Exploring Provence: a Roadtrip Through the French Countryside
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Welcome to your itinerary for your road trip through Provence!
I’ll be recommending all the best towns to visit, where to stay, things to see and do, and places to eat.
But before we get into the fun stuff, let’s cover the basics:
Our Provence roadtrip started in Aix-en-Provence, a beautiful town about thirty minutes north from Marseille. We arrived here in the afternoon and spent the day wandering the streets and eating food!
Atelier Cezanne: the influential home of the Provencal artist Cezanne – everything is still in place exactly how he left it!
Pavilion Vendome: mansion from the 1600s converted into a boarding school and now a museum
Wander the streets and get lost! Particularly beautiful streets: Rue Fernand Dol and Forum des Cardeurs
Les Quatre Dauphins: A charming hotel set in a former mansion!
Villa Saint-Ange: A luxurious hotel with bastide-style cottages, an outdoor swimming pool, provencal garden, and a French restaurant.
Hotel Cézanne: A simple and aesthetically pleasing hotel right in the center of Aix-en-Provence!
Maison Nosh: an adorable daytime spot serving brunch classics
El Primo: a cozy wine bar with tapas and charcuterie
Tita: an adorable laid-back spot serving Mediterranean street food
Amorino Gelato: delicious gelato spot that shapes your gelato into a rose!
We only spent one night in Aix-en-Provence as it was just a stepping stone for the beginning of our journey through the countryside. The next morning, we checked out of Hotel Cézanne and hit the road to visit the first town of the day: Lourmarin. It’s only about a 30 to 40 minute drive from Aix-en-Provence!
Wander the Streets: There’s an incredible art scene here – so many independent artists and galleries! A great place for a postcard.
Vineyards: There’s a few vineyards just outside of town – I loved Château Constatin!
Château Lourmarin: The first Renaissance castle built in Provence!
Bacheto: a must-do! One of my favorite meals of the week. Beautiful restaurant. Get the steak with chimichurri!
Amici: A gorgeous Italian restaurant known for their pasta and pizza!
Le Tonneau: a cozy little wine bar with casual eats
After seeing the town and enjoying some lunch, it’s time to head to our next stop! We initially planned to go straight to Gordes, but passed by an absolutely stunning viewpoint in Bonnieux, so we stopped a took a few pictures there:
It’s time to head to the final stop of the day: Gordes! This will be the next base, so go ahead and head to your accommodation and get checked into your hotel room. Gordes is really central to so many towns in Provence, which makes it the perfect place to base yourself!
Wander the Streets: Every corner of Gordes was just absolutely beautiful. The town sits pretty high up too, so you get scenic views all around!
Go to Market Day: every Tuesday from 8am-1pm there’s a market selling fresh produce and goods!
Château de Gordes: a medieval fortress in the center of the village. You are able to go inside for 5€!
See the Viewpoint: walk just a few minutes out of the village to see a gorgeous view of the village!
Airelles: An absolutely magical 5-star luxury stay. Decadent 18th century decor, spacious rooms, and terraces showcasing views of the Luberon valley.
Le Clos de Gordes: An exceptional countryside bed and breakfast just a few minutes outside of Gordes. Charming accommodation in beautiful surroundings!
Mas de la Beaume: A charming boutique stay with beautiful French countryside rooms, a gorgeous garden, and a pool.
La Table de la Bastide: A gorgeous formal dining experience at Airelle’s with a view over the Luberon valley. The beef tartare is prepared table side and is divine!
Le Tigrr: Beautiful spot for a cocktail with a view! I’ve read the sushi is mediocre so we didn’t eat here, but the drinks were lovely.
Le Bistrot de Gordes: a lovely French bistro in a casual garden setting
After a gorgeous evening in Gordes and a good night’s rest, it’s time to jump back in the car and venture out!
Today is a packed itinerary: we are visiting three towns!
We are starting the day off with a 20 minute drive to Oppéde le Vieux, a tiny medieval village built on a large rocky hill. The village at the top is abandoned today, although a few shops, restaurants, and homes still remain at the base of town in Oppéde.
Walk to the Top: The main thing to do in Oppéde le Vieux! There’s two routes so I recommend taking one up and the other back down so you can see everything. You can still see some of the old living spaces – it’s a bit haunting. At the top, you get to see the 12th century fortress and a stellar view! We did the walk in sandals but I would recommend more supportive footwear as the rocks can be slippery.
Walk Through Oppéde: Don’t forget to stroll through the town below too! It’s mostly residential with a few shops, but there’s flowers everywhere. So pretty!
