Gordes, Sénanque & Roussillon
Private Driver to Gordes, Sénanque and Roussillon
Perched on its rock, Gordes is one of the most photographed villages in France. A few minutes away, Sénanque Abbey hides at the bottom of a valley, and Roussillon glows with ochre-coloured houses.
- Gordes: the viewpoint at the village entrance, the castle, dry-stone lanes.
- Village des Bories: ancient dry-stone huts near Gordes.
- Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey: a Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender in summer.
- Roussillon and the Ochre Trail: a short walk among red and orange cliffs.
Our options: Avignon TGV ↔ Gordes (about 45 min) from 117 € · Avignon ↔ Roussillon from 130 € · Half day Gordes + Sénanque + Roussillon on request.
Tip: parking in Gordes and Roussillon is paid and often full in summer. With a driver, you're dropped off right in the village.
How long do you need for Gordes, Sénanque and Roussillon?
Half a day is enough to see all three without rushing, provided you link them efficiently. Gordes and Sénanque Abbey are only about 10 minutes apart, and Roussillon is roughly 20 minutes from Gordes. On site, allow approximately:
- Gordes: an hour to wander the lanes and enjoy the viewpoint.
- Sénanque: 30 minutes to an hour, depending on whether you go inside or just walk around the abbey and lavender.
- Roussillon: an hour to an hour and a half including the Ochre Trail.
Add the Village des Bories, lunch and a few photo stops, and a full day becomes the more relaxed option.
What is the best order for the visit?
The order matters, especially in summer.
- Sénanque first, early in the morning. The road down to the abbey is narrow and winding, and it gets busy quickly. Morning light on the lavender is also the softest.
- Gordes next, before noon. Your driver drops you in the heart of the village and waits.
- Lunch in Gordes or a nearby village.
- Roussillon in the afternoon. The ochre cliffs glow warmer as the sun drops. In August, though, avoid the trail in the hottest hours, as there is little shade.
Tuesday morning is market day in Gordes. It is lively and colourful, but the village is even busier than usual.
What does your driver actually do?
More than just drive. In practice, your chauffeur:
- drops you as close as possible to each entrance, sparing you long uphill walks from the lower car parks;
- waits during every visit, with your bags and shopping safely in the car;
- pulls over for the classic postcard view of Gordes when it is safe to do so;
- adjusts the plan if you want to linger somewhere or skip a stop.
Tips before you go
- Sénanque is a working monastery. Modest dress is expected and silence is requested inside. Photograph the lavender from the path rather than walking into the rows.
- Ochre stains. Avoid light-coloured clothes and shoes on the Roussillon trail.
- Gordes' lanes are cobbled and steep. Flat, comfortable shoes are best.
- Limited mobility: your driver can drop you very close, but the villages themselves are hilly.
What else is worth seeing near Gordes?
- Joucas and Murs, two small hilltop villages nearby that are far quieter.
- Ménerbes and Bonnieux, across the valley, to extend the day into the heart of the Luberon.
- L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, about 25 minutes away, to pair the hill villages with the Sunday market.
For a longer day among the hilltop villages, see our Luberon private driver page. If the lavender is the main reason for your trip, our lavender fields tour page covers other areas such as the Sault plateau.
Send us your date, your pick-up point and the number of passengers, and we will reply with a fixed price per vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
How long from Avignon TGV station to Gordes?
About 45 minutes.
Is parking easy in Gordes?
It's hard in summer; with a driver, no problem.
When is the lavender in bloom at Sénanque?
Usually mid-June to mid-July.
