7 Exciting Luberon Village Tours From Aix-en-Provence That Are Worth Your Time
Hunting for Luberon village tours that start in Aix-en-Provence? Look no further, I’ve done the homework for you.
I curated a list of top-rated tours, so you don’t have to sift through 238 dizzying choices online.
As a Luberon resident, I know very well the places listed on these itineraries. I’ve also been on many day trips around the world, so I know how it feels to be with seven other strangers in a van who may or may not like you. *evil laugh*
Allow me to share tips on questions that probably haven’t even crossed your mind. Such as:
- You only have 30 minutes in a village and you badly need to pee. Where do you go?
- Which market day should you choose if you’re into antiques? What if you want to taste lavender baguette?
- Which tour should you book if you want to tick off several Luberon villages in one day? How about if you want to take it nice and slow?
- Do you get dizzy easily?
Read on for the answers, plus tips on making the most of every stop.
Note: I do my best to keep tour links and prices updated. But remember, tour providers and booking platforms can change or remove details anytime, and it’s beyond my control. Lavender tours, for instance, usually appear a few months before July (when lavender is blooming) and disappear after the season. So if you don’t see lavender tours, check back closer to summer.
My Top Picks: Best Luberon Village Tours
from Aix-en-Provence
⏳ Pressed for time? Or can’t find your reading glasses?
Here are the top Aix tours worth your glance, complete with estimated durations to help plan your schedule.
Best for “a little bit of everything”: Water town + open-air market + 3 Luberon villages (9.5 hours)
Best for hilltop villages: 3 Luberon perched villages + Lourmarin (6 hours)
Best Aix & Luberon combo: Aix-en-Provence market + 4 Luberon villages (10.5 hours)
Best for slower pace: 3 Most Beautiful Luberon Villages (8 hours)
Best for wine lovers: 3 Luberon wineries + Lourmarin (8 hours)
Best for lavender & Luberon villages combo: Sault lavender field + 2 Luberon hilltop villages (9 hours)
Joining a group tour lets you skip planning the itinerary and logistics. It’s also the perfect option if you’re traveling Provence without a rental car.
Each small group tour I’ve listed accepts a maximum of 8 people in a minibus. You’ll meet at a designated point in Aix where your driver-guide will pick you up, tour you around, and then drop you back off.
Expect an hour’s drive to the Luberon from Aix and another hour back. The tour durations I’ve listed? They include all that driving—to and from Aix and between the villages.
Luberon Day Trips from Aix-en-Provence
1. Luberon Market & Villages Day Trip
⭐️ HIGHLIGHTS: Fontaine de Vaucluse, a market, Lourmarin, Gordes, Roussillon |⏳TOUR LENGTH: 9.5 hours |💰PRICE: From US$ 163 | ✅ Book now
This is a great “a little bit of everything” kind of tour.
You simply can’t skip a Provençal open-air market. More than the food you can taste and souvenirs you can buy, you’ve got to experience the “south of France vibe.”
On this tour, you’ll visit 3 of the 5 prettiest Luberon villages, including the hilltop locales of Gordes and Roussillon. When it’s lavender season (mid-June to mid-July), you’ll also have a quick 15-minute photo op at the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque.
“We saw so much in a single day, but never felt rushed. It would have been difficult to visit the places we went to without our guide – and we would have been clueless about good places to go and some of the history behind what we saw.”
– PAMELA (see more reviews or book your tour now)
Check rates and availability for this tour
On any given day, this tour covers Lourmarin, Gordes viewpoint, and Roussillon. It also includes Fontaine de Vaucluse, which, while not technically in the Luberon, is often grouped with L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for its close proximity.
TIP: The true star of Fontaine de Vaucluse is the “source” of the Sorgue River—a mysterious abyss at the base of a 230-meter cliff, depths unknown.
To get there, you’ll walk past tempting restaurants, shops, and even a paper mill. You don’t have much time—stick to your mission. Walk straight to le gouffre (the source) first. You can pick up snacks and souvenirs on your way back.
