This article may have affiliate links. If you make a qualifying booking, I could earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my Disclaimer for more information.

Ultimate Guide to Provence Without a Car: 10 Amazing Drive-Free Ways of Exploring the Luberon Villages

Wondering if it’s possible to explore Provence without a car? Or where to go in the Luberon without driving? How about where to stay if you’re not renting a car?

Contrary to popular belief, it is entirely possible to have a car-free adventure in Provence France. Let me give you 10 car-free ways + 1 bonus little-known method of getting around sans voiture.

This is knowledge I’ve gathered over the years as a long-term French resident, a (former) frequent tourist in Provence, and now as someone who actually lives in a Luberon village. My unique POV is further enhanced by feedback I get from family and friends who visit.

So this article is for YOU: the non-driver, car-rental-avoider, forever passenger…or the one who’d rather sip rosรฉ and admire lavender fields than navigate unfamiliar roads or get lost in a parking lot (can’t blame ya!).

By the time you finish reading this article, you will be more confident in planning your South of France itinerary.

Or if you’re pressed for time, use the table of contents below to skip to parts that are most relevant to you. Get ready to discover the charming Luberon area, car-free style!


Can You Get Around Provence Without a Car?

Yes! You can explore Provence without a car as there are buses, trains, and taxis in major cities like Marseille, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence.

But if you want to visit the Luberon villages, which are mainly located in the Vaucluse department of Provence, going car-free is possible but not without challenges.

Public transportation is limited or non-existent in many villages. It’s still best to rent a vehicle when exploring the Luberon.


Pros and Cons for Tourists Who Do Not Drive

Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Visiting the Luberon area without a car is doable but takes extra effort. Be ready to manage your expectations. Let’s start with the negatives:

CONS

  • Limited freedom. If you’re pressed for time, think twice about tackling an ambitious itinerary. Village-hopping is best done if you own your time and have a car.
  • Less spontaneity. You can’t stop in scenic places (like lavender fields and picnic spots) whenever you want. If you rely on bus schedules (or the weather), you need to plan in advance.
TIP

If youโ€™re relying on public transport, donโ€™t get stranded without data. An electronic SIM (eSIM) lets you access schedules, maps, and booking platforms wherever you are.
This eSIM brand has affordable data packages and has worked well for me in Europe, Asia, and some parts of Africa. (Use my discount code JENNY3742 to get โ‚ฌ3 off your first purchase.)

  • Increased cost. You can hire a taxi or private chauffeur to take you sightseeing but it can get expensive, especially with rising oil prices.
  • Time waste. If you’re taking the public bus, be very patient with long rides, sporadic schedules, and long wait times.
  • Weather concerns. If you’re walking, biking, or taking public transportation, inclement weather can (literally) rain on your parade.
  • Physically demanding. Whether you’re walking, hiking, or cycling, expect uphill and downhill paths. Medieval villages often have cobblestone streets. But perhaps the most challenging would be dealing with heat in the summer.
  • Sweaty pits (or overheating!). You’ll have to deal with time-consuming, tiring journeys that might leave you sweaty, especially in the scorching summer months.
    Caution: If there’s a heat wave (or la canicule) in Provence, for your safety, please stay indoors. Better yet, consider postponing your trip.
    In summer 2022, France saw record-breaking heat waves (36โ€“42ยฐC / 97โ€“108ยฐF). As I update this article on June 27, 2025, the Vaucluse is under a heat wave alert again. We’re bracing for 40ยฐC this weekend.
  • Language barriers. Not having your own ride could mean more interaction with locals. Great if you love immersion. Not so great if you feel intimidated or awkward when asking for directions or communicating with drivers.
Man in a yellow jacket taking a photo with his camera of the perched village of Gordes
My husband Jรฉrรดme taking a photo of the perched village of Gordes.

On the upside, being (rental) car-free has some advantages, too.

