Hiking in Provence: Luberon walks and medieval villages

You have a regular, daily train from Avignon to Isle sur la Sorgue. You also have regular, daily train from Marseille & Marseille airport to Isle sur la Sorgue. We can also arrange a private transfer for you, with a supplement. 

Gordes and Bonnieux are two of the most famous villages in the Luberon region of Provence, France, known for their exceptional beauty, historical charm, and picturesque settings. Gordes is renowned for its dramatic hilltop location, offering sweeping views of the surrounding valley. Its stone buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and dry-stone walls have earned it a place among "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). The village is also known for the nearby Abbaye de Sénanque, a stunning 12th-century Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender fields, and for attracting artists like Marc Chagall and Victor Vasarely.
Bonnieux is another striking hilltop village with a rich history. It boasts beautiful stone houses, a 12th-century church, and panoramic views over the Luberon Valley and Mont Ventoux. The village is surrounded by vineyards, lavender fields, and cedar forests.

The Sunday market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is one of the most famous in Provence and what truly sets it apart is its dual identity: not only does it feature the traditional Provençal market with fresh produce, cheeses, breads, herbs, and crafts, but it’s also renowned as one of France’s top destinations for antiques and brocante (vintage goods). Antique dealers from all over the region set up stalls here, making it a hotspot for collectors and curious visitors alike. Its scale, authenticity, and the atmosphere of the historic town make the Sunday market a must-visit experience in southern France.

The Aiguebrun Gorge and the Auberge des Seguins are special and unique because they offer an authentic, immersive experience in one of the most peaceful and unspoiled corners of the Luberon. With its dramatic cliffs, shaded trails, and the soothing presence of the Aiguebrun stream, the gorge is ideal for hiking, rock climbing, or simply escaping the heat and crowds of Provence. The Auberge des Seguins, located at the heart of the gorge, is a rustic former sheepfold dating back to the 17th century. Though basic in comfort, it offers a rare sense of timelessness and simplicity. There’s no luxury—just stone walls, wooden beams, local food, and nature all around: the feeling of being far removed from modern life.

You will need EUROS (€) for your trip. It’s always a good idea to carry a combination of cash and bank or credit cards when traveling and France is no exception. ATMs are widely available in major towns and cities, but not in small villages. Credit cards are generally accepted, but some smaller shops and kiosks may only take cash.