Luberon, Roussillon & Gordes Half-Day Tour From Avignon

The Luberon, Roussillon & Gordes Half-Day Tour from Avignon offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the picturesque landscapes and charming villages of Provence. From the serene Cistercian Abbey nestled in lavender fields to the striking ochre cliffs of Roussillon, this small-group tour promises an immersive experience guided by a professional who’ll share the rich history and natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re seeking to explore the impressive hilltop town of Gordes or venture to the serene Fontaine de Vaucluse springs, this tour provides a personalized journey that might just leave you longing for more.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Tours In Roussillon.

Key Points

• This half-day tour covers the picturesque villages and landscapes of Provence, including visits to Gordes, Roussillon, and the Abbey of Senanque.
• The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned minivan with a professional guide and is limited to a small group size of 8 people.
• The Abbey of Senanque is a 12th-century Cistercian abbey nestled in a lavender field, featuring Romanesque architecture and a community of Cistercian monks.
• Gordes is a charming hilltop village with striking stone architecture, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Luberon countryside.
• The tour also includes a visit to the vibrant ochre cliffs of Roussillon and the serene Fontaine De Vaucluse springs.

Tour Overview

The half-day Luberon, Roussillon, and Gordes tour from Avignon takes visitors on a journey through the picturesque villages and landscapes of Provence.

During this tour, guests will explore the hilltop village of Gordes, visit Roussillon known for its vibrant ochre cliffs, and stop at the Abbey of Senanque.

The tour also includes a visit to the natural springs of Fontaine de Vaucluse.

Travelers will be transported by air-conditioned minivan and accompanied by a professional guide.

With a small-group size limited to 8 people, this tour offers a personalized experience.

Guests can choose from morning or afternoon departure times, and the tour lasts approximately 5 hours.

Itinerary Highlights

Guests will first stop at the Abbey Notre-Dame of Senanque, a picturesque 12th-century Cistercian abbey nestled amid a lavender field.

They’ll then explore the hilltop village of Gordes, one of the most beautiful in Provence. Wandering its winding streets, they’ll admire the charming stone houses and ancient castle ruins.

Next, they’ll visit Roussillon, famous for its vibrant ochre cliffs. Here, they can stroll through the colorful town and learn about the region’s unique geological history.

The final stop is the natural springs of Fontaine de Vaucluse, where guests can take in the stunning natural scenery and learn about this important water source.

Abbey Notre-Dame of Senanque

The Abbey Notre-Dame of Senanque is a picturesque 12th-century Cistercian abbey nestled amid a lavender field in the Luberon region of Provence.

Visitors can admire the abbey’s striking Romanesque architecture, with its distinctive stone façade and simple yet elegant interior.

The abbey was founded in 1148 and has been remarkably well-preserved over the centuries.

Today, the abbey is still home to a small community of Cistercian monks who welcome visitors and offer guided tours.

Exploring the abbey and its tranquil surroundings is a highlight of the Luberon, Roussillon, and Gordes tour, providing a glimpse into Provence’s rich religious and cultural heritage.

Picturesque Hilltop Village of Gordes

Nestled atop a rocky outcrop, the picturesque hilltop village of Gordes often captivates visitors with its striking stone architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding Luberon countryside.

Winding cobblestone streets lead past centuries-old buildings, boutiques, and cafes, inviting visitors to explore the quaint charm of this Provençal gem.

The town’s crowning glory is the imposing Château de Gordes, a former fortress that now houses a museum showcasing the region’s history and cultural heritage.

As you wander through Gordes, you’ll be struck by the harmony of its natural and man-made elements, creating a truly picturesque and timeless atmosphere that epitomizes the allure of Provence.

Vibrant Ochre Cliffs of Roussillon

Perched atop a hill, the vibrant ochre cliffs of Roussillon captivate visitors with their striking hues that range from deep crimson to golden yellow. The unique geology of this former ochre-mining town has created a visually stunning landscape that is revered for its natural beauty. As one explores the picturesque streets, the ochre hues are reflected in the buildings, roads, and even the local cuisine. The following table provides more details about the vibrant ochre cliffs of Roussillon:

Feature	Description
Composition	Composed of iron oxide and clay minerals
Colors	Shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown
History	Former center of ochre pigment production
Preservation	Protected as a natural heritage site
Activities	Hiking, photography, and visiting ochre workshops

Serene Fontaine De Vaucluse Springs

Among the highlights of the Luberon, Roussillon, and Gordes tour is a visit to the serene Fontaine de Vaucluse Springs.

This natural wonder emerges from a dramatic limestone cliff, forming a mesmerizing pool of crystal-clear water that draws visitors in search of tranquility and natural beauty.

The springs are fed by an underground river, which flows out of the cliff at a constant temperature of around 58°F (14°C).

Visitors can stroll along the banks of the spring, take in the stunning scenery, and even grab a bite to eat at the nearby cafes and restaurants.

The Fontaine de Vaucluse Springs offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the region’s picturesque villages.

Inclusions and Duration

The tour includes bottled water, a professional guide, and transportation by air-conditioned minivan, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Avignon.

It lasts for 5 hours and is a small-group tour limited to 8 people, with a choice of morning or afternoon departure.

Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but changes less than 24 hours before the experience aren’t accepted.

If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, an alternative date or refund will be offered.

The tour offers a chance to explore the picturesque villages and landscapes of Provence in a compact and efficient manner.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their Luberon, Roussillon & Gordes Half-Day Tour From Avignon up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

However, changes made less than 24 hours before the experience aren’t accepted.

If the minimum number of travelers required for the tour isn’t met, an alternative date or refund will be offered.

This flexible cancellation policy allows customers to easily adjust their plans if needed.

The tour company understands that schedules can change, so they aim to provide a hassle-free booking experience.

Customers can book with confidence, knowing they’ve the option to cancel or reschedule if necessary.

Recap

This half-day tour offers a captivating glimpse into the picturesque landscapes and charming villages of Provence.

Visitors will explore the enchanting Cistercian Abbey, the striking ochre cliffs of Roussillon, the historic hilltop town of Gordes, and the serene Fontaine de Vaucluse springs.

With air-conditioned transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this small-group experience provides a personalized and immersive way to discover the beauty and rich history of this captivating region.