PROS

Jenny, the Luberon Spy, in a yellow dress and sunhat walks her dog down a narrow, cobblestone street lined with high stone walls in Gordes, a village in the Luberon region. The bright sunlight highlights the rustic architecture, and the dachshund looks lively in the foreground.
  • Slower pace. You’ll get to see the region slowly, with more opportunities to soak up Provenรงal culture and to interact with locals.
  • Cost savings. You won’t need to worry about car rental fees, vehicle insurance, and parking tickets.
  • Less stress. Driving on unfamiliar roads can be stressful, especially if you’re not used to French traffic rules and road conditions.
  • Convenience. If you prefer to hire a driver or trip planner, then you don’t need to worry about itinerary and logistics. Just show up, buckle up, and enjoy.
  • Eco-friendly. Traveling without a car can help reduce your carbon footprint and minimize your impact on the environment.
  • Cool factor. There’s something kind of badass about navigating your way around Provence without a car – like you’re a true adventurer. (And you don’t give a damn about sweaty pits!)

Wondering what to do in Provence (the Luberon)? Here’s my list of genuinely Provencal things to do.
And because I live here, Iโ€™ve seen the Luberon in every kind of weather and crowd level. I think you’ll find my no-fluff guide to the best months to visit helpful.


Best Places to Stay in Provence Without A Car

Okay, so where should you base yourself? If you will only rely on public transportation, below are convenient places to stay without a car.

Note: I mention Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Lโ€™Isle-sur-la-Sorgue a lot in this post. While theyโ€™re not part of the Luberon, theyโ€™re close enough to serve as convenient jump-off points. And LISL is often lumped with the Luberon in local tourism marketing anyway.

โžก๏ธ If you will come from Paris by SNCF train, good bases are Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, or Cavaillon. These cities and towns have train stations and bus links, and plenty of options for restaurants, shops, rental services, and more. Note that only Cavaillon is part of the Luberon.

Pertuis, a Luberon town, also has a train station but in my opinion, it’s not as “happening” as the ones I mentioned above. To combine train travel with buses, please refer to #5 and #9 on the list below.

Also, many tourists fancy Saint-Rรฉmy-de-Provence as a Luberon base. Like L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Saint-Rรฉmy is not in the Luberon but it’s close.
Note that the “nearest” train station (Avignon TGV) is still around 30 mins away by car. So if you’re cool with splurging on cab rides or hiring a chauffeur, Saint-Rรฉmy is a possible base.

Coming from Paris? As a former Parisienne-turned-Luberon local, I used my knowledge of the city’s train stations, bus hubs, and airports to write this detailed guide on getting from Paris to the Luberon.

TIP

If you’re traveling between May and September, book train tickets early to secure the best fares and seats. Youโ€™ll be competing not just with international tourists, but also French holidaymakers and Vaucluse locals commuting to and from Paris. Browse train schedules here.

โžก๏ธ If you will enter Provence by plane, the closest international airport to the Luberon is Marseille (1 hour). From Marseille airport (IATA code: MRS), you can take a train, taxi*, or shuttle to Aix-en-Provence or Avignon. Depending on your plans, you can choose to stay in these cities or go further to your chosen Luberon village.

*As of this writing, only Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Marseille, and Nice have Uber in Provence.

TIP

The Luberon villages donโ€™t have Uber, but you can pre-book an airport transfer here. It’s the site I use for both myself and visiting friends. Their rates are often a bit cheaper than airport taxis or private chauffeurs. Plus, they have a 4.9/5 rating on Trustpilot.

By the way, if you’re not driving, forget Nice airport. It’s about 2.5 hours away by car to the Luberon.

โžก๏ธ If you will mainly take organized day trips to Luberon villages, stay in Aix-en-Provence or Avignon. Most tours leave from these two places.

You can book excursions in person at local tourism offices (see #1 below), or skip the hassle and reserve in advance through this trusted tour site.

๐Ÿคฉ Check out my curated list of the best Luberon tours from Aix-en-Provence. My helpful tips include markets, toilets, and anti-dizziness.

