From Avignon: Lavender Fields & Luberon Village Guided Tour

Key Points

• 9-hour small-group tour exploring the Luberon Valley from Avignon with a maximum of 8 participants
• Highlights include Sénanque Abbey, Gordes, Roussillon, and the Ochre Trail
• Enjoy panoramic views, vibrant lavender fields, and colorful villages
• Tour departs at 8:15 AM from a central meeting point in front of the post office
• Guides speak English, French, and Italian, offering detailed explanations
• Ideal for visitors wanting an intimate, relaxed experience of Provence’s top sights

You can check availability for your dates here:

From Avignon to Sénanque Abbey and Its Lavender Fields

This tour begins with a 50-minute drive from Avignon to the famous Sénanque Abbey, a 12th-century monastery renowned for its lavender fields. During the lavender bloom season, generally around June 20-25, the fields are in full display, creating an iconic Provence scene. While the interior of Sénanque Abbey is not open for visits during this day trip, the exterior views and surrounding landscapes offer perfect photo opportunities. The lavender fields around Sénanque are a key highlight, frequently described as breathtaking.

The tour emphasizes unhurried time in the lavender fields, allowing visitors to soak in the scenery and take plenty of photos. This stop captures the essence of Provence’s fragrant landscape, making it a memorable moment of the day. Since lavender fields are in full bloom in June, visiting during this period guarantees maximum visual impact.

Panoramic Views over Gordes from the Overlook

Next, the journey takes you to Gordes, one of Provence’s most picturesque hilltop towns. A photo stop at the famous overlook offers sweeping views of the Luberon valley, where vineyards and olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by gentle, green mountains. This scenic vista is often praised for its beauty, making it an ideal spot for capturing memorable photographs.

From the overlook, a short drive drops visitors off by Gordes’ castle, where exploring the cobbled streets is a delight. Visitors can wander through this charming medieval village, shop for local products, or relax in small cafes and ice-cream shops. The relaxed pace and stunning vistas make Gordes a highlight for those appreciating history and scenic landscapes.

Discovering Roussillon and Its Vibrant Ochre Colors

Around 1 pm, the tour arrives in Roussillon, a village famous for its bright ochre-colored houses. The longer stay here allows ample time for lunch, either at local cafes or snack bars, along with exploring the town’s colorful streets. Each house is painted in a different shade of ochre, creating a lively, artistic atmosphere.

A notable optional activity is walking the Ochre Trail, a well-developed pathway through cliffs formed from former ochre mines. Entrance to this trail costs about €4 per adult and offers dramatic views of the vibrant cliffs. The trail provides a closer look at the natural pigments that have shaped the village’s appearance, making it a favorite for photography and nature lovers.

Scenic Lavender Fields in Bloom and Seasonal Variations

The tour focuses on the brightest and most scenic lavender fields at different times of the season. In June, the tour highlights lavender on the hillsides of the Luberon valley, offering wide, colorful landscapes. After July 1, the route shifts to higher elevations like the high plateau of Sault, where lavender tends to bloom later. The schedule includes at least two long photo stops, ensuring visitors can capture the best views of the blooming lavender, regardless of timing.

This flexibility ensures guests see the most spectacular fields available at that particular moment, making the experience adaptable to seasonal changes.

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Exploring the Village of Roussillon and Its Artistic Charm

During the longer stay in Roussillon, visitors can wander the streets, admire the vivid ochre houses, and browse local shops. The village’s artistic atmosphere and colorful facades leave a lasting impression. Visitors also have the option to walk the Ochre Trail, which enhances the experience with dramatic views of the cliffs and provides an excellent opportunity for photo-taking.

This stop is especially appreciated for its visual vibrancy and the chance to explore at a leisurely pace, making it suitable for those who enjoy wandering charming villages and discovering local crafts.

Transport and Group Size: Comfortable and Personalized Experience

The tour uses a Volkswagen 8-seater minivan, offering a cozy and intimate ride through Provence. The small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures personalized attention from the live bilingual guides who speak English, French, and Italian. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the experience engaging and enjoyable.

Meeting at the post office in front of the coordinates 43.94327163696289, 4.804558277130127, travelers are advised to arrive a few minutes early for a prompt 8:15 AM departure. The day’s pacing is designed to allow ample exploration time at each stop without feeling rushed.

Practical Tips and Accessibility Details

Since lavender farm visits are only available during the harvest season, planning visits during June ensures seeing the fields in full bloom. The interior of Sénanque Abbey is not accessible during this trip, but the exterior views are sufficient for photography and appreciation. Pets, bikes, and alcoholic drinks are not permitted on the vehicle, maintaining safety and comfort.

The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years or individuals with mobility impairments, due to the nature of the stops and walking required in villages and on trails.

Value and Flexibility of Booking Options

Guests can reserve their spot with flexible payment options, paying nothing today and canceling up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility makes it easier to plan the trip alongside other travel arrangements. The tour duration is 9 hours, starting early, and returns to Avignon between 5 and 5:30 pm.

The small-group setting, combined with the knowledgeable guides, provides a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural exploration, and relaxation, making this tour a highly-rated choice for experiencing Provence’s lavender season and charming villages.

Final Thoughts on the Avignon Lavender and Luberon Tour

This guided tour from ProVans offers a well-rounded experience of Provence’s most iconic sights, focusing on the lavender fields, hilltop villages, and colorful landscapes. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace, ideal for those who prefer an intimate day out.

The tour’s flexibility in timing and content—adapting to the season—ensures visitors see the most vibrant scenery available. The guides’ expertise shines through in their explanations and local knowledge, adding depth to each stop.

While the interior of Sénanque Abbey is not included, the outside views and surrounding scenery compensate for this. The stops in Gordes and Roussillon provide ample opportunity to explore, shop, and photograph Provence’s enchanting villages.

This highly-rated tour balances scenic beauty, cultural charm, and comfort, making it a fantastic choice for travelers seeking an authentic Provence experience during lavender season.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the duration of the tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 8:15 AM and returning to Avignon between 5 and 5:30 pm.

• Where does the tour depart from?
  The meeting point is in front of the post office at coordinates 43.94327163696289, 4.804558277130127.

• Is the interior of Sénanque Abbey visited?
  No, during this tour, only the exterior views of Sénanque Abbey are accessible, as interior visits are not available during the day trip.

• What towns will be visited?
  The tour covers Sénanque, Gordes, and Roussillon, with stops for photos, exploration, and lunch.

• Can I walk the Ochre Trail?
  Yes, the Ochre Trail is available for exploration at €4 per person, offering scenic views of the ochre cliffs.

• How many people are in the group?
  The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a small-group experience.

• Are guides available in multiple languages?
  Yes, guides speak English, French, and Italian, providing explanations in multiple languages.

• Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
  No, it is not suitable for children under 3 or individuals with mobility impairments.

• What is included in the price?
  The price covers transportation, guiding, and visits to the main stops. Entrance fees for the Ochre Trail are not included.

• How do I cancel the tour if my plans change?
  You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund through the booking process.

  You can check availability for your dates here:
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