Route&Camp

Provence, France

Provence and Camargue by motorhome, campervan or caravan: 3, 7 or 15-day route

Lavender fields, hilltop villages and Roman monuments in Provence, and the white horses, flamingos and pink salt pans of the Camargue.

Pink and purple salt pans stretching to the horizon under a clear blue sky in the Camargue, divided by narrow earth dykes

How many days do you have?

Provence and Camargue in 7 days

Distance≈ 205 km
Stages7
DifficultyEasy to medium
Best timeApril to June and September to October

From Avignon to the hilltop villages of the Luberon, then through the Alpilles to Arles and the Camargue: L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Gordes, Roussillon, Saint-Rémy, Les Baux, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Aigues-Mortes.

Where is it?

FRANCESPAINITALYGERMANYAtlantic OceanMediterranean SeaProvence and CamargueParisLyon

About this route

Provence is the sunny south-east of France: hilltop villages of golden stone, lavender fields that bloom in early summer, vineyards, olive groves and markets full of local produce. The Romans left some of their finest monuments here, such as the Pont du Gard and the arenas of Arles, and in the Middle Ages the popes lived in Avignon. To the south, where the Rhône meets the sea, lies the Camargue, a wild delta of marshes, rice fields and pink salt pans, home to white horses, black bulls and thousands of flamingos. The 3-day version covers Avignon, Les Baux, Arles and the Camargue, the 7-day one adds the Luberon villages and Aigues-Mortes, and the 15-day one includes the Pont du Gard, Orange, Vaison-la-Romaine, the lavender of Valensole, the Verdon gorges and Aix-en-Provence.

Good roads and motorways, but the hilltop villages are narrow and steep, and the roads around the Verdon gorges are winding with sheer drops.

Updated

Weather and temperatures

Averages for Avignon
  • SpringMar–May 8° / 20° Some rain
  • SummerJun–Aug 17° / 31° Little rain
  • AutumnSep–Nov 10° / 21° Rainy
  • WinterDec–Feb 2° / 11° Some rain

Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine: hot, dry summers, mild springs and autumns, and cool but sunny winters. Autumn brings the heaviest rain, often in short, intense storms. The mistral, a strong, cold north wind, can blow for several days, especially in winter and spring. Inland, in the Luberon and around the Verdon, nights are cooler, and in summer it is often above 30 °C during the day.

Typical lows and highs (average night and afternoon temperatures). They change from year to year, so check the forecast before you go.

Route map

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Campsites, areas and parking come from OpenStreetMap. They can be incomplete or out of date: check before you go and always follow local signs.

Take this route with you

Provence and Camargue in 7 days

Google MapsWhole route with every stop WazeNavigate to the start: Avignon WhatsAppShare this route with your travel companions

The TXT file needs an internet connection to collect the campsites and motorhome areas. Google Maps opens the stops in order (long routes are split into parts, because Google Maps allows 10 points per route). Waze only navigates to one place at a time, so each day also has its own Waze button. Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.

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Day by day

Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.

Provence and Camargue in 7 days

  1. Day1 AvignonArrival day
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Avignon
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Avignon

      The city of the popes, surrounded by medieval walls. The huge Palais des Papes was the residence of the popes in the 14th century, and the famous bridge of Saint-Bénézet stops halfway across the Rhône.

      What to see (5)
      • Palais des Papes The largest Gothic palace in the world, the home of the popes in the 14th century.
      • Pont Saint-Bénézet The famous half bridge of the song "Sur le pont d'Avignon".
      • Rocher des Doms A garden on a rock with views over the Rhône and the bridge.
      • Les Halles The covered market, with a green wall of plants on the outside.
      • City walls Over 4 km of medieval ramparts around the old town.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The old town inside the walls is not suitable for motorhomes. Use the car parks and motorhome area on the Île de la Barthelasse, across the river, and walk or take the free shuttle boat.

    Waze
  2. Day2 L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Gordes≈ 45 km · ≈ 1 h driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Gordes and Sénanque
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

      A town built on the arms of a clear river, with water wheels and one of the biggest antiques markets in France on Sundays. A few kilometres away, the Sorgue rises from a deep spring at the foot of a cliff in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.