โžก๏ธ If your hotel concierge will book day excursions for you, then of course, stay where the hotel is (lucky you!). In #2 below, I mention 5-star hotels in Gordes and Gargas that you might want to consider.

โžก๏ธ If you will join an all-inclusive group tour, don’t worry about where to stay. The tour company should take care of everything for youโ€”from airport transfers to accommodations. See #3 of the list for suggested trip planners.

โžก๏ธ If you will rely on buses to visit Luberon villages, stay in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue or Cavaillon. These towns have buses going to several villages. But availability may be thin, so always check the schedules (learn more in #5 below).

Caisse d'Epargne, a bank building, in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with the river and terrasses
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the antiques capital of Provence. It’s a walkable town with a train station, plenty of restaurants, and a lively canal-side market on Thursdays and Sundays.

โžก๏ธ If you will mainly travel by bicycle, consider Cavaillon or L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. These towns have train stations, ample bike rental and repair shops, and access to several cycling routes in the Luberon.

If you’re not a hardcore cyclist and are simply looking for easy rides, check out Lourmarin, one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages” (yes, it’s an official title).

There, it’s easy to rent an electric bicycle and explore the village’s surrounding vineyards, olive groves, and other tiny villages. Plus, I like the village’s restaurant and cafรฉ culture (you can’t go hungry!).

While cities Aix-en-Provence and Avignon seem tempting as starting points for your bike trip, you might want to skip the highway. So it’s best to already be in the Luberon villages when you start your cycling trip.

There are many bike rental services in the Luberon, and some even offer to deliver the bicycles to your accommodation. Ultimately, where you base would depend on the cycling route you choose (more info in #6 below).

โžก๏ธ If you plan to move around by motorbike, many moto rental and tour companies are based in Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, so you would want to stay there. Unless of course, you’ll book an all-inclusive motorcycle trip, then your tour company will take care of your accommodations and transfers (more info in #7 below).

โžก๏ธ If your top activity is walking or hiking in the Luberon, base yourself in places with easy access to hiking trails and have enough restaurants such as Bonnieux, Gordes, or Roussillon.

Almost every village in the Luberon has access to hiking trails, but smaller villages may not even have a restaurant or grocery store, so it’s important to plan accordingly. A good idea would be to choose your trail first, then book an accommodation near the starting point (read #8 below).

Since you’re car-free, opt for circular or loop trails, which begin and end at the same point. This makes life easier as you don’t have to worry about transport on your way back.



How to Get Around Provence Without A Car

Recommended Ways: If you have the budget and not much time

1) Base yourself in Aix-en-Provence or Avignon and book organized day trips to Luberon villages

Personally, this is what I would do if I were a tourist with no car. This is a hassle-free option, as all you need to do is book a small group tour, show up at the pick-up point, and enjoy sightseeing.

Book through local tourist offices
If you’re based in Aix-en-Provence, you can book tours online with the local tourist office. You have many options to choose from. But if it’s your first time, I’d pick the Provence Wines and Luberon Villages full-day tour, as it will take you to some of the most popular spots. Similarly, the Avignon Tourism Office offers guided tours here.

That said, I personally like reading customer reviews before I book anything. The local tourism sites donโ€™t show any, so I prefer this next method…

Book Luberon day trips via Get Your Guide or Viator (recommended)
Departures are from Aix-en-Provence and Avignon. Make sure to read reviews and keep your ticket and pick-up details handy.

๐Ÿคฉ Check out day trips from Aix-en-Provence and Avignon here

Man on a bicycle in a square with yellow buildings in Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant city in the Bouches-du-Rhรดnes department of Provence. In around 40 mins by car, you can get to the Luberon area. Aix is well-connected to Paris and is a favorite base among tourists.

2) Book a hotel with its own concierge and let them take care of everything for you

There’s no better feeling than showing up at the airport or train station, and there’s someone holding up a sign with your name on it. From pick-up to drop-off, you don’t need to sweat anything.

