Market & Perched Villages of the Luberon Day Trip From Marseille

Nestled in the heart of Provence, the Luberon region offers a captivating day trip from Marseille. Explore charming perched villages, learn about vibrant market scenes, and marvel at the stunning natural landscapes. This journey takes you through the Combe of Lourmarin, visiting picturesque towns like Gordes and Roussillon. Discover the region’s rich history and culture, from the 12th-century Sénanque Abbey to the candied-fruit production in Apt. As you wander through these enchanting Provençal towns, you’ll be captivated by the alluring blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes the Luberon so irresistible.

Key Points

• A comprehensive day trip from Marseille to explore the Luberon region, including visits to charming perched villages and local markets.
• Opportunities to discover the architectural beauty of Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Apt, and their renowned markets.
• Scenic drive through the picturesque Combe of Lourmarin, offering panoramic views of the Luberon hills and valleys.
• Exploration of the Sorgue resurgence at Fontaine de Vaucluse and the historic Sénanque Abbey.
• Multilingual guide, air-conditioned transportation, and a maximum of 8 travelers for a personalized experience.

Tour Overview

The tour provides an immersive 11.5-hour journey through the charming villages nestled within the Luberon region, departing from Marseille.

Explorers will discover the picturesque Combe of Lourmarin route, weaving through the foothills of the Luberon mountains. Highlights include photo opportunities at the 12th-century Sénanque Abbey during the summer months and wandering through open-air markets in Lourmarin and Roussillon.

Travelers will visit the villages of Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Apt, each offering a unique glimpse into the local culture and history.

With an air-conditioned vehicle and knowledgeable driver-guide, guests can sit back and soak in the stunning Provençal scenery along the way.

Itinerary

Starting the tour, guests will first stop at the market in Gordes on Tuesdays, or otherwise enjoy a photo stop at the picturesque village.

From there, they’ll visit the colorful houses and Thursday market in Roussillon.

Next, the tour provides free time to explore the famous Renaissance castle and Friday market in Lourmarin.

The itinerary continues with:

1. A visit to the Sunday market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
2. A drive to Fontaine de Vaucluse and the Sorgue resurgence.
3. A discovery of the city of Apt, famous for its candied-fruit production, on Saturdays.

Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to wander through open-air markets and explore the charming villages of the Luberon region.

Market Stops

Throughout the day, the tour makes several stops at local markets, allowing guests to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and browse the wide array of regional produce and artisanal goods on offer.

On Tuesdays, the tour stops at the market in Gordes, offering a chance to explore the stalls and capture stunning photos of the picturesque village.

The tour also visits the market in Roussillon on Thursdays and the market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on Sundays, providing opportunities to discover local specialties and interact with the friendly vendors.

Plus, the tour includes free time in Lourmarin on Fridays, where guests can explore the renowned market and the town’s historic Renaissance castle.

Picturesque Combe of Lourmarin

As the tour winds its way through the foothills of the Luberon mountains, guests are treated to the picturesque Combe of Lourmarin, a scenic route that showcases the region’s stunning natural beauty.

The Combe of Lourmarin is a breathtaking drive through a narrow valley, flanked by towering limestone cliffs and dotted with olive groves and vineyards.

The highlights of this portion of the tour include:

1. Panoramic views of the surrounding Luberon hills and valleys.
2. Opportunities to spot local wildlife, such as birds of prey soaring overhead.
3. The chance to admire the traditional architecture and charming character of the villages along the route.

This scenic drive is a truly memorable part of the Luberon tour, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural splendor of this captivating region.

Fontaine De Vaucluse and Sorgue Resurgence

From the charming villages, the tour continues to the natural wonder of Fontaine de Vaucluse and the Sorgue resurgence.

This dramatic natural spring, one of the largest in France, emerges from the base of towering limestone cliffs, forming a serene turquoise pool and the start of the Sorgue River.

Visitors can stroll along the riverside promenade, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and admiring the stunning natural scenery.

The spring’s source, located at the base of the cliffs, is a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

After exploring the resurgence, the tour moves on to the city of Apt, famous for its candied fruit production, which visitors can discover on Saturdays.

Apt and Candied-Fruits Production

After exploring the natural wonders of Fontaine de Vaucluse, the tour moves on to the historic city of Apt, known for its renowned candied-fruit production.

Apt has been famous for its candied-fruit industry since the 16th century, and it remains a thriving part of the local economy.

Visitors can expect to see:

1. The traditional candied-fruit workshop, where skilled artisans use centuries-old techniques to transform fresh fruits into delectable confections.
2. The quaint local market, where vendors sell an array of candied fruits, jams, and other specialty products.
3. The Apt Cathedral, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture that adds to the city’s historic charm.

With its rich history and delicious offerings, Apt is a delightful stop on the Luberon tour.

Sénanque Abbey Photo Stop

The tour’s picturesque Sénanque Abbey photo stop allows visitors to admire this iconic 12th-century Cistercian monastery nestled amidst the stunning lavender fields of the Luberon region.

This serene abbey boasts a remarkably well-preserved Romanesque architecture, exemplified by its stone facade and tranquil cloister.

Visitors can stroll through the serene grounds, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and capturing breathtaking photographs of the abbey’s harmonious proportions set against the backdrop of the rolling hills.

The photo stop offers a chance to take in the region’s rich history and natural beauty, providing a truly memorable experience on the Luberon day trip.

Tour Inclusions and Additional Information

This day trip from Marseille includes a driver/guide and transportation by air-conditioned vehicle to guide visitors through the markets and charming villages of the Luberon region.

The tour can be operated by a multi-lingual guide, and travelers should note that it’s not wheelchair accessible. Children under 4 years old aren’t allowed on the tours, which have a maximum of 8 travelers.

The key inclusions are:

1. Driver/guide
2. Air-conditioned transportation
3. Access to markets and Luberon villages

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour may not be suitable for all travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on tours, unless explicitly prohibited. The tour details do not mention any restrictions on bringing personal snacks or beverages, so participants can likely bring their own.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes regular restroom breaks at the various destinations throughout the day, allowing participants to refresh themselves as needed. Restrooms are available at the markets, villages, and other points of interest visited on the tour.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours allow for a more personalized experience and can be customized to the customer’s preferences.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Villages?

Yes, customers can customize the itinerary to visit specific villages. The tour operator allows flexibility to adjust the itinerary based on customer preferences, subject to availability and feasibility within the tour’s duration.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour operator has a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can cancel their booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour departure. Any cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a fee.

Recap

This captivating day trip from Marseille offers a glimpse into the charming villages, vibrant markets, and stunning natural landscapes of the Luberon region in Provence.

Visitors will enjoy the rich history and culture, from the 12th-century Sénangue Abbey to the candied-fruit production in Apt.

The tour promises an unforgettable experience, exploring the picturesque Combe of Lourmarin and the Fontaine de Vaucluse spring.