Gordes and the Luberon by van: the essential sights, at your own pace

From hilltop villages and fiery ochre cliffs to fragrant trails, the Luberon is the perfect playground for van-loving road-trippers. Here are six must-see stops to weave into your itinerary, blending nature and heritage.

The Luberon is where authentic Provence meets breathtaking landscapes. Here, winding roads lead to gems like Gordes, Roussillon and Sénanque Abbey, while the Apt calanques and the Provençal Colorado offer wild scenery to explore from your van. Ready to hit the road?

Gordes

This medieval village clinging to its hillside is a masterpiece of golden stone, listed among France’s Most Beautiful Villages. Its cobbled lanes, stone houses and sweeping valley views are well worth the detour.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping des Sources Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite with pool and stunning views of Gordes. 21-minute walk, spacious pitches and clean facilities. › Viewpoint parking Senanque abbey Gordes Parking ★ 4.7 Free parking with views of Sénanque Abbey and lavender. Quiet, 30-minute walk, open setting and rarely busy. › chemin des guillaumets, Maubec Motorhome area ★ 4.2 Free area by the cycle path, 4 spacious pitches. 8-minute drive, quiet cul-de-sac and natural surroundings. › Free mixed parking Gordes Parking ★ 4.6 Free parking with panoramic Luberon views. 23-minute walk, picnic tables and flat ground. › Spacious parking Cabrières-d'Avignon Parking ★ 4.4 Spacious, flat parking behind the town hall. 5-minute drive, toilets and drinking water nearby. ›

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

Just a stone’s throw from Gordes, this 12th-century Cistercian abbey is bathed in golden light, especially at sunset. The surrounding lavender fields in summer make it an iconic Provençal sight.

Where to sleep nearby

Viewpoint parking Senanque abbey Gordes Parking ★ 4.7 Uninterrupted views of the abbey and lavender. 23-minute walk, free and peaceful. › Camping des Sources Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite with pool and panoramic views. 14-minute walk, spacious pitches. › Gorge parking Murs Parking ★ 4.6 Secluded forest setting 6 km away. Flat ground, gorge views, free. › Aire de Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Motorhome area ★ 3.3 Area by the River Sorgue, 15 €/night. 7 km away, full services via app. › chemin des guillaumets, Maubec Motorhome area ★ 4.2 Free parking by the cycle path. 7 km away, 4 spacious pitches in a quiet cul-de-sac. ›

Roussillon

Nicknamed the ochre village, Roussillon spreads its fiery hues across a hillside, creating a unique spectacle. The Ochre Trail, best explored on foot, immerses visitors in a fascinating mineral world.

Where to sleep nearby

Mill parking Lioux Parking ★ 4.7 Uninterrupted views of the cliffs and castle. 5-minute drive, free and peaceful. › Le Carina Apt Motorhome area ★ 4.4 Private area with pool and restaurant. 6-minute drive, 15 €/night. › Parking at Pont Julien Bonnieux Parking ★ 4.3 Large, flat parking near Pont Julien. 5-minute drive, free and quiet. › Camping des Chênes Blancs Campsite ★ 4 Shaded campsite under oak trees, heated pool. 5-minute drive, paid. › Aire de Goult Motorhome area ★ 3.1 Area by the Calavon cycle path. 8-minute drive, 15 €/night. ›

Colorado provençal

This natural site near Rustrel takes its name from its red and ochre clay cliffs, carved by erosion. An easy walk lets you admire these lunar landscapes, ideal for a nature break from your van.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping des Sources Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite with pool and stunning Gordes views. 14-minute walk, clean facilities. › Free mixed parking Gordes Parking ★ 4.6 Free parking with exceptional Luberon valley views. Picnic tables, 17-minute walk. › chemin des guillaumets, Maubec Motorhome area ★ 4.2 Free area in a quiet cul-de-sac by the cycle path. 4 spacious pitches, 8-minute drive. › Aire de Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Motorhome area ★ 3.3 Paid area (15 €) by the River Sorgue, 500 m from the village. Full services, access via app. › Shaded parking Murs Parking ★ 4.4 Discreet forest spot, shaded and flat. Very quiet, 49-minute walk from Murs. ›

Calanques d’Apt et de Rustrel

Less famous than those in Cassis, these calanques offer equally spectacular scenery with narrow gorges and rocky cliffs. Perfect for a hike or simply soaking in the views from your vehicle.

Where to sleep nearby

Lake-side parking Saint-Chamas Parking ★ 4.3 Quiet lake, max 1-2 vans. Narrow access but peaceful views, 7 minutes (6 km). › Perle de Provence Campsite ★ 4.8 4.8/5 campsite in a Provençal stud farm. 6 spacious pitches, 6 minutes (5 km). › Beachfront parking Berre-l'Étang Parking ★ 4.3 Sandy beach, flamingos. Direct access to the lagoon, 5 minutes (4 km). › Gravel parking with lake view Vitrolles Parking ★ 3.7 Gravelled lakeside area, showers. Clear views, 7 minutes (6 km). › Waterfront parking Saint-Chamas Parking ★ 4.3 Sunset by the water. Small and quiet, 7 minutes (6 km). ›

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

This village is famed for its canals, flea markets and lively Provençal market. Its waterwheels and old houses make it a charming and vibrant stop.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping la Couteliere Campsite ★ 4.3 Family campsite by the River Sorgue, heated pool. 5-minute drive, 4.3 rating. › Dirt parking forest path L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Parking ★ 4.3 Quiet forest parking, shaded clearing atmosphere. 5-minute drive, free. › Icy river parking Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Parking ★ 4.3 Free overnight parking by the River Sorgue, toilets. 5-minute drive, views of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. › L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue RV park Motorhome area ★ 4 Large, flat and free parking, 13-minute walk from the centre. Stabilised, no services. › Aire de Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Motorhome area ★ 3.3 Paid area (15 €) at the foot of the cliffs, with services. 6-minute drive, 500 m from the village. ›

See all spots on the map