Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Luberon (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) is one of France's most rewarding destinations: Fountain-lined Cours Mirabeau in Aix, Avignon's colossal Papal Palace, hilltop Luberon stone villages, and violet lavender plateaus.
Getting here and moving around is straightforward: SNCF TGV InOui from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon TGV (2h40) or Aix-en-Provence TGV (2h55). Once in town, rely on TER trains link Avignon, Arles, Orange, and Marseille; rent a compact car (with Crit'Air sticker) for hilltop Luberon villages and Valensole lavender fields.
Neighbourhoods & areas
Aix-en-Provence Vieille Ville
Elegant café life and daily markets without needing a car.
Avignon Intra-Muros
Inside the medieval ramparts with easy TER connections.
Gordes / Bonnieux (Luberon)
Countryside mas (stone farmhouse) stays with pool views.
Top sights & experiences
Palais des Papes & Pont d'Avignon
Explore the world's largest Gothic palace built by 14th-century popes and the famous half-bridge over the Rhône.
Aix-en-Provence Cours Mirabeau & Atelier Cézanne
Plane-tree shaded boulevard of mossy fountains, daily markets, and Paul Cézanne's preserved studio.
Luberon Hilltop Villages (Gordes, Roussillon, Ménerbes)
Dry-stone bories, Roussillon's red-and-gold ochre cliffs, and Sénanque Abbey lavender fields.
Pont du Gard & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Three-tiered 1st-century Roman aqueduct and Van Gogh's Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery.
What to eat
Daube Provençale & Ratatouille
Beef braised slowly in Côtes du Rhône red wine with orange zest, black olives, and herbes de Provence.
Calissons d'Aix
Diamond-shapedcandied melon and Provençal almond confections topped with royal icing.
Tapenade & Aïoli Provençal
Crushed olives, capers, and anchovies served with chilled Coteaux d'Aix rosé.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Côtes du Rhône Wines
Full-bodied Grenache-Syrah blends from pebble-covered galets roulés vineyards.
Where to stay by budget
Budget
€80/night — clean central hostels, 2-star family hotels, and boulangerie breakfasts.
Mid-range
€175/night — 3-to-4-star boutique hotels in walkable historic quarters (Aix-en-Provence Vieille Ville).
Luxury
€370+/night — 5-star Palace hotels, historic hôtels particuliers, and Relais & Châteaux estates.
Rough nightly ranges: hostels and budget hotels often run €45–€95 per night; mid-range boutique hotels commonly €130–€240 per room; 5-star Palace hotels and château stays run €380+, especially in peak seasons. See our accommodation guide.
Getting there
SNCF TGV InOui from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon TGV (2h40) or Aix-en-Provence TGV (2h55).
Getting around
TER trains link Avignon, Arles, Orange, and Marseille; rent a compact car (with Crit'Air sticker) for hilltop Luberon villages and Valensole lavender fields.
Day trips & side trips
Arles Roman Amphitheatre & Camargue
Easy regional excursion from Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Luberon: Arles Roman Amphitheatre & Camargue (TER 18 min from Avignon).
Pont du Gard & Uzès
Easy regional excursion from Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Luberon: Pont du Gard & Uzès.
Les Baux-de-Provence & Carrières des Lumières
Easy regional excursion from Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Luberon: Les Baux-de-Provence & Carrières des Lumières.
Cassis & Calanques
Easy regional excursion from Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Luberon: Cassis & Calanques.
Best time to visit
The most pleasant months to visit Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Luberon are May–July (lavender mid-June to mid-July) & Sept–Oct, when café terraces are lively and sightseeing queues are manageable. Book SNCF TGV trains and timed monument entries 3–6 weeks ahead.
Local tips
- Waiting until the day of travel to book high-speed SNCF TGV tickets to Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Luberon instead of locking in early-bird fares.
- Sitting down at an unset café table for drinks or forgetting to greet staff with a polite "Bonjour" before asking a question.
- Skipping the weekday lunch "formule du midi" (2- or 3-course set menu for €18–€26), which offers the best culinary value in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Luberon.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: