Honestly, planning a week in Provence can feel a bit overwhelming. Too many villages, too many lavender fields, too many wine routes. So where do you even start ? After spending quite a bit of time down there, I think 7 days is actually the sweet spot. Long enough to slow down, short enough to stay focused. You won’t see everything, that’s just impossible, but you’ll cover the essentials without burning out.

The plan I’m about to share splits the week into three zones : the Luberon and its perched villages, Avignon and the Pont du Gard area, then a finish around the Verdon or the Camargue depending on your vibe. Before we dive in, one practical thing – if you’re still figuring out where to sleep, I’d really recommend looking at a proper holiday rental rather than hopping between hotels every two nights. Trust me, unpacking once makes the whole trip way more relaxed. You can check listings on https://www.location-vacances-provence.fr to get an idea of what’s available depending on the area you pick. A house with a pool in July ? Game changer.

Day 1 – Arrival and easing into Provence via Avignon

Most people land in Marseille or Nice, or arrive by TGV at Avignon. Whatever your entry point, start your trip in Avignon. It’s central, walkable, and gives you a soft landing.

Spend the afternoon walking around the Palais des Papes. It’s massive, kind of austere from the outside, but the interior is impressive. Then head to the famous Pont d’Avignon – yes, the bridge from the song. Is it a bit touristy ? Sure. But it’s also genuinely cool to see. Finish the day with dinner in Place de l’Horloge or somewhere quieter near Rue des Teinturiers.

If you arrive early enough, you can squeeze in a sunset at Rocher des Doms. The view over the Rhône is gorgeous.

Day 2 – Pont du Gard and a first taste of village life

Drive about 30 minutes west to the Pont du Gard. Get there early, like really early – by 9am ideally. The light is better, the crowds are smaller, and you can actually swim under the arches in summer. Bring water shoes, the pebbles are brutal.

In the afternoon, swing by Uzès. It’s technically just outside Provence (we’re in Gard here), but who’s counting ? The Place aux Herbes is one of the prettiest squares in the south of France, in my opinion. Have a coffee under the plane trees, walk around the duchy, and just slow down.

Day 3 – Into the Luberon : Gordes, Sénanque and Roussillon

This is the day everyone dreams about when they think Provence. Gordes is that postcard village clinging to the cliff. Park outside the village and walk in – the parking inside is a nightmare.

Just below Gordes, you’ve got the Abbaye de Sénanque. If you’re there in late June or early July, the lavender fields in front of the abbey are insane. Like, photographer-paradise insane. Outside that window, the rows are still there but obviously less photogenic.

Then, drive to Roussillon in the afternoon. The ochre cliffs are something else. Walk the Sentier des Ocres – it’s short, around 30-50 minutes depending on the loop you pick, and you’ll come out looking like a clay pot, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Day 4 – More Luberon : markets, perched villages and slow lunch

If it’s a Sunday, head to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for its huge antique and food market. It’s one of the best in France, hands down. Even if you don’t buy anything, just wandering between the canals and the brocante stalls is a whole experience.

Other days, aim for Bonnieux, Lacoste and Ménerbes. They’re all within 15 minutes of each other and each has its own personality. Bonnieux has that two-church silhouette and amazing views. Lacoste is quieter, with the ruins of the Marquis de Sade’s castle on top. Ménerbes is where Peter Mayle wrote A Year in Provence, if that rings a bell.

Have lunch somewhere with a terrace and a view. Take your time. Order the rosé. You’re on holiday, remember ?

Day 5 – Aix-en-Provence and Cézanne country

Time to head south. Aix-en-Provence is about an hour from the Luberon and feels totally different. More elegant, more lively, more “city”. The Cours Mirabeau is the main artery – wide, lined with plane trees and cafés. Have a coffee at one of the historic spots like Les Deux Garçons (when it’s open) or any terrace really.

Walk through the old town in the morning, hit the Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday market on Place Richelme if your timing works, and consider visiting the Atelier Cézanne if you’re into art. It’s preserved exactly as he left it.

For dinner, the streets behind the Hôtel de Ville are full of small restaurants. Just wander and pick one that feels right.

Day 6 – Verdon Gorges OR Camargue : pick your adventure

This is where you have to make a choice. And honestly, it depends on what kind of traveller you are.

Option A: Gorges du Verdon. If you love hiking, dramatic landscapes and turquoise water, this is unbeatable. The Route des Crêtes is one of the most spectacular drives in France. You can also rent a kayak or pedal boat at Lac de Sainte-Croix. Plan a full day, the drive alone is long.

Option B: Camargue. Flat, wild, full of pink flamingos, white horses and salt flats. Totally different mood. You can visit Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer or the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau. More relaxed than the Verdon, but less “wow” if you’re after big landscapes.

Personally ? I lean Verdon, but the Camargue surprised me on my last trip. Both are great. Just don’t try to do both in one day, that’s a 6-hour drive minimum.

Day 7 – Marseille or Cassis before flying out

For your last day, depending on your departure airport, finish near the coast. Cassis is the easy win. It’s a small fishing port with colourful boats, and just outside town you’ve got the Calanques. Take a boat tour (about 45 minutes for the short loop, longer ones go all the way to Marseille) – way easier than hiking if you’re tired by day 7.

If you have more time, Marseille itself is worth half a day. The Vieux-Port, MuCEM, Notre-Dame de la Garde for the view. It’s gritty, alive, real. Not everyone loves it on first visit, but it grows on you.

Practical tips before you go

A few things I wish I’d known earlier :

Rent a car. Public transport in Provence is okay between big towns, but absolutely useless for the perched villages. A car is non-negotiable for this itinerary.

Avoid August if you can. It’s hot, packed and expensive. Late May to mid-July, or September, are way better. Lavender peaks roughly between late June and mid-July depending on the year and altitude.

Book accommodation early. Especially if you want a house with a pool in summer. The good ones go 6 months in advance, sometimes more.

Don’t over-pack the days. Provence is meant to be slow. Two villages a day, a long lunch, a swim somewhere. That’s the rhythm. Try to do five villages and a museum and you’ll just be miserable.

So, ready to go ? 7 days is enough to fall properly in love with the region – and probably enough to start planning your second trip before you’ve even left.