France Day 2
The Avignon area is famous for its stunning lavender fields, which typically bloom from late June to early August. On Day 2, we set out to explore the heart of Provence, beginning with the serene Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, where rows of blooming lavender framed the ancient stone abbey in a scene straight out of a postcard. From there, we drove to the hilltop village of Gordes, where narrow cobblestone streets wound through stone houses and offered sweeping views of the Luberon valley. Continuing on, we visited Roussillon, a village unlike any other, famous for its vivid ochre cliffs and buildings painted in warm shades of red and orange—walking the Ochre Trail felt like stepping into a natural canvas. Our final stop was set to be Valensole, where vast lavender fields stretched to the horizon and the air was thick with fragrance; it was a peaceful, unforgettable end to a day filled with color, scent, and the quiet magic of the Provençal countryside.
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is a 12th-century Cistercian monastery nestled in a quiet valley near the village of Gordes in Provence, France, and is one of the region’s most iconic sights—especially in summer, when it’s surrounded by fragrant fields of lavender in full bloom. Founded in 1148, the abbey remains home to a small community of monks who live according to the Rule of Saint Benedict, maintaining a life of prayer, silence, and work. The austere Romanesque architecture and peaceful setting offer visitors a glimpse into centuries of monastic tradition, while the surrounding landscape provides one of the most photographed scenes in Provence. The on-site shop sells products made by the monks, including lavender goods, honey, and olive oil.
Gordes is a stunning hilltop village in the Luberon region of Provence, known for its honey-colored stone houses, winding cobblestone streets, and sweeping views over the valley below. As we wandered through the narrow lanes, every turn revealed a postcard-perfect scene—stone façades draped in greenery, local shops selling lavender and olive oil, and shaded cafés offering a quiet place to rest.
Roussillon is a uniquely colorful village in Provence, famous for its striking red, orange, and yellow ochre cliffs and buildings that glow warmly under the sun. As we arrived, the vibrant tones of the village stood in beautiful contrast to the surrounding green hills, creating a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere. We walked the Ochre Trail, a short but breathtaking path through former ochre quarries, where the rich earth tones and dramatic rock formations made every photo look like a painting. In the village itself, the charm continued with narrow alleys, art galleries, and small cafés tucked among the brightly hued buildings. Roussillon felt both artistic and earthy, a place where nature’s palette and Provençal charm came together in the most vivid way.
Unfortunately, our Wi-Fi signal was very weak in this area, and we ended up getting lost among the winding country roads and fields. With no GPS and only a vague sense of direction, we took a few wrong turns, passing quiet farmhouses and endless stretches of lavender and sunflowers. Though it was a bit stressful at the time, the unexpected detour gave us a deeper look at the untouched countryside of Provence—peaceful, remote, and stunning in its simplicity. Eventually, we found our way back to the main road, a little flustered but grateful for the scenic adventure.
Valensole was supposed to be our final stop, the highlight of the day with its legendary lavender fields stretching endlessly across the plateau. However, after getting lost in the mountains due to poor Wi-Fi and confusing rural roads, we lost precious time and, feeling both tired and uncertain about the remaining drive, we decided not to push forward with the visit. It was a difficult choice, but with daylight fading and energy low, we chose safety and rest over rushing the experience. Though we missed seeing Valensole in person, the day had already gifted us unforgettable beauty, and we left with the hope of returning one day to complete the journey.