After a morning in Oppéde le Vieux, we are hopping back in the car and driving fifteen minutes to the town of Ménerbes. This was one of my favorites! The views here are breathtaking.
Wander the Town: Enjoy the panoramic views, winding streets, and flowers absolutely everywhere. I’m not sure if Ménerbes is larger than the other villages, but I felt like every turn we just kept finding new streets!
Visit the Market: Market day in Ménerbes is every Thursday morning! You’ll find fresh produce, artisan goods, and unique souvenirs.
Monsieur Tu: great lunch spot with amazing views and really great Hugo spritzes!
Maison de la Truffe: Wine and truffle tastings in a beautifully restored mansion! They offer cooking classes as well.
Café du Progres: a casual café with a gorgeous panoramic terrace. Perfect place for a little afternoon espresso.
It’s time to head 20 minutes away to our last stop of the day: Rousillon. This town is built on reddish orange ochre cliffs, and the clay from these rocks is used to color the buildings here. Everything is just painted in a sunset hue!
Wander the Town: Walk around and enjoy the sunset colors of the town at sunset!
Visit the Eglise Saint-Michel: This 19th century church is situated at the very top of the village, making it a great viewpoint!
Walk the Le Sentier des Ocres: a trail leading through the ochre cliffs! It’s a short walk – there’s a 30min and 50min trail. Don’t wear white – it can get stained!
Restaurant Omma: A gorgeous French restaurant with incredible food and views of the ochre cliffs.
Le Restaurant Le Piquebarre: a lovely outdoor setting with traditional French food. The filet was delicious, but the chocolate cake stole the show!
La Grappe de Raisin: a French eatery set in a casual terrace surrounded by beautiful ochre buildings!
After an incredible day of exploring three Provencal towns, head back to the hotel and get some sleep. Enjoy your final night in Gordes, because we are setting out tomorrow for an incredible experience!
After being on the go for the last few days, it’s time for some much needed rest + relaxation! Let’s get checked into the most luxurious hotel in the French countryside, Crillon le Brave. The hotel is located about 45 minutes to an hour north from the villages we’ve just been exploring over the last few days!
Crillon le Brave offers 17 rooms and 17 suites, all with beautiful French decor and luxurious amenities. You’ll find views of the Ventoux valley or the village from each window, and some suites even offer a terrace or double bathtub! The bathroom is equipped with any and all toiletry items you might need and 24/7 room service is available.
The Pool: The most stunning pool I’ve ever experienced. In a gorgeous setting surrounded by cypress trees, ivy, and views of the Mont Ventoux valley. Truly so serene! The pool is heated in autumn as well, so it can be enjoyed year round.
Spa des Écuries: A gorgeous spa in a former 18th century stone stable. Book a massage, facial, or body treatment – all treatments can be personalized to you.
Fitness: A full fitness center complete with private coaching sessions if you are interested!
La Table du Ventoux: A lovely French restaurant with a beautiful interior and an even more beautiful terrace. Enjoy a five-star meal complete with views of the Ventoux valley! Breakfast is also served here each morning, with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and made-to-order foods as well.
Lunch and cocktails can be enjoyed poolside!
After two days at Crillon le Brave, we hopped back in the rental car and drove down to Marseille (about an hour and a half drive). We returned the car, then boarded a train for the coastal town of Cassis to see one of my best friends get married at the Château de Cassis! I really wanted to enjoy my time here celebrating her, so I didn’t blog or explore too much, but here’s some photos and a quick overview of her wedding and Cassis!
Hit the Beach: We visited the beach club at Le Grand Large for a chill beach day and sushi!
Explore the Town: Walk through the harbor, visit the shops and restaurants, and have some gelato!
Hike the Calanques: One of the most popular things to do in Cassis! Gorgeous views + cliff jumping!
Go for a Boat Day: Another great way to see the Calanques, swim, and enjoy the blue waters.
Château de Cassis: When the castle and suites aren’t rented out for a wedding, you can book accommodation here! It’s perched at the very top of Cassis, and is absolutely gorgeous.
Hotel de la Plage Mahogany: A beautiful hotel situated right on a beach in Cassis. Gorgeous coastal decor and amazing views of the water!
Hotel Liautaud: Simple and aesthetic hotel with an absolutely unbeatable location right in the center of town, steps away from the harbor.
After the most gorgeous weekend in Cassis, it was time to say goodbye to Provence and hello to the French Riviera! We are headed to Saint-Tropez and Nice next to explore more of the French coastline.