5-Day South France Driving Tour From Avignon: Provence Villages, Verdon Gorge & Riviera Coast

Day 1: Provence Village Start

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

9:00am

Breakfast at Le Bistro du Paradou

Enjoy a traditional Provençal breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee at this charming bistro open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Old Town

Discover cobbled streets, artisan shops and visit Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery, Van Gogh’s former refuge.
EUR7, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Table d’Uzès

Savour Provençal dishes using local ingredients in a welcoming setting, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Drive to Bonnieux

45-minute scenic drive to Bonnieux, a classic perched village in Luberon with stunning views.
Free, 0h45m

4:00pm

Walking tour of Bonnieux

Explore charming streets and visit the Church of Notre-Dame de Beauvoir for panoramic vistas.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Bastide de Bonnieux

Relish refined regional cuisine with a warm atmosphere and views over the Luberon.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 2: Villages and Gorge

Gordes & Verdon Gorge, France on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café du Village

Enjoy a light breakfast with pastries and coffee in Bonnieux before departure.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Gordes

20-minute drive to Gordes, a stunning hilltop village with remarkable stone architecture.
Free, 0h20m

10:00am

Explore Gordes and Sénanque Abbey

Wander the village, visit the Château de Gordes and the iconic lavender-filled Sénanque Abbey nearby.
EUR8, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Jardin de l’Oliveraie

Relax with local dishes served in a charming garden setting, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Drive to Verdon Gorge

Approx 2-hour scenic drive to Verdon Gorge, the spectacular 'Grand Canyon of Europe'.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Hiking and viewpoints at Verdon Gorge

Enjoy hiking the Sentier Blanc Martel trail or relax at viewpoints like Point Sublime in the afternoon light.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner near Lake of Sainte-Croix

Dine at Auberge du Lac with regional specialties and beautiful lake views, open till 9pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 3: Lake and Coast

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

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a continental breakfast near Lake of Sainte-Croix.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Kayak on Lake of Sainte-Croix

Rent a kayak or pedal boat to enjoy the turquoise lake and surrounding nature. Rentals available 9am-6pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

11:30am

Drive to Cassis

2.5-hour scenic drive to Cassis, a picturesque Mediterranean fishing port.
Free, 2h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Le Grand Large

Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the harbour, open noon till late.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:30pm

Calanques boat tour

Explore the stunning Calanques cliffs and coves on a 2-hour boat tour, available March-November.
EUR30, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening stroll with gelato

Relax with an ice cream while strolling the harbour promenade.
EUR5, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Villa Madie

Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite Mediterranean cuisine; reservations recommended.
From EUR70, 2h0m

Day 4: Riviera Glamour

Saint-Tropez, France on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at bakery in Cassis

Grab fresh pastries and coffee for the drive to Saint-Tropez.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Saint-Tropez

Approx 1.5-hour drive to the famous seaside town known for its beaches and vibrant culture.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Saint-Tropez Old Town & Port

Stroll the charming streets, visit the Citadelle museum and admire luxury yachts at the harbour.
EUR6, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Sénéquier

Enjoy classic Provencal dishes at this iconic waterfront café, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Pampelonne Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon on the sandy beach with options for sunbeds and beach clubs.
Free entry; sunbed rental EUR20 approx., 2h30m

6:00pm

Drinks at Le Quai

Unwind with cocktails and harbour views at this lively bar.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at L’Opéra Saint-Tropez

Indulge in French-Mediterranean cuisine with a chic nightlife vibe, open till late.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 5: Return & Explore

Avignon, France on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a healthy breakfast to prepare for the journey back.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Avignon

Drive approximately 2.5 hours from Saint-Tropez to Avignon through scenic routes in Provence.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant La Fourchette

Taste local Provençal cuisine in Avignon city centre, open from 12pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Palais des Papes

Tour this grand medieval palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site open 9am-7pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk Pont Saint-Bénézet

Explore the famous medieval bridge and enjoy views along the Rhône riverbank at sunset.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Table d'Uzès in Avignon

Celebrate the end of your trip with elegant regional dining in Avignon’s historic area.
EUR40, 2h0m