Here are some pointers on what to look for in a hotel that can do that:

  • Has a concierge or trip-planning service
  • Has a restaurant or cafรฉ onsite or is within walking distance of food options
  • Offers transfer services (i.e. free airport shuttle)
  • Offers bicycle (sometimes free) or motorbike rentals
  • Most importantly, centrally located and serves as a great base for visiting Luberon villages

You might want to consider these 5-star accommodations with concierge:

Gordes
Airelles Gordes, La Bastide
๐Ÿ“ La Bastide, 61 Rue de la Combe 84220 Gordes
โ˜Ž๏ธ +33 4 90 72 12 12
๐Ÿ“ง concierge.labastide@airelles.com

Gargas
Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa
๐Ÿ“ Hameau Le Perrotet 84400 Gargas
โ˜Ž๏ธ +33 4 90 74 71 71
๐Ÿ“ง info@coquillade.fr

Curious about other top-rated stays? MICHELIN has just awarded its first Michelin Key hotels in the Luberon (psst! not all of them are super expensive).


3) Hire a trip planner or join an all-inclusive trip

If you want the itinerary and logistics taken care for you, hire a trip planner. It will save you time and spare you from stress.

Below is a list of English-speaking trip planners. I have not tried their services yet (because I don’t need to – I live in the Luberon), but I see their names often recommended in various Facebook groups.

It’s worth checking them out, but please do your own research. I encourage you to contact them and ask questions.

European Experiences – Americans Kathy and Charley Wood have been leading all-inclusive trips since 2006. Check out the “Luberon Experience” tour on their website.

Curious Provence – Ashley, a Canadian based in Provence, creates personalized itineraries. However, it seems she doesn’t offer transport services.

Pinch Me Provence – Lori, an American living in the Luberon, offers all-inclusive Provence tours. You can check out her website for small group tours.


4) Hire a private chauffeured day trip

If you prefer a private car or minivan for your group, hire a chauffeur-guide. Here are some top-reviewed English-speaking guides you can consider:

A Cab in Luberon – Peggy is French, a native of Provence, and speaks very good English. After decades of living in Paris, she decided to come home.
I hired Peggy in March 2024 when a friend visited me for the first time. I created our own customized itinerary, and Peggy helped me execute it smoothly.

Honest feedback: She was great overall, but her driving style was a bit jerkyโ€”frequently switching between the accelerator and brake made the ride feel choppy and left us feeling dizzy.

Your Private Chauffeur Provence Emily Durand, an American tour guide and driver based in Provence, offers transfers and customized day tours. She’s often recommended by happy clients in Facebook groups.

Experience Provence Tours – Marlรจne Boyer is a Provence native who currently has hundreds of 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor. Check her out to see if she’s the right guide for you.

All Provence โ€“ Laurent Catoni is based in Avignon and can pick up guests within a 50-kilometer (31 miles) radius. He speaks English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Note: I emailed all of them about their services, and they responded quicklyโ€”a great sign when choosing a tour guide. The first touchpoint is crucial.


Alternative Ways: If you have the time but not much budget

A 'Zou!' regional bus driving past the road with the lush landscape of Provence and a clear blue sky in the background.

5) Luberon, Provence by Bus

Taking the local bus is an affordable way to explore the Luberon villages, as long as you’re prepared for the potential downsides.

โ˜๐ŸผTake note:

  • Be prepared for wait times and be realistic about your itinerary.
  • Check the bus schedules in advance as these may vary depending on the season (more buses in the summer vs. winter), day of the week, and market day.
  • If you’re planning to go to a village on market day, aim to get there before 9 am.
  • The smaller the place, the fewer buses or no buses at all. Some villages only have four stops for the entire day.
  • If you’re coming from Paris by SNCF train, consider L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue as your base. It’s a town that has a train station and bus stops.
    Another choice is Cavaillon that has buses going to hotspots such as Mรฉnerbes, Bonnieux, Gordes, and Roussillon.
  • You can also base yourself in Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, which in my opinion, are great starting points if you’re taking organized day trips (see #1 of the list).
    But if you will rely heavily on buses, you can save travel time if you’re coming directly from L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (or Cavaillon).

