Panoramica
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.
Cosa Vedere e Fare
- 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.
Cucina Locale e Specialità
- 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.
Come Arrivare e Muoversi
SNCF TGV InOui from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon TGV (2h40) or Aix-en-Provence TGV (2h55).
TER trains link Avignon, Arles, Orange, and Marseille; rent a compact car (with Crit'Air sticker) for hilltop Luberon villages and Valensole lavender fields.
Dove Dormire
- 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.):