AIX-EN-PROVENCE
If you’re looking for a bigger city vibe with lots of shopping and restaurants, plan a visit to Aix-En-Provence. It’s not as charming (in my opinion) as the smaller villages we visited, but it’s certainly worth seeing if you have extra time!
My favorite shopping – Sezane (clothing), Souer (clothing), Pans Des Lumiere (bath products), Rose et Marius (candles).
BONNIEUX
Just like Sault is known for lavender fields, this area is known for poppies! Worth a drive through it if you have the time.
ANSOUIS
Restaurants
La Closerie – we walked by this place, but since it was the morning it wasn’t open yet. Looked really cute and the menu looked great too!
Le Grain de Sel
Things To Do
Sunday Market (weekly) – this market happens every Sunday and can be found just below the chateau at the Place du Lavoir!
Chapel – climb to the very top and step in this gorgeous old chapel. It features dark interiors, beautiful art and colorful stained glass windows!
GARGAS
Hotels + Spas
Coquillade – a beautiful hotel just a few minutes drive from our AirBnB in Apt! We had dinner here one night and it seemed like a lovely place to stay. The accommodations were charming and right up against a winery – they had a large pool and a few restaurants/dining options as well.
GORDES
Hotels + Spas
Bastile de Gordes – incredible luxury hotel built into the hillside of Goult. Featuring a number of terraces to eat, lounge and drink, a beautiful pool and a fabulous Sisley Paris spa, it’s a great destination for a day trip or a week long visit!
Restaurants
La Trinquette – this spot can be find right off the main square, but down a nondescript path. If you’re not looking for the sign you may miss it! Try the stuffed squash blossoms and burrata with shaved white truffles.
Le Mas Tourteron
Le Bon Temps
L’Outsider
Things to Do
Abbaye Notre Dame de Senanque – this beautiful old abbey is currently under renovations, but it is still worth a visit to see the exterior! Especially when the lavender fields are in bloom…
Viewpoint of Gordes – we discovered this viewpoint of the Gordes hillside on our way to see the abbey! Great place to park and get some gorgeous photos of the beautiful village from across the way. If you want to go straight there, Google Maps suggests the address for the viewpoint is 13 Route de Cavaillon.
Chateau de Gordes – 10th Century Chateau
Saint-Firmin Church – a church dedicated to Saint-Fermin that was built in the 18th century!
GOULT
We visited this village late afternoon and I wish we’d had more time or could have gone back! So charming and pretty.
Restaurants
La Bartavelle – a cozy restaurant a short walk from the main square featuring classic French cuisine. Everything was so good! I loved the lamb two-way entree I ordered, as well as the cherry dessert. Reservations recommended!
La Carillon – a Michelin-starred spot right on the main square. Reservations required!
La Terrasse
L’ISLE SUR LA SORGUE
A small town right on the Sorgue river! Known for its antique market and shopping around town.
Things to Do
Sunday Antiques Market (weekly) – it was so fun to walk through the Sunday morning market! Be sure to hop across the street and peruse the actual antique stores behind the contemporary art museum. So many gorgeous furniture finds!