The market stop depends on the day of the week:
- Tuesday: Gordes
On Tuesdays, you have free time to wander the village center. On other days, you will only stop at the famous viewpoint (see on Google Maps) for photos. - Thursday: Roussillon
- Friday: Lourmarin
- Saturday: Apt (this stop is on Saturdays only)
- Sunday: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (this stop is on Sundays only)
So which market day should you choose? Jump to this part to help you decide.
Each village visit lasts about one (1) hour, while photo stops (e.g. Gordes viewpoint, Sénanque Abbey) are at 15 minutes each.
This same market-and-villages tour is also listed on another popular tour platform, payable in Euros (starts at €150 per person). If you want to read more reviews and pay in Euros, book here.
I had doubts about spending 9 hours on this trip, but it flew by super quickly. I loved the concept of learning about the villages while we’re driving and then exploring on our own.
– HAJNI (see more reviews or book your tour now)
Do you get dizzy easily? You will drive through the famous Combe de Lourmarin, a beautiful, long, serpentine road in the Luberon Regional Natural Park.
Many love it. Others—like me—get dizzy going through it. My tip? Choose a window seat in the van for fresh air and avoid sitting in the back.
2. Luberon Hilltop Villages in Half a Day
⭐️ HIGHLIGHTS: Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Roussillon, Gordes |⏳TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours |💰PRICE: From US$ 105 per person | ✅ Book now
The Luberon is famous for its hilltop villages (or villages perchés). Why not spend the day visiting famous Gordes, pretty-in-pink Roussillon, and scenic Bonnieux?
Though Lourmarin is the only flat village in the itinerary, she makes up for it with a stunning château and lively shops and restaurants.
You’ll enjoy one hour in each village, with a brief 15-minute photo stop in Bonnieux.
“This is a trip you do NOT want to do yourself. First, you wouldn’t know where to go, and the route is often one lane and serpentine. Our wonderful tour guide was a terrific driver – very conscientious and safe – and we saw so many interesting things we didn’t even know existed, spending the perfect amount of time at each one.
– Jenny (not this author) (see more reviews or book your tour now)
TIP: You’re only given one hour in Lourmarin. If you need to use the toilet, there’s a free public restroom before you enter the village center. It’s beside Panama, a store that sells hats. There’s another public toilet across Louéron, a wine shop.
3. Aix-en-Provence Market + Luberon Villages in One Day
⭐️ HIGHLIGHTS: Aix market + Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Roussillon, Gordes |⏳TOUR LENGTH: 10.5 hours |💰PRICE: From US$ 182 per person | ✅ Book now
Morning at the Aix-en-Provence market followed by an afternoon touring Luberon villages. Sounds good?
Maximize your day with these back-to-back tours.
Spend the morning at the Aix-en-Provence weekly marché, where you’ll have wine and cheese tasting (included in your tour). Your guide will show you down Mirabeau Avenue, lined with elegant fountains and pretty facades of private mansions.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit renowned Luberon villages. Here’s a snapshot of your day:
AM
Aix-en-Provence open-air market – 3 hours (includes wine and cheese tasting)
**short break around noon**
PM
Lourmarin – 1 hour
Bonnieux – 20-min photo stop
Roussillon – 1 hour
Gordes – 45 mins
Tylene Transports Tourisme, an experienced travel company, runs this tour on Thursdays and Saturdays.
TIP: When visiting markets, bring cash. You can also use your card (or sometimes Apple Pay) but most vendors require a minimum of €15 purchase.
4. Full Day Trip to 3 Most Beautiful Luberon Villages
⭐️ HIGHLIGHTS: Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin |⏳TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | 💰PRICE: From US$ 164 per person | ✅ Book now
Sometimes less is more. If you like lingering and hate rushing, then this trip is ideal for you.
By focusing on only three villages, you avoid spreading yourself too thin, allowing you to fully enjoy each place.
