Luberon: Day Trips and Tours from Aix-en-Provence

More than 30 medieval villages scatter the verdant hilltops of Luberon — a regional park located just a stone’s throw from Aix-en-Provence. Here, you can find charming cobblestone streets, market stalls brimming with artisanal goods and medieval fortresses.

There is something for everyone to enjoy on a day trip to Luberon from Aix-en-Provence, from nature hikes through ochre canyons to spectacular boutiques and historic abbeys.

Here's all you need to know about Luberon, one of the most exciting day trips from Aix-en-Provence.

How to get to Luberon from Aix en Provence?

Luberon is a regional natural park that covers 165,000 acres in Provence. Its outskirts are approximately 20 kilometers north of Aix-en-Provence.

From Aix-en-Provence to Luberon by car

It takes around 40 minutes to make the journey to Luberon by car. You’ll head north out of Aix-en-Provence along the A51 before merging onto the D561, which leads you to the outskirts of the Luberon Regional Natural Park. From there, you’ll use the D943, followed by the D973, and finally, the D139 to reach Lourmarin — one of the most visited villages in the region. From there, you can easily drive to any of Luberon’s townlets.

From Aix-en-Provence to Luberon by bus

While access to the area is more challenging without a car, visitors can make the jaunt to Luberon via public transportation. You won’t be able to explore the entire region this way but you can take a direct bus from Bellegarde in Aix-en-Provence to Lourmarin, which takes just over an hour and runs three times a day.

Guided tour to Luberon from Aix-en-Provence

Alternatively, many tourists choose to book a guided excursion to Luberon and allow someone else to take care of the transportation details. These typically last between 6 and 10 hours, and meet at Aix-en-Provence’s Tourist Information Center around 9 AM. Once you’ve finished exploring the region, you’ll be returned to the city in the late afternoon.

What is the typical itinerary?

While all Luberon day tours are unique, their itineraries are often similar. You’ll meet your guide in the center of the city where you’ll board your vehicle and introduce yourself to your group as you journey out of Aix-en-Provence.

The majority of these excursions head straight to the region, however, in some cases, you may first meander leisurely through the coastal town of Cassis. Upon reaching Luberon, you’ll typically hop between a handful of its most renowned destinations, which tend to include Lourmarin, as well as Gordes and Roussillon.

The exact locations you visit are often determined by the day of the week you plan your Luberon day trip for, as the area’s famed markets happen in different villages each day. You’ll have the opportunity to shop for local produce, discover historic monuments or simply embrace France’s coffee culture in each town before moving on to the next.

Alternatively, some excursions focus on Luberon’s wines, and journey to a smattering of wineries to taste fine tipples before dining on local cuisine in Lourmarin. Once you’ve finished sightseeing, you’ll head back onto your bus and return to the center of Aix-en-Provence where you’ll make your way back to your accommodation independently.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Luberon?

You can choose between a variety of Luberon day tours, depending on the type of experience you’re seeking and whether you wish to visit any additional destinations.

Day tours to Luberon from Aix-en-Provence

This full-day trip to Luberon begins by journeying to the Cistercian Sénanque Abbey, which is renowned for its fragrant lavender fields. After posing for a photo in this lilac wonderland, you’ll move on to Lourmarin to discover its medieval cobblestone streets and iconic belfry.

Continuing on, you’ll hop between several other Provencal villages, including Gordes and Roussillon where, depending on the day, you may have the opportunity to stroll through a traditional French market, filled with freshly-baked bread, artisanal cheeses, and decadent preserves. Take a break from shopping to visit the azure spring of Fontaine de Vaucluse before returning to Aix-en-Provence.

Wine day tour to Luberon from Aix-en-Provence

This day tour to Luberon provides you with a whirlwind introduction to the region’s history of winemaking. You’ll visit several celebrated wineries where you’ll become educated on the process of making the tipple, from grape-pressing to bottling.

