Aix-en-Provence to Gordes and Roussillon: Private day trip

Gordes grew around an 11th century castle, gradually spilling down the mountainside in several levels as the town grew. Today, the town is still quintessentially ‘Provincial’, and just the view of it from across the valley makes it worth visiting. A charming maze of cobbled alleys, Gordes’ main landmark is its mountaintop chateau - a 16th century update to the original medieval fort. Today, this imposing monument hosts art exhibitions, and houses the Tourist Office, where you can get a map of the town. In the quiet square nearby, you’ll find the town fountain - Gordes’ only source of water until 1956. The Palais Saint Firmin is also worth seeking out to delve into its subterranean halls, cisterns, stairways, and even olive mills. Gordes rewards simply exploring, with the labyrinth of cobbled lanes allowing visitors to get lost in its charms.

Nestled in the Luberon region of Provence, Roussillon captivates visitors with its extraordinary ochre deposits that paint the village in warm hues from yellow to deep red. This official "Most Beautiful Village of France" offers a unique experience through Le Sentier des Ochres (Ochre Trail), where visitors wander among vibrant cliffs reminiscent of the American Southwest. The village itself is a picturesque maze of colorful facades, art galleries, and inviting cafés. After exploring the trail, lose yourself in Roussillon's charming streets, browse local artisan shops, or savor authentic Provençal cuisine while admiring panoramic countryside views. An unforgettable destination where nature's artistry and French village charm merge perfectly.