From Aix En Provence: Luberon Villages Full-Day Guided Tour

Explore the charming villages of Provence on this full-day guided tour from Aix-en-Provence. Discover the picturesque towns of Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin, each with its own unique architectural beauty, local art, and medieval history. With an English-speaking guide providing in-depth commentary, visitors can enjoy the serene Senanque Abbey and the vibrant Ochre Trail. This small-group experience offers a chance to uncover the hidden gems of the Luberon region, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of Provence.

Key Points

• This full-day guided tour from Aix-en-Provence explores the picturesque villages of the Luberon region, including Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin.
• The tour features visits to the serene Senanque Abbey and the vibrant Ochre Trail in Roussillon, as well as time to wander through the charming villages.
• With a maximum of 8 participants, the small-group experience allows for an intimate and personalized exploration of the Provence countryside.
• Highlights include admiring the architectural beauty of Gordes’ stone houses, experiencing the charm of Lourmarin’s medieval castle and market, and enjoying in-depth commentary from an English-speaking guide.
• The tour duration is 8 hours, providing ample time to fully immerse in the cultural and natural wonders of the Luberon region.

Tour Overview

The Luberon Villages Full-Day Guided Tour from Aix en Provence is a small-group experience, limited to a maximum of 8 participants, and lasts for 8 hours.

This comprehensive tour takes visitors to explore the beautiful villages of Provence, including Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin.

Along the way, you’ll admire the stunning Senanque Abbey and the vibrant Ochre Trail in Roussillon.

Your English-speaking guide, an expert on Provence, will provide in-depth commentary and ensure you make the most of your day exploring this picturesque region.

The tour includes transportation in a premium air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey throughout the day.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors embark on a captivating journey through the picturesque Luberon region, exploring charming villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin.

The tour’s highlights include a visit to the serene Senanque Abbey and a stroll along the vibrant Ochre Trail in Roussillon, where the striking natural hues add vibrancy to the landscape.

The tour also showcases the architectural beauty of Gordes, a hilltop village renowned for its stone houses, and the charming town of Lourmarin, known for its medieval castle and lively market.

• Explore the stunning Senanque Abbey
• Discover the vibrant Ochre Trail in Roussillon
• Admire the picturesque villages of Gordes and Lourmarin

Itinerary of the Tour

The tour begins at 300 Av. Giuseppe Verdi, where guests embark on their journey through the Luberon region.

After departing, the group makes its first stop in the picturesque village of Gordes, spending approximately 45 minutes exploring its charming stone houses and stunning vistas.

Next, the tour heads to the Senanque Abbey, where guests enjoy a 10-minute photo stop to capture the serene medieval monastery.

The group then breaks for lunch in the colorful town of Roussillon, known for its ochre cliffs, before continuing on to Lourmarin, a quaint village with a 16th-century castle, for a 1-hour visit.

Visiting Gordes

Guests start their exploration of the Luberon region in the picturesque village of Gordes, spending approximately 45 minutes seeing its charming stone houses and stunning vistas.

This hilltop commune boasts remarkable architecture, from its historic castle perched atop the cliffs to the quaint alleyways lined with boutiques and cafés.

Visitors can:

• Stroll through the village’s iconic stone buildings, many of which date back to the 11th century.
• Admire the stunning views overlooking the surrounding countryside and mountains.
• Discover the village’s vibrant art scene, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artisans.

With its timeless beauty and rich history, Gordes offers a captivating introduction to the enchanting Luberon region.

Senanque Abbey Photo Stop

After exploring the charming village of Gordes, the tour makes a brief 10-minute photo stop at the stunning Senanque Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery nestled amidst a lavender field.

Visitors can capture breathtaking images of the abbey’s serene facade and its picturesque natural setting. The Senanque Abbey is renowned for its well-preserved Romanesque architecture and its tranquil atmosphere.

Guests won’t want to miss this opportunity to admire the abbey’s stunning location and take some memorable photos. The guide will provide information about the history and significance of this iconic Provençal landmark before the group continues on to the next destination, the vibrant town of Roussillon.

Lunch Break in Roussillon

Next, the tour provides a leisurely 1.5-hour lunch break in the colorful town of Roussillon, allowing participants to explore the charming narrow streets, browse local shops, and enjoy a traditional Provençal meal at their own leisure.

The picturesque town is renowned for its striking ochre cliffs and buildings, which showcase the natural beauty of the region.

During the break, visitors can:

• Wander through the historic center and take in the vibrant architecture
• Visit local artisan workshops and purchase unique souvenirs
• Savor a delicious lunch featuring local specialties like ratatouille, tapenade, and Rosé wine

This relaxed midday stop offers a chance to take in the authentic atmosphere of Provence before continuing the guided exploration of the Luberon villages.

Exploring Lourmarin

Upon departing Roussillon, the guided tour then ventures to the charming village of Lourmarin, where participants can enjoy the rich history and lively atmosphere of this Provençal gem.

Strolling through the narrow streets, visitors will admire the striking Renaissance architecture, including the impressive Château de Lourmarin. The tour guide will share insights into the village’s past, from its medieval origins to its role as a center of intellectual and artistic activity in the 20th century.

With an hour to explore, guests can browse the local shops, visit the weekly market, and soak up the relaxed Mediterranean ambiance that makes Lourmarin a beloved destination in the Luberon region.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour’s inclusions and exclusions are clearly outlined, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of what’s and isn’t covered in the Luberon Villages Full-Day Guided Tour.

The tour includes visits to the beautiful villages of Gordes, Senanque Abbey, Lourmarin, and Roussillon, as well as travel in a premium air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking driver/guide.

However, the tour excludes:

• Entrance fees (unless mentioned)
• Personal insurance and expenses
• Meals and drinks
• Gratuities for the guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a lunch break is included in the itinerary, allowing time for guests to purchase or enjoy a meal at their own expense.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is no explicit option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a fixed 8-hour itinerary. However, travelers can contact the tour operator to inquire about the possibility of customizing the tour length for their specific needs.

Do I Need to Make Any Special Arrangements for Dietary Requirements?

Travelers with dietary requirements should let the tour operator know in advance. The tour includes a break and lunch in Roussillon, where accommodations can typically be made for dietary needs if requested prior to the tour.

Can I Request to Visit Additional Villages Not Included in the Itinerary?

Guests can request to visit additional villages not included in the itinerary, but this may incur an extra charge and require adjustments to the tour schedule. The tour operator should be contacted in advance to accommodate any special requests.

Is There a Discount Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour provider generally offers discounted rates for children and seniors, though the specific discount amounts may vary. Interested travelers should inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Recap

This guided tour from Aix-en-Provence offers visitors a comprehensive experience to discover the charming villages of Provence.

Over 8 hours, the small group explores picturesque towns, a serene abbey, and the vibrant Ochre Trail, all while an English-speaking guide provides in-depth commentary on the architectural beauty, local art, and medieval history of these Provencal gems.