      What to see (4)
      • Water wheels Old mill wheels turning in the canals of the town.
      • Antiques market One of the largest antiques and flea markets in France, on Sundays.
      • Fontaine-de-Vaucluse The deep spring of the Sorgue at the foot of a cliff.
      • Sunday market A big Provençal market along the river.

    • Gordes and Sénanque

      One of the most beautiful villages in France, built in tiers on a hill above the Luberon plain. Just to the north, the Cistercian abbey of Sénanque sits in a valley of lavender fields, a classic image of Provence.

      What to see (4)
      • Village viewpoint The classic view of Gordes from the road coming from Cavaillon.
      • Sénanque Abbey The abbey in its lavender fields, still home to monks.
      • Village des Bories A hamlet of dry-stone huts.
      • Castle A Renaissance castle in the centre of the village.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The streets of Gordes are very narrow. Use the car parks at the entrance. The road to Sénanque is narrow and winding: in summer, go early in the morning.

    Google Maps Waze
  3. Day3 Roussillon and the Luberon≈ 10 km · ≈ 15 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Roussillon and the Luberon villages
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Roussillon and the Luberon villages

      A village painted in all shades of red and orange, built on hills of ochre. The Sentier des Ocres trail leads through old ochre quarries. Nearby are Bonnieux, Lacoste and Ménerbes, perched on the Luberon hills.

      What to see (4)
      • Sentier des Ocres A trail through red and orange ochre quarries.
      • Village Houses painted in ochre tones.
      • Colorado Provençal Bigger ochre landscapes near Rustrel.
      • Bonnieux and Lacoste Perched villages with views over the Luberon.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Roussillon has paid car parks at the entrance. Do not drive into the village.

    Google Maps Waze
  4. Day4 Saint-Rémy and Les Baux≈ 60 km · ≈ 1 h 20 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Les Baux-de-Provence
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

      A charming town at the foot of the Alpilles hills, with a big market on Wednesdays. Van Gogh painted many of his famous works while staying at the Saint-Paul de Mausole asylum, next to the Roman site of Glanum.

      What to see (4)
      • Glanum Ruins of a Greek and Roman town at the foot of the Alpilles.
      • Saint-Paul de Mausole The asylum where Van Gogh lived and painted.
      • Wednesday market One of the best markets in Provence.
      • Old town Shops, galleries and fountains.

    • Les Baux-de-Provence

      A village and castle ruins on a rocky spur of the Alpilles, with views over the plain to the Camargue. Below it, the Carrières de Lumières shows huge art projections inside an old limestone quarry.

      What to see (4)
      • Castle The ruins of the castle on top of the rock, with views to the Camargue.
      • Carrières de Lumières Immersive art shows inside an old quarry.
      • Village Narrow stone lanes and old houses.
      • Olive oil mills Taste the local olive oil in the Alpilles valley.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The road up is narrow and the car parks are paid. Motorhomes have their own car park below the village.

    Google Maps Waze
  5. Day5 Arles≈ 20 km · ≈ 25 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Arles
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Arles

      An ancient city on the Rhône with a Roman amphitheatre and theatre, the Romanesque cloister of Saint-Trophime and the places Van Gogh painted. It is the gateway to the Camargue.

      What to see (4)
      • Amphitheatre A 2,000-year-old Roman arena still used for shows.
      • Saint-Trophime A Romanesque church with a beautiful carved portal and cloister.
      • Van Gogh places The café terrace, the hospital garden and other places he painted.
      • Saturday market A huge market along the boulevards.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The old town is narrow. Use the car parks along the Rhône or the motorhome area outside the centre.

    Google Maps Waze
  6. Day6 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer≈ 40 km · ≈ 55 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

      The capital of the Camargue, a seaside town around a fortified church where Romani pilgrims gather every May. Around it are marshes with flamingos, white horses and black bulls, and long sandy beaches.