Local Buses to Luberon Villages

The ZOU! regional transport network is your best bet for visiting the Luberon villages by bus. You can view the inter-village bus routes here. And an overview of the tourist routes here.

Zou bus routes Vaucluse
Source: Author’s screenshot of Zou! Vaucluse & Bouches-du-Rhรดne map

โ˜๐ŸผTake note:

  • Download the Zou! app (available for Apple and Android) for routes and bus times. But, do NOT fully trust the schedules on the app. The last time I used it, it gave me incorrect times, so I missed the bus.
  • For ease of use, choose English as the language and narrow down on Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhรดne when looking at maps.
  • You can also get physical Zou! maps from any tourist office.

๐Ÿšจ Update from this pissed local (June 2023):
I bought bus tickets on the Zou! app, but the purchase never showed up. Customer support replied quickly to my email, but months later, Iโ€™m still waiting on a refund.

My advice? Donโ€™t rely on the app for payments. If possible, pay the bus driver in cash. Have coins ready. Youโ€™ll pay a bit more (โ‚ฌ2.10 in-app vs. โ‚ฌ2.50 in cash), but at least youโ€™ll know it worked.

Bus from L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Some villages you can visit by bus if your starting point is L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue:

Bus 913: Cavaillon and from there, take bus 917 to Gordes and Roussillon, or bus 918 to Oppรจde, Mรฉnerbes, Lacoste, Bonnieux, Apt
Bus 914: Coustellet (for the lavender museum), Goult, Gargas, Apt
Bus 92: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Bus from Cavaillon
Some villages you can visit by bus from Cavaillon:
Bus 908: Ansouis, Cucuron
Bus 913: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue then from there, take bus 921 to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Bus 917: Robion, Gordes, Roussillon, Apt

Bus from Aix-en-Provence
Some villages you can visit by bus if you’re staying in Aix-en-Provence:
Bus 909: Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Apt
Bus 923: Pertuis and from there, take bus 908 to Ansouis, Cucuron
Bus 923: La Tour D’Aigues and from there, take bus 983 to discover the villages of the Pays dโ€™Aigues such as Beaumont-de-Pertuis, Cabriรจres-dโ€™Aigues, Grambois

Bus from Avignon
Some villages you can visit from Avignon (which has 3 bus stops):
Avignon Saint Chamand: Bus 920 to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Avignon PEM: Bus 915 to Coustellet, Goult, Apt and Line 906 to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Avignon Gare TGV: Bus 915 to Coustellet, Goult, Pont Julien, Apt

For complete routes and schedules, please check the Zou! website.


A group of cyclists in matching black gear rides through a Luberon village, with historic buildings and a clear blue sky in the background.

6) Luberon by Bicycle

Cycling in the Luberon is a unique way to appreciate the region while having eco-friendly, healthy, and fun on two wheels.

My go-to resource is Vรฉlo Loisir Provence. They have maps, itineraries, and relevant information you need for your cycling journey (e.g. bike rentals, accommodations for cyclists, transport for bags and bikes). Alternatively, you can also visit Provence ร  Vรฉlo or France Vรฉlo Tourisme.

Those three sites can help you research and plan your cycling trip, whether guided, self-guided, or all-inclusive.

TIP

Look for accommodations, restaurants, tourist stops, and rental shops with the “Accueil Vรฉlo” (or Bike Reception) sign.

It’s a national accreditation scheme that guarantees a high level of welcome and service for cyclists along French cycle routes. Check out which establishments earned the “quality mark” here.

Below are sample cycling routes and itineraries. These are circular routes, which means they start and end at the same point.