Book this tour to visit three of the Luberon’s most remarkable villages:
Gordes, including Sénanque Abbey during lavender season (June-July)
Roussillon + ocher trail
Lourmarin
You can also find this tour operated by the same company on Get Your Guide, a popular tour platform. If you prefer to pay in Euros, book here from €150.
It was a great joy to see these gorgeous villages that I believe are difficult to access without a car. Lucille was very well informed, and also helpful and kind. The air-conditioned bus helped during the warm spells. Highly recommend if you can afford it!
– GUEST (see more reviews or book your tour now)
5. Provence Wineries + Luberon Villages Tour
⭐️ HIGHLIGHTS: Saint Victoire + Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Gordes, Roussillon |⏳TOUR LENGTH: 10-11 hours |💰PRICE: From US $196 per person | ✅ Book now
Two tours in one day is packed! If you thrive on a fast-paced itinerary and want to maximize your experiences in a single day, this tour is a great option.
Start with a short 30-minute drive from Aix to the base of Mount Saint Victoire, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at Mas de Cadenet, a family-owned vineyard since 1813. The next stop, Domaine Terre de Mistral, is just around the corner.
Afterward, you’ll return to central Aix and have about 30 minutes before the next adventure begins. A quick look at your itinerary:
AM
Drive by Montagne de Sainte Victoire (nice views)
Wine tasting #1 (1 hour)
Wine tasting #2 (1 hour)
Drive back to Aix
30-minute break before next tour
PM
Bonnieux photo stop (15 mins)
Roussillon (1 hour)
Gordes (1 hour)
Lourmarin (45 mins)
This trip was in two parts, a vineyards tour in the morning, followed by a visit to three Luberon villages in the afternoon. Jeff is extremely knowledgeable about local wine-making, as well as the history and importance of each of the villages that we visited. This was time well spent in finding out MUCH more about the area in and around Aix-en-Provence, which was exactly what we were looking for.
– GUEST FROM THE U.S. (see more reviews or book your tour now)
Check rates and availability for this tour
6. Full-Day Luberon Wine Tour
⭐️ HIGHLIGHTS: 3 wineries, lunch in Lourmarin |⏳TOUR LENGTH: 7.5 hours |💰PRICE: From US$ 151 per person | ✅ Book now
Want a Luberon wine adventure? Let a vin expert lead the way, tastings included. Your day? Two wineries in the morning, lunch in Lourmarin, followed by another winery in the afternoon.
You’ll sample around 13 varieties of reds, whites, and rosés (wowza!).
Good thing you’ve got a guide to drive you back to Aix. Though you’re on your own to get back to your hotel.
Our guide Stefan was deeply passionate about wine, having worked in the wine industry for many years. During the day, we tasted 18+ wines at three wineries where we were given detailed explanations by the winery employees. The stop in the village of Lourmarin for lunch was also amazing. We would not have been able to do even a fraction of this on our own. Highly recommend!
– GUEST FROM THE U.S. (see more reviews or book your tour now)
🍷 If you’re interested in doing your own vino tour, check out my detailed list of Luberon vineyards to visit. I tasted a lot of wine just to write this article!
7. Sault Lavender Field + 2 Luberon Hilltop Villages (Gordes and Saignon)
⭐️ HIGHLIGHTS: Sault, Gordes, Saignon |⏳TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | 💰PRICE: From €139 per person | ✅ Book now
Note: Since lavender blooms in July, this tour may not be available for booking during off season. But if you want to be sure, try checking the listing as early as April.
First, you pronounce Sault, the French capital of lavender, as “saw.” Don’t ask me where the L and T went. I’m also wondering.
Second, this is the only day tour in this article that includes the lovely hilltop village of Saignon (one of my faves!).
It’s nice to be in a lavender field but it’s also lovely to see the purple fields from above. Saignon is one of the best Luberon viewpoints to admire the lavandin-filled Plateau de Claparèdes.
Then of course, you will also see the most famous Luberon village, Gordes.
