Visit the Luberon in 2, 3, 5 or 7 days
Realistic day-by-day itineraries through hilltop villages, ochre landscapes and the countryside — without spending your holiday in the car, plus our advice on where to stay.
How many days do you need to visit the Luberon?
Three days are enough to see the essentials. In our view, five days offer the best balance of villages, nature and free time. With a full week, the pace becomes gentler, leaving room for markets, local producers and lighter days.
| Length | Pace | What you will see | Where to base yourself |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days | Fast-paced | South Luberon + Gordes and the ochres | One base |
| 3 days | Balanced | Three iconic areas | One base |
| 5 days | Comfortable | Villages, ochres, heritage and cool escapes | One base is enough |
| 7 days | Gentle | An in-depth Luberon trip with one free day | One or two bases, depending on your plans |
3-day Luberon itinerary
Lourmarin and the South Luberon → hilltop villages → ochre country
Lourmarin, Cucuron and Ansouis
Begin south of the massif, in a lively, sunlit part of the Luberon. Wander through Lourmarin in the morning, have lunch there or in Cucuron, then finish in Ansouis with views over the Durance valley.
- Morning: Lourmarin’s lanes, château and cafés.
- Lunch: Place de l’Étang in Cucuron.
- Afternoon: Ansouis, or Étang de la Bonde in warm weather.
Gordes, Ménerbes and Oppède-le-Vieux
This day brings together the Petit Luberon’s most iconic stone villages. Arrive early in Gordes, continue to Ménerbes for lunch, then spend the late afternoon in Oppède-le-Vieux.
- Morning: Gordes and, if time allows, Sénanque Abbey.
- Lunch: Ménerbes and its vineyard views.
- Afternoon: walk uphill through the old village of Oppède.
Roussillon, Apt and the Colorado Provençal
Discover an entirely different colour palette in the red and orange landscapes around Apt. Visit Roussillon when it opens, stop in Apt, then head to Rustrel if the weather and access conditions allow.
- Morning: Roussillon village and the Ochre Trail.
- Lunch: Apt, its shops and heritage.
- Afternoon: the Colorado Provençal at Rustrel, or a gentler break around Apt.
The best itinerary is not the busiest
The roads are beautiful but winding, parking can take time, and the villages invite you to linger. Plan a proper break in the middle of each day.
Choose where to stay in the LuberonVisit the Luberon in 5 days
Follow the first three days, then add two lighter outings. Five days give you more time in each place while allowing you to keep one holiday home throughout your stay.
Bonnieux, Lacoste and the Cedar Forest
A day devoted to the landscapes of the Petit Luberon. Start in Bonnieux, continue to Lacoste for its views and lanes, then head to the Cedar Forest if access is permitted.
- Morning: Bonnieux and its terraces.
- Lunch: Lacoste and its stone-built atmosphere.
- Afternoon: a short shaded walk or free time in the village.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Finish with a day by the water. Browse the antiques or stroll along the canals of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, then continue to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse for a cooler walk.
- Morning: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, especially lively on market days.
- Lunch: near the River Sorgue.
- Afternoon: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and the path to the spring.
What can you do in the Luberon in 7 days?
For a rewarding week, avoid scheduling seven intensive sightseeing days. Add an excursion towards Aix, then keep one flexible day for the weather, a local market and whatever you feel like doing.
Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade and Aix-en-Provence
From the South Luberon, this outing combines vineyard country with urban heritage. Spend the morning in the countryside north of Aix, then explore the historic centre of Aix-en-Provence in the afternoon.
- Morning: winery roads and the countryside around Aix.
- Lunch: north of Aix or in the city centre.
- Afternoon: Cours Mirabeau, squares, fountains and the lanes of Aix.
A genuinely Provençal free day
Keep one day free of long drives. Choose a market, a tasting with a designated driver, a morning walk, a long lunch or simply the pool at your accommodation.
- Gentle option: market + local producer + siesta.
- Nature option: a short walk chosen according to the weather and access restrictions.
- Family option: supervised swimming or a child-friendly activity.
Where should you stay to visit the Luberon?
For a 3- or 5-day stay, keep one base. Lourmarin is ideal for the South Luberon and village life; Pertuis makes trips to Aix, the Durance valley and the eastern Luberon easier. For groups, the countryside around Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade offers more space.
Villa Oliveda
A villa with a pool, garden and cinema room, ideal for exploring the South Luberon while staying close to the village.
View Villa Oliveda →
Maison Alena
A village house with a terrace in the heart of Lourmarin, within walking distance of cafés, restaurants and the market.
View Maison Alena →
Les Nids de la Diane
Three apartments in central Pertuis, well placed for combining the South Luberon, Aix-en-Provence and the main access roads.
Explore the apartments →
Domaine Tour Campanets
Country house and cottages in the heart of a vineyard, with a pool and gardens, between Aix and the South Luberon.
Explore the estate →Frequently asked questions
How long should you spend in the Luberon?
Five days are the best compromise for seeing the main villages, the ochres and several landscapes without changing accommodation or rushing. Three days are enough for a focused first visit.
What are the must-sees in the Luberon in 3 days?
We recommend one day in the South Luberon around Lourmarin, Cucuron and Ansouis, one day between Gordes, Ménerbes and Oppède-le-Vieux, then one day in ochre country around Roussillon, Apt and Rustrel.
Which is the best village to stay in the Luberon?
Lourmarin is an excellent choice for lively village life and the South Luberon. For the iconic western villages, a base near Gordes or Coustellet reduces driving. Pertuis is convenient for combining the Luberon and Aix-en-Provence. See our complete comparison of where to stay.
Can you visit the Luberon without a car?
Yes, but the itinerary will be more limited. Some villages are served by regional transport, while connections between hilltop villages remain infrequent. A car is still the most flexible option for a complete itinerary.
When is the best time to visit the Luberon?
April to June and September to October generally offer an excellent balance of light, temperatures and visitor numbers. July and August are lively but hotter: start early, book accommodation and check daily access restrictions.
Should you change accommodation during a one-week stay?
It is not essential. One well-chosen base is enough if you are comfortable with a few drives of 45 to 60 minutes. Two bases can be useful if you want to divide the week between the western Luberon and Lourmarin or the Aix area.