Beginner routes: Scenic and accessible tours

  • The Calavon Valley Circuit (37 km): A mostly flat and easy route that follows a former railway track. No cars so it’s ideal for families and beginners.
    ๐Ÿšฒ Robion โ€“ Maubec โ€“ Oppรจde-le-Vieux โ€“ Robion
  • The Lavender Route (30 km): An accessible loop starting and ending in Saignon, taking you through fragrant lavender fields and the hilltop villages.
    ๐Ÿšฒ Saignon โ€“ Apt โ€“ Bonnieux โ€“ Saignon
Purple lavender field in full bloom
Experience the lavender fields of Provence even without a car. You can rent a bicycle or motorbike, or hike, or hire a private guide. July is the best time to see the postcard-pretty champs de lavande.

Intermediate routes: Discovering more of the countryside

  • The Gordes Loop (45 km): A moderate route offering stunning views of the Luberon Valley, passing through hilltop villages.
    ๐Ÿšฒ Gordes โ€“ Joucas โ€“ Murs โ€“ Gordes
  • The Ochre Trail (51 km): A moderately challenging route exploring the ochre landscapes of Roussillon and Rustrel, as well as the historic village of Saint-Saturnin-lรจs-Apt.
    ๐Ÿšฒ Roussillon โ€“ Villars โ€“ Rustrel โ€“ Saint-Saturnin-lรจs-Apt โ€“ Roussillon

Advanced routes: Challenging trails and panoramic views

  • The Grand Luberon Circuit (236 km): A challenging route for experienced cyclists, taking you through the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park and offering panoramic views of the region.
    ๐Ÿšฒ La Tour d’Aigues – Pertuis – Villelaure – Ansouis – Sannes – La Tour d’Aigues
  • The Mont Ventoux Climb (22 km, one way): A demanding 1600-meter ascent to the summit of Mont Ventoux, known as the “Giant of Provence,” which rewards cyclists with stunning views and bragging rights. Truly for adventurous cyclists.
    ๐Ÿšฒ Bรฉdoin โ€“ Mont Ventoux summit

Customized point-to-point routes: Whatever makes you happy

  • Luberon Villages: ๐Ÿšฒ Cavaillon โ€“ Gordes โ€“ Roussillon โ€“ Bonnieux โ€“ Lourmarin โ€“ Cucuron
  • Perched Villages: ๐Ÿšฒ Coustellet โ€“ Maubec โ€“ Oppรจde โ€“ Mรฉnerbes โ€“ Beaumettes โ€“ Robion

You would need to plan your return trip to your starting location, whether by arranging transportation or by cycling back along a different route. Or, you can stay the night at your end point.


7) Luberon by Motorbike

You’d be surprised to know that two-wheel tourism is very much alive in Provence. It is not uncommon to see biker clubs (sometimes in leather jackets!) cruising the winding roads of the Luberon, making stops to take in the views or taste the cuisine.

If motorcycles rev you up, these are your options: renting and self-driving, guided tours, or joining bike clubs (though the last one is more for locals who already own bikes).

For first-time motards (motorbikers) in Provence, consider an all-inclusive, guided trip.

There are local operators who can pick you up from Marseille airport or Aix-en-Provence/Avignon train stations. And from there, they take care of everything, from bike rental and insurance to accommodation and meals.

Some resources to help start your research:
Alpes-Luberon-Provence Balades Motos – offers all-inclusive and guided motorbike trips

Envie2Rouler – motorcycle and scooter rental in Aix-en-Provence

Moto Trip Provence – motorbike rental in Avignon


8) Luberon by Walking and Hiking

All I can think of right now is our sausage dog, Oscar. Every time we return from a long walk or hike (which we do on a regular basis, whatever the season), he always comes back smelling like rosemary. Ah, it makes me so happy!

A dog overlooking the magnificent view from Forรชt des Cรจdres in Bonnieux.
ยฉ The Luberon Spy. Oscar and the view from Forรชt des Cรจdres.

Fun fact: Jรฉrรดme and I are no strangers to walking/hiking in France. We once did 600 km (373 mi) of the Saint Jacques de Compostelle (Camino Frances), from Vรฉzelay in Burgundy to Pรฉrigueux in Dordogne.

