Van road trip: Gordes, Roussillon and the heart of the Luberon

Discover the most beautiful hilltop villages, fiery ochre landscapes and untouched scenery of the Luberon, perfect for a campervan or motorhome getaway.

Between vine-covered hills, ochre cliffs and stone villages, the Luberon is an ideal playground for van travellers. Gordes and Roussillon are its crown jewels, but the regional nature park also hides lesser-known treasures, just a few kilometres of winding road away. Pack your walking shoes, camera and sense of wonder: here are six unmissable stops for an authentic road trip, far from the crowds.

Gordes

Ranked among France’s most beautiful villages, Gordes is a maze of cobbled lanes and golden stone houses. Its medieval castle, perched at the top of the village, offers a stunning view over the Calavon Valley.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping des Sources Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite with a pool and stunning views of Gordes. Walkable (21 min), spacious and quiet pitches. › Free mixed parking Gordes Parking ★ 4.6 Free parking with panoramic views over the Luberon Valley. Picnic tables, 23 min walk away. › Parking after the trail to the monastery Murs Parking ★ 4.2 Wild camping near Sénanque Abbey. Flat natural ground, 5 min drive. › chemin des guillaumets, Maubec Motorhome area ★ 4.2 Free parking by the cycle path, 4 spacious spots. Absolute quiet, 8 min drive. › Spacious parking Cabrières-d'Avignon Parking ★ 4.4 Spacious, flat parking behind the town hall. Toilets and drinking water, 5 min drive. ›

Roussillon

This village, with its red-ochre houses, owes its colour to the surrounding quarries. The nearby Ochre Trail lets you walk through these unique mineral landscapes found nowhere else in the world.

Where to sleep nearby

Mill parking Lioux Parking ★ 4.7 Stunning cliff views, 5 min drive. Free parking, 4.7/5 (84 reviews), ideal for hiking. › Gîtes Saint Estève Campsite ★ 4.8 4.8/5 campsite (95 reviews) in the vineyards, 360° views. Full amenities, 50 min walk from Roussillon. › Le Carina Apt Motorhome area ★ 4.4 Private area with pool and restaurant, €15/night. 6 min drive, 9 shaded pitches. › Gorge parking Murs Parking ★ 4.6 Hidden forest spot, 6 min drive. Absolute quiet, 4.6/5 (64 reviews), gorge views. › Camping des Chênes Blancs Campsite ★ 4 Shaded campsite under oak trees, heated pool. 5 min drive, near Colorado Provençal. ›

Sénanque Abbey

Just a few kilometres from Gordes, this 12th-century Cistercian abbey is famous for its lavender fields in summer. Its peaceful setting and simple architecture make it a place of absolute serenity.

Where to sleep nearby

Viewpoint parking Senanque abbey Gordes Parking ★ 4.7 Stunning views of Sénanque Abbey and its lavender. 9 min drive, free and very quiet. › Gîtes Saint Estève Campsite ★ 4.8 4 pitches in the vineyards, 360° views. Full services (water, electricity), 6 min drive. › Le Carina Apt Motorhome area ★ 4.4 Private area with pool and restaurant, 8 km away. €15/night, flat ground and services included. › Mill parking Lioux Parking ★ 4.7 Panoramic parking on the Lioux cliffs. Ideal for hiking, 9 min drive. › Camping à la ferme — Bonnieux Campsite ★ 5 Nature campsite 800 m from Bonnieux, farm atmosphere. Choice of fields or forest, perfect rating. ›

Pont Julien

This perfectly preserved Roman bridge from the 1st century spans the Calavon between Bonnieux and Apt. A photo stop is a must to capture this historic landmark amid the olive groves.

Where to sleep nearby

Parking at Pont Julien Bonnieux Parking ★ 4.3 1 min walk from Pont Julien, flat concrete parking with clean dry toilets. 4.3/5, free. › Camping à la ferme — Bonnieux Campsite ★ 5 Nature campsite, 5 min drive, secure pitches by aromatic fields. 5/5, Provençal vibe. › Le Carina Apt Motorhome area ★ 4.4 Private area, 5 min drive, 9 pitches with water, electricity and pool. €15/night, 4.4/5. › D194, Bonnieux Motorhome area ★ 4.1 Free area, 5 min drive, 9 flat pitches near the hilltop village. 4.1/5, basic services. › Gîtes Saint Estève Campsite ★ 4.8 Secluded campsite, 20 min walk, 4 pitches with 360° vineyard views. 4.8/5, electricity and water. ›

Colorado Provençal

A former ochre quarry turned natural site, this place offers landscapes reminiscent of the American West. Marked trails let you explore its red and yellow cliffs.

Where to sleep nearby

Mill parking Lioux Parking ★ 4.7 Stunning views of the cliffs and castle. 9 min drive, 4.7/5 (84 reviews). › Gîtes Saint Estève Campsite ★ 4.8 4 pitches in the vineyards, 360° views. 6 min drive, 4.8/5. › Shaded roadside parking Gordes Parking ★ 4.5 Shaded roadside parking, bin provided. 5 min drive, 4.5/5. › Camping à la ferme — Bonnieux Campsite ★ 5 Secure nature spot 800 m from Bonnieux, aromatic herb fields. 9 min drive, 5/5. › Le Carina Apt Motorhome area ★ 4.4 9 pitches with electricity, pool and restaurant access. 9 min drive, €15/night. ›

Village des Bories

Near Gordes, this archaeological site features around twenty dry-stone huts dating back to the Bronze Age. A fascinating glimpse into rural life of the past, right in the heart of the garrigue.

Where to sleep nearby

Aire naturelle les Cerisiers Campsite ★ 4.6 Family-friendly natural area, 25 shaded pitches. 8 min drive, 4.6/5. › Icy river parking Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Parking ★ 4.3 Free overnight parking by the Sorgue. 6 min drive, clean toilets. › Viewpoint parking Senanque abbey Gordes Parking ★ 4.7 Exceptional views of Sénanque and lavender. 35 min walk, absolute quiet. › Camping des Sources Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite with pool and a view. 35 min walk, spacious terraces. › chemin des guillaumets, Maubec Motorhome area ★ 4.2 Free parking in a cul-de-sac, by the cycle path. 6 min drive, 4 spaces. ›

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