5-Day Solo Adventure to Lavender Fields and Coastal Gems in Southern France

Day 1: Lavender & Hilltop Villages

Avignon / Gordes / Roussillon, France on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Fourchette

Enjoy a fresh French breakfast with croissants and coffee close to Avignon train station to prepare for your day of adventure.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Avignon Old Town and Palais des Papes

Discover Avignon's historic atmosphere and visit the impressive Papal Palace, which is open until 7pm in June. A great introduction to Provence's rich culture.
EUR12, 2h0m

12:00pm

Travel to Gordes by bus

Take a scenic 1-hour bus ride to Gordes, one of Provence's most picturesque hilltop villages.
EUR4, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Petit Palais

Savor traditional Provençal dishes with views over the Luberon valley in Gordes.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Gordes Village & Lavender Fields

Stroll through Gordes’s cobblestone streets and head to nearby lavender fields; late June is perfect for lavender bloom. Take beautiful photos and embrace the scent.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Roussillon ochre cliffs

Catch a local bus or taxi (15 minutes) to Roussillon to admire the vibrant ochre colored cliffs and walk the 'Sentier des Ocres' trails until sunset.
EUR5, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Petite Maison

Dine on fresh regional cuisine at this charming Roussillon restaurant known for cozy ambiance and local flavors.
EUR30, 1h30m

9:00pm

Overnight stay in Roussillon

Book a charming guesthouse or B&B in Roussillon for a peaceful night surrounded by Provence’s natural beauty.
EUR80, overnight

Day 2: Lavender & Lakeside Hiking

Valensole / Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy a homemade breakfast featuring local honey and fresh fruit to fuel your day.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Bus to Valensole Plateau lavender fields

Take a morning bus from Roussillon to Valensole Plateau (approximately 1.5 hours). The lavender fields here are some of the most iconic in Southern France.
EUR7, 1h30m

10:15am

Explore Valensole lavender fields

Walk and photograph vast purple fields, visit local lavender farms, and learn about lavender oil production during the high bloom season.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Lavandin

Dine at this Valensole restaurant specializing in dishes infused with lavender essence and Provençal flavors.
EUR22, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Catch a bus (about 40 minutes) to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a beautiful village near the stunning Verdon Gorge.
EUR5, 0h40m

2:15pm

Hiking near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Hike one of the scenic trails down towards Lake Sainte-Croix or explore the village’s quaint streets and artisan shops.
Free, 3h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Auberge du Lac

Enjoy fresh lake fish and Provençal specialties overlooking the water.
EUR28, 1h30m

8:00pm

Overnight stay in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Stay in a cozy guesthouse or boutique hotel to rest after your hiking day.
EUR90, overnight

Day 3: Verdon Gorge Adventure

Verdon Gorge / Castellane, France on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Start your day with a breakfast featuring fresh baguette, cheese, and fruit.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Bus to Verdon Gorge area

Travel to the entry point of Verdon Gorge for hiking and kayaking (bus or shuttle services are available, total about 1 hour).
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Kayaking on Verdon River

Rent a kayak and paddle along the stunning turquoise river surrounded by towering cliffs; equipment and guidance available from 9am to 6pm.
EUR30, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch picnic by the river

Have a leisurely picnic lunch with supplies bought from a local market before your kayak trip.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Afternoon hike to overlook points

Take a moderately challenging hike to breathtaking views like Point Sublime for panoramic photos of the gorge.
Free, 3h0m

4:30pm

Bus to Castellane

Travel 30 minutes to Castellane, a charming town to rest and enjoy comfort after your adventure.
EUR5, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Maison du Protecteur

Relish delicious Provençal meals in this atmospheric Castellane restaurant.
EUR28, 1h30m

9:00pm

Overnight stay in Castellane

Spend the night in a welcoming local inn or hotel for a restful evening.
EUR85, overnight

Day 4: Beach & Kayaking

Cassis / Marseille, France on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Castellane

Enjoy a light breakfast with pastries and coffee before the day's journey.
EUR10, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Cassis

Take an early train and bus combination (about 3.5 hours total) to reach the Mediterranean coastal town of Cassis renowned for its beaches and calanques.
EUR25, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Grand Large

Eat fresh seafood by the harbor enjoying views of the sea and boats.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:15pm

Kayaking and swimming at Calanques National Park

Rent a kayak in Cassis and explore the famous limestone cliffs and turquoise coves of the Calanques, open all day until sunset.
EUR35, 3h0m

4:30pm

Relax on Cassis beach

Unwind on Plage de la Grande Mer beach — a perfect spot to soak in the Mediterranean sun and scenic views.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Travel to Marseille

Catch a short train ride (30 minutes) to Marseille for your final evening.
EUR5, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Miramar

Try Marseille’s famous bouillabaisse at this popular seafood restaurant facing the Old Port.
EUR40, 1h30m

9:00pm

Overnight stay in Marseille

Stay at a safe and well-reviewed hotel near the Old Port to enjoy vibrant nightlife and easy airport/train access.
EUR100, overnight

Day 5: Marseille & Departure

Marseille, France on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hôtel Belle-Vue

Have breakfast with panoramic views of the port and Marseille’s skyline.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Tour this iconic basilica, open from 7am to 7pm, offering superb city and sea views.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Le Panier district

Wander through Marseille’s oldest neighborhood with colorful streets, artisan shops, and galleries before heading to your departure.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chez Etienne

Enjoy a casual lunch with Marseille specialties like pizza or ratatouille in a friendly local setting.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Head to Marseille Provence Airport or Train Station

Prepare for your onward travel or flight home after an unforgettable solo trip through lavender fields, stunning gorges, and the French Riviera coast.
EUR0, Variable