      What to see (4)
      • Fortified church Climb onto the roof for a view over the sea and the marshes.
      • Pont de Gau bird park Walking trails among flamingos and other waterbirds.
      • Horse riding Ride Camargue horses through the marshes and along the beach.
      • Beaches Long sandy beaches east and west of the town.

      With a motorhome or caravan: There are large motorhome areas by the beach and the town entrance. In summer bring mosquito repellent.

    Google Maps Waze
  7. Day7 Aigues-Mortes≈ 30 km · ≈ 40 min driving

    • Aigues-Mortes

      A perfectly preserved medieval town surrounded by walls, built in the 13th century as a royal port. Around it, the salt pans turn bright pink in summer and can be visited by little train.

      What to see (4)
      • Ramparts Walk around the top of the medieval walls.
      • Tour de Constance A huge round tower, once a prison.
      • Salins d'Aigues-Mortes The pink salt pans, visited by little train.
      • Place Saint-Louis The main square, with cafés and restaurants.
    Google Maps Waze

Distances and driving times are approximate, measured between stops. Use the Directions links for the exact road route.

Tips for motorhomes, campervans and caravans

Overnight stays · Lavender season · Markets · Mistral and mosquitoes · Tolls and fuel5

  • Overnight stays

    In France, camping outside campsites (awning out, chairs, levelling blocks) is not allowed. Most towns have motorhome areas (aires de camping-car), but many coastal and village car parks have height barriers or ban motorhomes at night. Always follow local signs.

  • Lavender season

    The lavender flowers from mid-June to the end of July, depending on altitude, and is harvested soon after. It is the busiest time in the Luberon and Valensole: visit the fields early in the morning or at sunset.

  • Markets

    Every village has a weekly market. Some of the best are Saint-Rémy on Wednesday, Arles on Saturday and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on Sunday. Arrive early: parking fills up fast.

  • Mistral and mosquitoes

    The mistral can blow hard for days: park facing the wind and close the awning. In the Camargue, bring repellent and mosquito nets from late spring to autumn.

  • Tolls and fuel

    French motorways have tolls, more expensive for motorhomes over 3 m high. Fuel is often cheaper at supermarkets than on the motorway.

Frequently asked questions

5

How many days do you need for Provence and the Camargue by motorhome, campervan or caravan?

Three days are enough for Avignon, Les Baux-de-Provence, Arles and the Camargue around Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. With seven days you can add the Luberon villages (L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Gordes and Roussillon), Saint-Rémy and Aigues-Mortes. Fifteen days let you include the Pont du Gard, Orange, Vaison-la-Romaine, the lavender of Valensole, the Verdon gorges and Aix-en-Provence at an easy pace.

Where can you sleep with a motorhome, campervan or caravan in Provence and the Camargue?

In campsites, which you will find near every stop, and with a motorhome or campervan also in the many motorhome areas (aires de camping-car) run by towns and villages, often cheap and close to the centre. Caravans are usually only accepted in campsites. Camping outside campsites is not allowed, and many coastal and village car parks are closed to motorhomes at night. The route map shows the campsites, motorhome areas and parking places near every stop.

When is the best time to visit Provence and the Camargue?

April to June and September to October: mild, sunny days and fewer people. The lavender blooms from mid-June to the end of July, which is also the busiest and hottest time of the year. In summer the Camargue has many mosquitoes and the hilltop villages are very crowded. Winter is quiet and often sunny, but the mistral can be cold and many campsites close.

Can you drive the Provence and Camargue route in reverse or skip stops?

Yes. The route is a guide, not a fixed plan: you can start in the Camargue and drive north to Avignon and the Luberon, begin at whichever stop is closest to you, or skip the stops that interest you less. Distances between stops stay the same in both directions.

Are the roads suitable for large motorhomes and caravans?

The motorways and main roads are good. The hilltop villages such as Gordes, Roussillon and Les Baux have narrow, steep streets and dedicated car parks at the edge: do not drive into the centre. The roads around the Verdon gorges, especially the Route des Crêtes, are narrow and winding with sheer drops, and are best avoided with large motorhomes and caravans.

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