Provence: lavender, gorges and Roman bridges
Best from late June to mid-July, when the lavender is out.
- Distance
- 300 km (186 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 08 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- June 28, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 300 km (186 mi) with 8 stops, from Avignon to Riverside campsite, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. About 4 h 08 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France · More road trips from Avignon
Route description
From Avignon, with its Palais des Papes and the broken Pont Saint-Bénézet, it is a short drive west to the Pont du Gard, a three-tier Roman aqueduct bridge over the Gardon river; in summer you can swim below it. Then continue south to Arles, with its Roman arena and the streets painted by Van Gogh.
Heading northeast, the road climbs from Bédoin to the summit of Mont Ventoux, the bare limestone summit of Provence at 1,910 m. The top road is closed in winter, and the summit is often windy and cold even in summer. The route then crosses the lavender country around Sault towards the Plateau de Valensole.
From late June to mid-July, the Plateau de Valensole is covered in purple rows of lavender to the horizon. Stay on the edges, because the fields are working farms, and spend the night at the farm stopover near Valensole.
From Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the D952 follows the north rim of the Gorges du Verdon, one of Europe’s deepest canyons, with turquoise water below. The Route des Crêtes loop is narrow, so large motorhomes should skip it and stay on the main road; a riverside campsite near Moustiers is a good base for swimming or hiring a boat on the Lac de Sainte-Croix. July and August are hot and busy, so book campsites ahead.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Avignon
France - 227 km
Pont du Gard
HistoryVers-Pont-du-Gard, FranceA three-tier Roman aqueduct bridge over the Gardon river. You can swim below it in summer.
- 339 km
Arles
France - 495 km
Mont Ventoux
ViewsBédoin, FranceThe bare limestone summit of Provence at 1,910 m. The top road is closed in winter.
- 585 km
Plateau de Valensole
ViewsValensole, FrancePurple rows of lavender to the horizon from late June to mid-July. Stay on the edges: the fields are working farms.
- 61 km
Valensole
Valensole, France - 737 km
Gorges du Verdon
NatureMoustiers-Sainte-Marie, FranceOne of Europe’s deepest canyons, with turquoise water below. The Route des Crêtes is narrow, so large motorhomes should skip it.
- 817 km
Riverside campsite, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
CampingMoustiers-Sainte-Marie, FranceCampsite at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in France, set in canyon country. A spot for anyone who wants to spend time in nature.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Avignon → Arles · 66 km · 0 h 55 minOn the way: Pont du Gard.Overnight nearby, for example: Les Manades (7 km); Camping Huttopia (9 km).
- Day 2: Arles → Mont Ventoux · 95 km · 1 h 19 minOvernight nearby, for example: Les Castors (9 km); Aire CAMPING-CAR PARK de Bédoin, Mont Ventoux (10 km).
- Day 3: Mont Ventoux → Plateau de Valensole · 85 km · 1 h 10 minOvernight nearby, for example: La Grangeonne (11 km); Verdon Parc (12 km).
- Day 4: Plateau de Valensole → Valensole · 1 km · 0 h 00 minOvernight nearby, for example: La Grangeonne (11 km); Verdon Parc (12 km).
- Day 5: Valensole → Riverside campsite, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie · 54 km · 0 h 45 minOn the way: Gorges du Verdon.Overnight at the campsite itself.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Provence: lavender, gorges and Roman bridges?
5-day road trip of about 300 km (186 mi) with 8 stops, from Avignon to Riverside campsite, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. About 4 h 08 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Provence: lavender, gorges and Roman bridges?
We suggest 5 days: about 4 h 08 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Provence: lavender, gorges and Roman bridges start and end?
It starts in Avignon and ends in Riverside campsite, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Which countries does Provence: lavender, gorges and Roman bridges pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Provence: lavender, gorges and Roman bridges?
OpenStreetMap lists 236 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Bagatelle, Camping Les Avignon and Camping Avignon Parc.
When is the best time for Provence: lavender, gorges and Roman bridges?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
