And they are all equally charming, enchanting and beautiful in their own little way. We started in L’isle sur la Sorge, a picturesque town, known for its charming canals, colourful markets, and vibrant antiques scene. This town is often called the “Venice of the Comtat,” and is a great spot to wander and browse vintage treasures, followed by a long lunch or glass of Rosé by the water. A true gem for lovers of art, history, and slow Provençal living.
Then we visited Gordes on market day, a town perched dramatically on a hilltop, and one of the most beautiful villages in Provence in our opinion. With its honey-colored stone houses, winding cobblestone streets, and sweeping views of the Luberon valley, it feels like stepping into a postcard. If you plan to go on market day, be prepared to search a little longer for a parking spot and take your walking shoes as some parking spaces are a little further away. The market is one of the most colourful markets in the area, the stalls specialise in soaps, lavender, fabrics and textiles.
This was followed by a visit to Roussillion, another hilltop town. A striking village set against vivid red and orange cliffs, thanks to the region’s rich ochre deposits. Wandering its colourful streets feels like walking through an artist’s palette. With stunning views, charming cafés, and an almost surreal beauty, Roussillon is one of Provence’s most unique and photogenic spots.
And another recommendation of ours is Lourmarin, a postcard-perfect village known for its elegant Renaissance château, art galleries, and lively café culture. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, it has a relaxed, bohemian vibe with cafes, bistros, shops and galleries. Everybody talks about their market which takes place on a Friday and is apparentely one of the best and largest in the region. This town has a very French, lifestyly vibe which draws you in.
For an overview of all the markets in the area, follow this link
We also included two major sights on our tour and visited the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque and Pont du Gard, close to Avignon. The Abbaye is nestled in a peaceful valley near Gordes. It is a serene 12th-century Cistercian monastery, famous for its lavender fields that bloom in front of its stone façade each summer. Still home to a small community of monks, it’s a place of quiet beauty and spiritual calm — a must-visit for those seeking a glimpse of Provence’s timeless soul.
The Aqueduct Pont du Gard, near Avignon is an impressive structure built by the Romans in the 1st century AD. It was designed to carry water over a distance of about 50 kilometers, from a spring near Uzès to the city of Nîmes.
The Pont du Gard has three tiers and is the highest Roman aqueduct still standing today. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts numerous visitors each year. This structure is not only a technical masterpiece but also a stunning example of Roman engineering and architecture.
When you visit, you can admire the aqueduct itself, explore the surrounding valley, and learn more about the region’s Roman history.
