Gordes and the Luberon’s ochres: a van road trip through hilltop villages and fiery landscapes

Discover Gordes, the Luberon’s crown jewel, and its surroundings, where ochre cliffs, olive groves and golden stone buildings create a picture-postcard scene. Perfect for a van or motorhome getaway, with walks, breathtaking views and preserved heritage at every turn.

In the heart of Provence, Gordes and the Luberon offer the perfect playground for van road-trippers. Here, villages clinging to hillsides, warm-hued ochre quarries and shaded trails follow one another for unforgettable days. Lace up your trainers, grab your camera and pack your sense of adventure: we’re taking you to explore the region’s must-see spots.

Gordes

Listed among France’s most beautiful villages, Gordes spreads its golden-stone houses across a hillside, offering a stunning view over the valley. Its cobbled lanes, medieval castle and artists’ studios make it a magical stop.

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 (15-20€/night). › Viewpoint parking Senanque abbey Gordes Parking ★ 4.7 Free car park with views of Sénanque Abbey and lavender fields. Peaceful, 30-minute walk, rated 4.7. › Free mixed parking Gordes Parking ★ 4.6 Free aire with panoramic Luberon views. Picnic tables, 23-minute walk, rated 4.6. › chemin des guillaumets, Maubec Motorhome area ★ 4.2 Free dead-end car park by the cycle path. 4 flat spaces, 8-minute drive, absolute quiet. › Cemetery parking Cabrières-d'Avignon Parking ★ 4.2 Spacious cemetery car park with valley views. Free, 6-minute drive, rated 4.2. ›

The ochre quarries of Roussillon

Dive into a mineral world of fiery colours, from red to yellow and orange, shaped by the historic extraction of ochre. The Ochre Trail, accessible on foot, takes you to the heart of this unique, moon-like landscape.

Where to sleep nearby

Mill parking Lioux Parking ★ 4.7 Free car park with cliff views. 5-minute drive, 4.7/5 (84 reviews). › Gîtes Saint Estève Campsite ★ 4.8 Intimate campsite in the vineyards with 360° views. 50-minute walk, 4.8/5 (95 reviews). › Le Carina Apt Motorhome area ★ 4.4 Private aire with pool and restaurant, 15€/night. 6-minute drive, 4.4/5 (57 reviews). › Gorge parking Murs Parking ★ 4.6 Discreet, shaded forest spot. Free, 6-minute drive, 4.6/5 (64 reviews). › Camping des Chênes Blancs Campsite ★ 4 Shaded campsite under oak trees, heated pool. 5-minute drive, 4/5 (58 reviews). ›

Sénanque Abbey

At the foot of Gordes, this 12th-century Cistercian abbey, surrounded by lavender fields in summer, is a masterpiece of harmony and serenity. Its gardens and simple architecture make it a place of peace and contemplation.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping à la ferme Les Boudougnes Campsite ★ 4.6 Rustic setting under holm oaks, 20 family pitches. 7 km (8-minute drive), rated 4.6. › Camping des Sources Campsite ★ 4.4 Pool with panoramic views, spacious pitches. 23-minute walk from Gordes, 4 stars. › Icy river parking Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Parking ★ 4.3 Free overnight parking (19:30-8:00) by the Sorgue. 7 km (7-minute drive), clean toilets. › Gorge parking Murs Parking ★ 4.6 Hidden forest spot near the Liou Gorges, very quiet. 6 km (7-minute drive), flat ground. › Aire de Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Motorhome area ★ 3.3 Camping-Car Park aire 500 m from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. 6 km (7-minute drive), 15€/night, services. ›

The Provençal Colorado

Near Rustrel, this spectacular natural site gets its name from its ochre cliffs, whose shifting hues recall American canyons. An easy walk lets you admire these unique geological formations in Europe.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping à la ferme Les Boudougnes Campsite ★ 4.6 Rustic setting under oak trees, family farm atmosphere. 7 km (8-minute drive), 4.6/5. › Free mixed parking Gordes Parking ★ 4.6 Panoramic Luberon views, picnic tables. 25-minute walk, free. › chemin des guillaumets, Maubec Motorhome area ★ 4.2 4 spaces by the cycle path, quiet dead end. 7 km (8-minute drive), free. › Aire de Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Motorhome area ★ 3.3 By the Sorgue, 500 m from the village. 6 km (7-minute drive), 15€/night. › Shaded parking Murs Parking ★ 4.4 Discreet forest, shaded and flat ground. 4 km (5-minute drive), free. ›

The village of the Bories

A few kilometres from Gordes, this mysterious hamlet groups around twenty dry-stone huts, built without mortar. These prehistoric dwellings, listed as historic monuments, bear witness to the ingenuity of ancient shepherds.

Where to sleep nearby

Aire naturelle les Cerisiers Campsite ★ 4.6 Natural family aire, 25 shaded pitches. 8 km, rated 4.6, warm atmosphere. › Icy river parking Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Parking ★ 4.3 Free overnight parking (19:30-8:00) by the Sorgue. 5 km, clean toilets, tables. › Shaded nursery school parking center Lagnes Parking ★ 4.6 Discreet shaded car park near the historic centre. 6 km, quiet, ideal for overnight stops. › Camping des Sources Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star terraced campsite, pool with views. 35-minute walk, immaculate facilities. › Shaded parking Murs Parking ★ 4.4 Discreet forest spot, flat shaded ground. 6 km, very quiet, little traffic. ›

The Ochre Trail of Rustrel

Less crowded than Roussillon’s, this trail takes you through vibrant ochre landscapes of cliffs and ravines. Perfect for an immersive hike in the heart of Provençal nature.

Where to sleep nearby

Mill parking Lioux Parking ★ 4.7 Stunning cliff and castle views, 5-minute drive. Free, quiet, ideal for hikes. › Le Carina Apt Motorhome area ★ 4.4 Pool and restaurant 5 km away, 15€/night. 9 pitches with water and electricity. › Parking in nature with view Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt Parking ★ 4.6 Exceptional panoramic views, 7 km. Secluded site, rough access. › Camping des Chênes Blancs Campsite ★ 4 Under oak trees, heated pool, 4 km. Close to Roussillon and Provençal Colorado. › Gîtes Saint Estève Campsite ★ 4.8 4 pitches in the vineyards with 360° views. Electricity, water and waste disposal. ›

See all spots on the map