It will still take us 1,000+ kilometers (600+ miles) to reach Santiago de Compostela in Spain. In the meantime, regular hiking in the Luberon is great practice for us.

From hilltop villages and forests to olive groves and vineyards, the Luberon’s paths are varied and lovely. There’s something for everyone, even families with small kids.

You’ll discover under-the-radar gems such as ancient ruins, abandoned villages, chapels, or in the case of our dog…wild boar skeletons. And the panoramic views? Gratitude-inducing.

TIP

There are many guidebooks and online sources (English + French) about hiking in the Luberon. I like two websites in particular:
๐Ÿ”— Chemins des Parcs
๐Ÿ”— AllTrails
Both have English versions. You can filter according to themes, distance, duration, level of difficulty, and more. I recommend downloading their apps on your phone.

Here are some of our favorite paths:
Forรชt des Cรจdres and Arche du Portalas (8.5 km / 5.3 mi) – 221 m)
Try this loop trail near Bonnieux. We love a shorter version of this path, where we walk under majestic cedar trees, see panoramic views, and bring our dog (on a leash).

We usually drive up to Forรชt des Cรจdres where there’s ample parking space. If you’re based in the village of Bonnieux, you can hike up to the forรชt (aboout 2 hours).

Circuit de L’Ermitage ร  Cucuron (6 km / 3.7 mi) – 2h30m / 207 m)
Cucuron is one of our favorite Luberon villages for its great restaurants and chill vibe. So we were so pleased to discover the Chapelle de L’Ermitage (a pilgrimage site in 1292) perched on a hill.

The view from up there is amazing! If you prefer to skip the whole circuit it’s an easy climb up and down the chapel – doable in an hour or less.

Chapelle de L'Ermitage in Cucuron atop a hill against a bright, blue sky
Enjoy a short hike to the Chapelle de L’Ermitage, where you can sit and
enjoy the breathtaking view.
Colorful painted rocks on a hiking trail in Luberon, France, overlook a sprawling valley and distant villages under a pastel sunset sky.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve sat on these rocks, soaking in the view. Itโ€™s an easy hike from Lourmarinโ€”just search “Strates de Couleurs de Lourmarin” on Google Maps.

Any trail in and around Lourmarin (spontaneous)
The hills around Lourmarin offer fantastic views of the vineyards and mansions below. On a regular basis, we don’t follow a path. We let our dog lead the way.

If you’re doing more complex Luberon hikes such as Le Mourre Nรจgre via Cabriรจre d’Aigues…
Get your hands on maps created by the Institut Geographique National (IGN) or TopoGuides by the official French hiking association, the Fรฉdรฉration Franรงaise de la Randonnรฉe Pรฉdestre (FFRandonnรฉe). These maps are widely available in bookstores, tabacs, and tourist centers.

๐Ÿšจ Important:
In the summer, from 1st July to 15th September, access to the forest massifs in Vaucluse is limited due to risk of forest fires. Some are closed; others are open for limited hours only.
But three tourist sites are open from 5 am to 8 pm: The Colorado Provenรงal in Rustrel, Aiguebrun valley in Buoux, the Cedar Forest in Bonnieux/Lacoste.
When in doubt, check the forest fire daily monitoring updates from the Prรฉfecture of Vaucluse.


9) Luberon, Provence by Train


It’s not possible to explore the Luberon villages exclusively by train, as only cities and towns have it. You’ll need to combine train rides with other modes of transport, ideally bus or ride sharing (more on this in #10 below).

If you’re based in Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, take a train to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue or Cavaillon.

From there, take a local bus to the villages (see #5 on the list). Unlike buses that have less schedules, SNCF-TER regional trains between these cities and towns are more frequent.