Note this tour is only available from mid-July to the first week of August. The tour operator can also modify the itinerary based on the lavender’s blooming stage.
You get to see glorious lavender fields while learning all about lavender and how lavender products are made. You also get to view three beautiful towns without having the stress of driving to them. Julia was a fantastic guide with endless knowledge of Provence, lavender and the history of the area. I’ve been on many tours and this was by far the best and worth every cent.
– GUEST FROM U.S. (see more reviews or book your tour now)
Check rates and availability for this tour
💜 Interested in lavender tours beyond the Luberon? Then this day trip to Valensole could be for you. Or if you’d like to catch the golden hour for photos, then try this sunset lavender tour to Sault.
Depending on blooming times, these tour bring you to these popular violet fields: Plateau de Valensole and Sault, the capital of lavender.
This was a fun and leisurely way to spend the afternoon in beautiful Provence. Our outstanding guide, Julia, made sure to take us to her “secret” lavender fields where our small group of 8 enjoyed the privacy of being the only photo-snapping tourists in the area. She was not just our safe driver and efficient tour guide but also our very patient photographer and friendly server at the stop we made where I had lavender ice cream (of course!).
– ANITA (see more reviews or book your tour now)
Which Luberon Market Day Should You Choose?
If you love antiques and vintage, then you have to experience the L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Sunday market. It’s the second largest antiques market in France, second to the Saint-Ouen market in Paris.
Then there’s a market that started in the 12th century, and it’s still going strong. If you want to experience a large marché, choose Apt. This Saturday market is big and fascinating as it’s been there for centuries.
If you prefer smaller, more compact markets that have a tiny-village feel, then you can’t go wrong with Gordes, Lourmarin, and Roussillon. Among the three, I feel the Lourmarin Friday market offers the best choices for food and non-food souvenirs.
Find a Luberon tour that matches your preferred market day
🥕 If you’re interested in visiting Luberon markets on your own, check out the schedules of weekly markets.
Insider Tips to Make the Most of Your Tour
Use my tips to help maximize your time:
- If your lunch stop coincides with a village’s weekly market, head there first, as stalls usually close between 12-1pm. If time is tight, consider grabbing some quick bites from the market instead of dining at a restaurant, where you may face wait times.
- Toilets: Every touristic Luberon village has a public toilet. Usual locations are: the main plaza, near the mairie (or town hall), or parking. You can also go into a restaurant or café but it’s only polite that you buy something.
- Lourmarin: One hour is ideal for exploring the village center or entering the château. But 60 minutes is too rushed do both. If you don’t have much time, I’d suggest taking a photo of the château and spending the rest of your time in the cafés and shops.
- Gordes: If you’re a fan of French macarons, there is a Ladurée shop at the Place de Château (click for Google map). It’s the only Luberon village that has this popular sweets shop.
- Roussillon: Start your visit in the village center, where you can snap colorful photos, enjoy viewpoints, and shop for souvenirs. If you head to the ocher trail first, you might run short on time to fully experience the village.
- Apt: Au Pierrot Blanc, a family-run bakery makes lavender ice cream and lavender bread. Worth a taste if you’re in town for the Saturday market. Click here for the location.
Final Thoughts: Touring the Luberon Villages from Aix
There you have it—my top choices of Luberon day trips from Aix-en-Provence. Book a standalone tour or mix-and-match them to fill your days.
🤩 If you only have one day and can only book one small group tour, this Luberon Market & Villages Day Trip from Aix-en-Provence is a great sampler of what the Luberon has to offer.
Organized tours are great if you don’t want to plan itineraries, rent a car, and drive on foreign roads. Sometimes it’s nice to be lazy – simply show up at the meeting point and let a local guide show you around.
Whichever tours you choose, I hope you have the best, grandest time in the Luberon.
Other Tours from Avignon and Marseille
🤩 If you’re based in Avignon, try this small-group day trip to Luberon villages.
🤩 If you’re coming from Marseille, this Luberon market and perched villages tour leaves from the old port.