I chose Provence over the French Riviera because I wanted lavender fields and calm villages instead of crowded beaches. Driving past purple fields at sunset, sipping rosé in hilltop towns, and swimming in the clear Verdon Gorge made every day feel slow and rewarding. The relaxed pace felt right.
This ten-day road trip focuses on the Luberon region and nearby natural sights while avoiding busy tourist areas. I stayed in three towns to limit hotel changes and still see Roman ruins, medieval villages, and limestone Calanques. The route stayed flexible without feeling rushed.
I share driving times, car rental tips, places to stay, and restaurants I actually visited. I also explain what worked, what I would skip, and the best time to see lavender from mid-June to mid-July. Provence gave me a peaceful experience, but the coast could not.
Planning Your South of France Road Trip
I learned some things the hard way, so you don’t have to. Here’s what actually matters before you start driving.
Best Time to Visit Provence
The best months to visit Provence are May to early October for good weather and open attractions. Mid-June to mid-July is lavender season, though flowering varies by year. March, May, or fall bring fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Winter offers quiet towns, cozy atmosphere, and the lowest hotel prices. Summer brings lavender but also flocks of tourists. One important note: access to the Calanques is restricted from June 1 to September 30 due to fire risk.
Getting to Provence
Fly into Nice or Marseille airport for the most convenient start to your Provence road trip. You can also take the train from Paris to Aix-en-Provence with 13 trains running daily. Book 1 to 3 months in advance for the best prices.
Budget travelers can take a bus from Paris to Aix-en-Provence via Flixbus or Isilines. The trip takes 10 to 12 hours but costs half the train fare. Pick up your rental car in Aix-en-Provence or Nice. Arrive the evening before or early morning to maximize your first day.
Car Rental and Driving Tips
I rented through rentalcars.com and got a great range of vehicle options. Pick up your car in Aix-en-Provence and return it in Nice to avoid backtracking. Budget around 310 EUR for a 7-day rental and approximately 130 EUR for gas.
Overnight parking costs around 25 EUR per night, though some places offer free parking. My total parking budget was around 120 EUR for the trip. Villages have narrow roads, so drive carefully.
Where to Stay: Three Strategic Home Bases
Staying in 2 to 3 locations saves a massive amount of time compared to changing hotels every day. Book mid-range accommodations for around 100 to 200 EUR per night. My total accommodation budget was around 445 EUR for 10 days.
I used three strategically placed home bases to minimize driving. This approach let me unpack properly and actually relax. Each base covered multiple-day trips without feeling rushed.
My 10-Day Provence Road Trip Itinerary
I tested this route over 10 days, and it hit every highlight without feeling rushed. Here’s exactly where I went each day.
Day 1: Cotignac, Sillans-la-Cascade, and Valensole Plateau
- Arrive in Cotignac, stroll the streets, have lunch, and browse local art shops.
- Visit Sillans-la-Cascade via a 15-minute trail through shaded woodland. Carry water, and note that swimming is prohibited.
- End the day at Valensole Plateau, enjoying the lavender fields near TERRAROMA at sunset.
Day 2: Verdon Gorge and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- Drive early to Verdon Gorge to avoid crowds and admire the turquoise water.
- Rent a pedal boat with shade and spend two hours visiting and swimming in the gorge.
- Visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, climb to Notre Dame de Beauvoir, and visit the narrow streets and pottery shops.
Day 3: Roussillon and Ochre Trail
- Visit Roussillon’s colorful buildings perched on ochre cliffs.
- Walk the Ochre Trail loop through former quarries with a small entry fee.
- Browse galleries, visit a viewpoint over the Luberon valley, and stop by the ochre conservatory.
Day 4: Gordes and Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
- Visit hilltop Gordes, stroll stone houses, and check out the Tuesday market if available.
- Visit Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque and admire the 12th-century lavender fields.
- Arrive early, follow the dress code, and spend about an hour enjoying the abbey and surroundings.
Day 5: Bonnieux, Lacoste, and Ménerbes
- Climb to Bonnieux to reach the old church for wide scenic views.
- Visit Lacoste, its castle ruins, galleries, and workshops along narrow streets.
- Visit Ménerbes for ridge views, terrace lunches, and a quirky corkscrew museum.
Day 6: Lourmarin and Cucuron
- Visit Lourmarin’s Renaissance château, artisan shops, and Friday market. See Albert Camus’ grave.
- Have lunch in the village square before heading to Cucuron.
- Enjoy Cucuron’s medieval pond and relaxed cafes, featured in “A Good Year.”
Day 7: Apt Market and Free Day
- Visit Apt Market, one of Provence’s largest, for produce, lavender products, and candied fruits.
- Visit local specialties and stock up on regional products.
- Spend a flexible afternoon relaxing, visiting nearby villages, wine tasting, or hiking.
Day 8: Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
- Visit the hilltop Les Baux-de-Provence and castle ruins with panoramic views.
- Visit Carrières de Lumières, a former quarry with immersive digital art.
