📍 France

PROVENCE VILLAGES: HILLTOP BEAUTY AND LAVENDER LIGHT

Hilltop villages tumbling down cliffs, lavender valleys stretching to the horizon, old stones whispering secrets. Villages where time stands still.

≈ 7
Days
486
Km
6
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Provence's light-drenched perched villages. Linger on Gordes terraces, pass through Moustiers-Sainte-Marie at the gorges' heart, climb Les Baux-de-Provence's rocky ramparts, and let stone converse with lavender fields.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Saint Veran

alpine isolation mountain vastness

Saint Veran - Photo 1Saint Veran - Photo 2Saint Veran - Photo 3Saint Veran - Photo 4Saint Veran - Photo 5Saint Veran - Photo 6Saint Veran - Photo 7Saint Veran - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Village of Saint-Véran, highest inhabited commune in Europe, wooden chalets and alpine setting
2
Church of Saint-Véran and porch decorated with sculpted monsters
3
Le Soum Museum on peasant life of the 19th and 20th centuries
🎯

Activities

→
Walk through the hamlets around Saint-Véran to discover traditional houses and chapels
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 129.4 km
Travel time: 2h09
2
Day

Coaraze

rustic simplicity verdant slopes

Coaraze - Photo 1Coaraze - Photo 2Coaraze - Photo 3Coaraze - Photo 4Coaraze - Photo 5Coaraze - Photo 6Coaraze - Photo 7Coaraze - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Perched village of Coaraze, narrow streets, vaulted passages and old houses
2
Discovery of sundials created by artists like Jean Cocteau
3
Saint-Sébastien Chapel with decorated interior
4
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church overlooking the village rooftops
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking on suspended trails around Coaraze between earth and sky
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 112.2 km
Travel time: 1h52
3
Day

Moustiers Sainte Marie

ceramic pottery emerald gorge

Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 1Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 2Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 3Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie clinging to the cliff face, Provençal facades and streets
2
Climb to Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel on the cliff face
3
Earthenware museum tracing local craftsmanship
🎯

Activities

→
Viewpoint of the star suspended above the village and the landscapes around the Verdon
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 37.2 km
Travel time: 1h14
4
Day

Tourtour

woodland village clock tower

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7 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Village of Tourtour, the "village in the sky of Provence"
2
Place des Ormeaux and its fountains in the shade of the trees
3
17th century château of Tourtour and remains of the old ramparts
🎯

Activities

→
Walk through the narrow streets and vaulted passages of Tourtour
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 158.5 km
Travel time: 1h59
5
Day

Les Baux De Provence

rocky ramparts desolate crown

Les Baux De Provence - Photo 1Les Baux De Provence - Photo 2Les Baux De Provence - Photo 3Les Baux De Provence - Photo 4Les Baux De Provence - Photo 5Les Baux De Provence - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Village of Les Baux-de-Provence perched on a rocky spur of the Alpilles
2
Ancient fortress and château of Les Baux-de-Provence
3
Romanesque chapel Saint-Blaise at Les Baux-de-Provence
🎯

Activities

→
Viewpoints over the Alpilles and the Crau plain from the belvederes of Les Baux
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 48.8 km
Travel time: 1h38
6
Day

Gordes

lavender valley golden terraces

Gordes - Photo 1Gordes - Photo 2Gordes - Photo 3Gordes - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Hilltop village of Gordes, stone houses overlooking the Luberon
2
Château of Gordes and exhibitions
3
Semi-troglodyte caves of Palais Saint-Firmin
4
Cistercian abbey of Sénanque in the nearby valley
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Strolling through the narrow streets of Gordes, shops and terraces

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

FORCALQUIER & VERDON REGION: 15 VILLAGES BETWEEN LAVENDER FIELDS, CITADELS AND GORGES

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ALPILLES, PAYS D'AIX & CAMARGUE: 25 VILLAGES

📅 26 days 🛣️ 302 Km

FRENCH RIVIERA & HINTERLAND: 15 GEMS

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 8 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.