7-Day Scenic Driving Itinerary in South France From Avignon: Explore Provence, Coastline and Gorges

Day 1: Historic Provence Charm

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France on May 9, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Le Bistro du Paradou

Start your journey with a traditional Provençal breakfast featuring fresh croissants and coffee in a charming local bistro that opens at 8am.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Old Town

Wander through quaint streets, artisan shops, and local markets. Don’t miss the Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery where Van Gogh was treated.
EUR7, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Table d’Uzès

Enjoy a Provencal lunch with locally sourced ingredients and excellent wine selection. Open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Drive to Bonnieux

Scenic 45-minute drive into the Luberon region to the perched village of Bonnieux for stunning views and lavender fields.
Free, 0h45m

4:00pm

Walk around Bonnieux village

Discover cobbled streets, historic buildings, and hilltop panoramas. Visit the Church of Notre-Dame de Beauvoir for views.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Bastide de Bonnieux

Savour refined regional cuisine and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with views of the Luberon.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 2: Provence Villages and Art

Gordes, France on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café du Village

Have a light breakfast with pastries and coffee in Bonnieux before heading out.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Gordes

Short 20-minute drive to Gordes, a breathtaking hilltop village famous for stone buildings and views over the valley.
Free, 0h20m

10:00am

Visit the Village of Gordes

Explore the beautiful village and visit the Château de Gordes, and the nearby Sénanque Abbey surrounded by lavender.
EUR8, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Jardin de l’Oliveraie

Dine on local dishes in a lovely garden setting, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Drive to Verdon Gorge

Longer scenic drive of approx 2 hours to the spectacular Verdon Gorge, Europe’s Grand Canyon.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Hiking and photo stops at Verdon Gorge

Take a 2-hour hike on the Sentier Blanc Martel or enjoy viewpoints like Point Sublime during the afternoon light.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner near Verdon Lake

Eat at Auberge du Lac in Sainte-Croix for hearty regional meals with lake views, open until 9pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Lake and Coast Adventure

Lake of Sainte-Croix & Cassis, France on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a continental breakfast to energise for the day by the Lake of Sainte-Croix.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Kayak rental at Lake of Sainte-Croix

Rent a kayak or pedal boat to explore the turquoise waters and enjoy nature. Rental open 9am-6pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

11:30am

Drive to Cassis

A picturesque 2.5-hour drive south to the charming fishing port of Cassis on the Mediterranean coast.
Free, 2h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Le Grand Large

Savour fresh seafood with a view of the harbour, open from noon till late.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:30pm

Calanques boat tour

Take a 2-hour boat tour from Cassis harbour to explore the spectacular Calanques cliffs and hidden coves, operating between March and November.
EUR30, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening stroll and gelato

Relax with an ice cream as you stroll the seaside promenade before dinner.
EUR5, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Villa Madie

Michelin-starred dining with exceptional Mediterranean flavours, bookings recommended.
From EUR70, 2h0m
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Day 4: Glamorous Riviera

Saint-Tropez, France on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery

Grab freshly baked goods and coffee at a bakery in Cassis before departure.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Saint-Tropez

Approx 1.5-hour drive to the iconic coastal town renowned for its beaches and vibrant harbour.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Saint-Tropez Old Town and Port

Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the Citadelle maritime museum and admire luxury yachts on the harbour.
EUR6, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Sénéquier

Famous waterfront café serving classic Provençal dishes with lively atmosphere, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Beach time at Pampelonne Beach

Relax or swim at the famous long sandy beach, with options for beach clubs and sunbeds.
Free entry; sunbed rental approx EUR20, 2h30m

6:00pm

Sunset drinks at Le Quai

Enjoy cocktails with a view at this popular harbour-side bar.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at L’Opéra Saint-Tropez

Chic dining and nightlife venue serving French and Mediterranean cuisine open till late.
EUR50, 2h0m
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Day 5: Return Scenic Drives

Avignon, France on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Healthy breakfast to prepare for the drive back inland.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive from Saint-Tropez to Avignon

Drive approximately 2.5 hours north through beautiful Provence landscapes returning to Avignon.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant La Fourchette

Enjoy Provençal cuisine in Avignon's city centre, open from 12pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Palais des Papes

Explore this immense medieval fortress and palace, symbolic of Avignon’s history. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk along Pont Saint-Bénézet

See the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge and the Rhône riverbank sunset.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Table d'Uzès in Avignon

A renowned spot for regional dishes in Avignon, perfect to conclude your trip.
EUR40, 2h0m
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