable landscapes and learn about the history of ochre mining in the region.
Our final stop of the day was Fontaine de Vaucluse, named after the source of the River Sorgue, which is the largest spring in France and one of the largest in the world. The town itself is pretty small but it is the perfect place to sit down for a lunch next to the water!
Day 5 – Simiane-la-Rotonde, Banon and Aurel
Since we were visiting during lavender season I also wanted to see as many of the most beautiful lavender fields in the Provence as possible. Enter the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region! It was a bit of a drive from Eygalières but once you arrive at the first town there only 10 to be 20 minutes driving apart!
The first stop was Simiane-la-Rotonde and its stunning lavender fields. Although our shoes were completely covered in mud after taking these photos they remain one of my favorites from this trip. I mean, a beautiful hilltop town, purple lavender fields and the occasional pop of wildflowers in between. Talk about hitting the triple jackpot!
The town itself is also worth visiting but only takes about 30 minutes to fully explore.
Next up is Banon! And upon arrival I felt a little disappointed. But that quickly changed when we headed up to the historic part of the town. The village is particularly famous for its artisanal goat cheese, wrapped in chestnut leaves and tied with raffia, which has earned a protected designation of origin.
To end the day we stopped at the picturesque town of Aurel where we also enjoyed lunch at Le Relais Du Mont Ventoux. The town itself is on the smaller side but in my opinion way better than the nearby touristic Sault.
Day 6 – Valensole, Lourmarin and Ansouis
You can’t visit the Provence during lavender season without visiting the Valensole plateau. Known for its rolling hills of lavender fields this is the perfect spot to capture these purple flowers in bloom.
Lavender season in the Provence runs from the end of June until the end of July so make sure to plan your visit accordingly if you wish to see the lavender fields in full bloom.
On the drive back to Eygalières our first stop was the beautiful town of Ansouis, a real hidden gem in the Provence region. The Château d’Ansouis is a highlight of the village, dating back to the 10th century. Ansouis is surrounded by vineyards producing excellent wines. Visit local wineries such as Domaine des Jardinettes and Château Turcan for wine tasting and tours, where you can sample renowned Luberon wines.
The last stop of the day is the quaint town of Lourmarin. The perfect place to end the day with a few drinks and a lovely dinner.
💡 TIP – Visit the lively market held every Friday morning. It’s one of the best in the region, offering fresh produce, local delicacies, handmade crafts, and more.
Day 7 – Eygalières
Eygalières was the perfect homebase for us and also one of the cutest towns in the Alpilles mountain range of Provence. If you can time it make sure to visit its traditional market every Friday and every last Sunday of the month there is a brocante market.
Honesty, there’s nothing like scoring some fresh produce at the local market! I bought 15 fresh oysters for not even €10!
If you have any questions about how to visit the Provence or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on the Provence
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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