You’ll also have the opportunity to try a range of wines that feature differing notes and learn how to pick out the subtle flavors in each. After exploring these family-run facilities, you’ll travel to Lourmarin to indulge in a local lunch and discover its historic landmarks, such as its 12th-century castle, at your own leisure.

Day tour to Luberon plus Cassis from Aix-en-Provence

Start your Luberon day trip off by ambling alongside a myriad of candy-colored buildings and fishing boats in the port town of Cassis. You’ll then continue on to Cape Canaille where you’ll gain panoramic views across the region of Provence and over the Mediterranean Sea.

Then, visit a handful of Europe’s most enchanting villages, which include Lourmarin — continuously ranked as one of the most picturesque spots in France — as well as Bonnieux and the ochre-washed buildings of Roussillon. Roam the hilltop village of Gordes, known for its spectacular abbey, before ending your day tour back where you started.

How much does a day trip to Luberon from Aix-en-Provence cost?

A day trip to Luberon and Cassis costs €130 per adult while children between the ages of 4, and 11 can participate for just over €100 each.

Wine tours of Luberon’s extensive valleys cost around €130 per person and there is a minimum booking requirement of two guests. This includes all winery entrance fees, as well as tastings sessions in each.

Some Luberon day tours spend 9 hours simply focusing on the region’s villages and operate in small groups limited to eight participants for a personalized experience. Adults will pay just under €140 per person while children between the ages of 4 and 11 benefit from a discounted rate of €110 each. Those under 4 are prohibited from joining this excursion.

What will you see and do?

Luberon Regional Natural Park forms part of the French Alps and is known for its collection of over 30 hilltop villages. The highest elevation point in the park is over 1,250 meters and alongside jagged peaks, the area is known for its fertile lands where a selection of fresh produce is grown, including truffles, berries, and nuts, as well as a selection of grapes for wine-making.

The province is biologically diverse and features over 1,500 varieties of plants. Among this array of flora is a smattering of lavender, which can be seen at Sénanque Abbey, near the village of Gordes. Alongside its nature, Luberon is famed for its markets that happen across the region on varying days of the week. Locals and visitors alike flock to these outdoor shopping venues where they can purchase regional foods lovingly made by hand, as well as home products, such as lavender soaps, and in some cases, antiques.

As it covers such a large expanse of land, Luberon is dotted with a multitude of must-see landmarks, which include the ochre canyon of Roussillon, carved out by miners who used the substance to form the village's clay-colored buildings. Lourmarin Castle is also a well-visited location, which once belonged to a noble family and was the first Renaissance castle in the Provence region.

Other beloved villages in Luberon include Cucuron, which was featured in two Hollywood movies, as well as the foodie paradise of Bonnieux and Lacoste, which offers a step back into medieval France.

When is the best time to visit Luberon?

Luberon is a beautiful place to visit in any season of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures, beautiful scenery and a quiet atmosphere, while summer brings the vibrancy of the tourist season. Winter offers a tranquil experience and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Are there any tours to Luberon from other cities in France?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in France:

• Day Trips to Luberon from Avignon
• Day Trips to Luberon from Marseille

Travel tips

• Book your Luberon Day Trip from Aix-en-Provence in advance to ensure a smooth experience. This will help us secure the location and make the necessary arrangements for transportation and guides.
• In the Luberon's sunny climate, you need to protect yourself from the sun's rays. Pack sunscreen and apply it regularly to prevent sunburn. Also bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during the excursion.
• Luberon is known for its gastronomy. Be sure to try the local cuisine during your tour. Visit traditional Provençal restaurants and stalls to sample local cuisine and indulge in local flavors.
• Luberon is a region of natural beauty, so it is important to respect and protect the environment. Follow designated trails, avoid littering, and be aware of local impacts.
• Luberon has scenic countryside and charming villages perfect for making memories. Bring your camera or smartphone to capture stunning views and unique moments during your day trip.