- Check into Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, enjoy lively squares, Van Gogh connections, and dinner at Edú.
Day 9: Saint-Rémy See and Wine Bar
- Stroll Saint-Rémy at a leisurely pace, following the Van Gogh trail and visiting shops.
- Relax at the hotel pool and gardens during the afternoon.
- Enjoy evening drinks at Chez Clem wine bar and dinner at Maison Marshall.
Day 10: Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole and Departure
- Walk the Van Gogh Trail to Saint-Paul de Mausole and see where he painted iconic works.
- Visit the monastery, gardens, and Van Gogh’s former room for context.
- Drive to Nice, return the rental car, and reflect on ten relaxing, well-paced days in Provence.
Where to Eat in Provence?
Food in Provence exceeded my expectations. Every meal felt special, even when I was just eating market cheese.
Fine Dining Recommendations
Edú in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence has a garden setting and serves small sharing plates. Local wines and a mix of international and local specialties make it worth booking ahead. Maison Marshall in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence was my favorite meal of the trip.
L’esplaï du Grand Bar des Goudes in Les Goudes specializes in bouillabaisse. Local restaurants in Gordes and Lourmarin all impressed me. Provence takes food seriously.
Casual Dining
Village cafes in Roussillon, Gordes, and Bonnieux serve simple, fresh food. I bought ingredients at the markets for picnic lunches with fresh Provençal herbs and local cheese. Terrace dining in Ménerbes and Lourmarin let me soak in village views.
Chez Clem wine bar in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence became my evening spot. The shaded garden and fairy lights created the perfect atmosphere.
What to Try
Provençal food focuses on fresh ingredients and regional flavors. Try Provençal dishes with herbs, local cheeses, market produce, candied fruits from Apt, truffle dishes in season, and lavender treats like honey or cookies.
Local rosé wine is a highlight across the region. Nearly every vineyard produces its own style, and many are excellent. I bought bottles directly from wineries and shipped them home.
Practical Tips for Your Provence Road Trip
Small things made a big difference. Pay attention to these details, and you’ll avoid my mistakes.
- Packing basics: Bring strong walking shoes, sun protection, light layers, a reusable water bottle, a swimsuit, and a camera. Long walking days make foot care important.
- Driving and parking: Village streets are narrow, so use parking lots outside the centers and arrive early at popular spots. Download offline maps and refuel in larger towns.
- Saving money: Shop at markets for picnics, choose lunch menus over dinner, visit free village sights, and buy wine directly from vineyards when possible.
- Booking ahead: Reserve rental cars, stays, and popular restaurants early, especially during lavender season. Check attraction hours and book Carrières de Lumières tickets online.
- Timing and local habits: Visit villages and abbeys early for photos, plan around midday closures, shop markets before 1 pm, and expect dinner to start around 7:30 pm.
Conclusion
This ten-day South of France plan brings together lavender fields and clear gorges while skipping packed coastal areas. Using three well-placed home bases, a rental car, and room to adjust plans turned the trip into something calm and enjoyable rather than rushed.
The secret was balance. Pair well-known villages like Gordes with quieter stops such as Sillans la Cascade. Spend once on a memorable dinner in Saint Remy, then save with market picnics. Try to visit during lavender season, though Provence feels welcoming in any month.
Ten days gave space to see highlights and still rest. I never felt pressed for time and could linger when a place felt right. If you are planning a Provence road trip, share your questions, and I will gladly offer details from my experience. Wishing you safe travels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Provence?
Ten days is perfect for visiting Provence without rushing. You’ll have time to see lavender fields, visit hilltop villages in the Luberon, visit Verdon Gorge, and relax in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Using three strategic home bases minimizes packing and unpacking while maximizing See time.
When is the best time to visit Provence?
Mid-June to mid-July for lavender season, though flowering varies by year. May to early October offers the best weather and open attractions. March, May, or fall bring fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. Winter provides quiet towns and the lowest hotel prices, but some attractions have limited hours.
Do I need a car for a Provence road trip?
Yes, a car is necessary for visiting inland Provence. Villages are spread out, and public transportation is limited in rural areas. Rent from Aix-en-Provence or Nice airport and return in Nice to avoid backtracking. Budget around 310 EUR for rental, 130 EUR for gas, and 120 EUR for parking.
Where should I stay during a 10-day Provence trip?
Use three strategic home bases: Valensole for days 1-2 (lavender fields and Verdon Gorge), Luberon area for days 3-7 (hilltop villages), and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for days 8-10 (Van Gogh sites and Les Alpilles). This approach saves time versus changing hotels daily. Budget 100-200 EUR per night.
What are the must-see places in Provence?
Don’t miss Verdon Gorge for turquoise water and pedalo rides, lavender fields near Valensole and Abbaye de Sénanque, Roussillon’s ochre cliffs, hilltop villages Gordes and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for Van Gogh history. Markets in Apt and Lourmarin showcase authentic Provençal life.