TIPS
  • Download the SNCF Connect mobile app for easy access to train schedules and prices.
  • Another Luberon town that has a TER station is Pertuis, which doesn’t offer a lot of Zou! buses but can be a transit point if you’re going to explore the villages of Pay D’Aigues in the eastern part of the Luberon

10) Luberon by Ride Sharing

BlaBlaCar (and BlaBlaCar Bus) is a ride-sharing app that allows travelers to share rides and split the cost of transportation (think: carpooling or covoiturage en franรงais).

It’s popular in France and can be a great option for travelers looking for an affordable, social, and flexible way to explore the Luberon villages.

TIP

Check the BlaBlaCar website and download the app. You can set alerts for a town/village, so you can get notified when there’s an available ride.

There are downsides, too: limited control over the route, unpredictable schedule, lack of luggage space, and language barrier.

Locals use BlaBlaCar when coming from the airport and train stations. Some popular starting points you may want to try are Aix-en-Provence TGV, Avignon TGV, and Marseille airport. And if you’re lucky, there will be trips heading to Luberon stops (e.g. Apt, Lourmarin, Cadenet).

Remember, BlaBlaCar drivers are private individuals who offer up their car to co-travelers. So availability depends on someone going from point A to B.

On the other hand, BlaBlaCar buses are mostly for regional trips, often from city to city (e.g. Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, etc.). So park this idea in case you’re looking for a cheap, spontaneous trip after Provence.


Bonus Tip

Few people know this (even locals): There’s a free shuttle service in certain villages. It is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The supermarket shuttle makes rounds in Lauris, Cadenet, Lourmarin, and Puyvert. So if you don’t have a car and need to buy some groceries, use the free ride if you’re staying in one of these villages. You have 45 mins to shop at Super U Puyvert (see schedule below).

And if you’re lazy? You can also buy groceries from Super U online, and they will deliver to your doorstep.

A sign with the schedule of the free shuttle of Super U
Take advantage of the Taxi Gael free shuttle to buy groceries at Super U Puyvert.

Useful Phone Apps to Download Before
Your Travel to the Luberon

Navigation: Google Maps, Maps.me (best offline map); Waze (if you change your mind and suddenly want to drive)
Multimodal transport planning: Omio or Google Maps
Trains: SNCF Connect
Buses: Zou!
Walking, hiking, cycling: Chemins des Parcs, AllTrails
Ride sharing: BlaBlaCar
Restaurants and things to do: TripAdvisor
Day trips: GetYourGuide, Viator


Wrap-Up: Getting Around the Luberon Without a Car

While it’s true that having a car offers more freedom and flexibility, not having one shouldn’t stop you from exploring the Luberon.

With options such as buses, private drivers or tour guides, cycling, or hiking, you have plenty of alternatives at your disposal. Exploring Provence without a car is totally doable. It all comes down to smart planning, creativity, and a sense of adventure.

So, go ahead and have a car-free adventure in Provence โ€“ you might just discover something extraordinary! ๐Ÿ’œ


FAQs about Car-Free Travels in and around the Luberon

Can I do Provence without a car?

Absolutely! While having a car is convenient and flexible, there are ways to explore Provence by train and bus. Organized tours, biking, hiking, and even hiring private drivers are also options worth checking out.

Where is the best base in Provence without a car?

To explore Luberon villages, the best places to stay without a car are Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. These towns have public transportation links, restaurants, and shops that you won’t find in small villages.

What are the best Luberon villages to reach by bus?

You can go to popular villages such as Gordes, Roussillon, Oppรจde, Mรฉnerbes, Lacoste, and Bonnieux. Consider staying in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (west Luberon) where you can easily take public transportation.

Can I visit lavender fields without a car?

Yes, you can still visit lavender fields without a car. Look for organized day trips or hire a private chauffeur that will take you to the blooming spots.


Read more to help you plan your Provence itinerary:
15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Provence for Luberon Virgins
How to Easily Get from Paris to Luberon
Match the Best Luberon Villages to Your Interests and Curiosity (30+ Possibilities)
What is the Best Base in Luberon? My 8 Top Picks to Help You Decide
Luberon Luxury Hotels: Your Guide to 9 Michelin Key Stays