After a leisurely morning following our visit to Séguret, we left Mazan around 9:30 am for our last day of exploring Provence. Even though it was the final day, I had a list of must-see spots that I was eager to visit. We kicked off the day with a big breakfast, indulging in a variety of French cheeses, and then hit the road towards the iconic Abbaye de Sénanque.
This place is famous across Europe, especially in summer when its lavender fields are in full bloom. Although visiting in October meant missing out on the lavender, the abbey was still a peaceful and charming destination. We had the whole place to ourselves, which was a pleasant surprise. Knowing there wouldn’t be lavender, I still couldn’t help but dream of returning in summer when the fields are vibrant and colorful. In fact, I’m already looking at flights for next year!
With the area so quiet, we decided to take a short trip to Gordes, a picturesque hilltop village with an ancient history dating back to Roman times. Visiting Gordes has been on my wish list for a long time, and as we got closer, my excitement grew. I was eager to see the stunning views of this hilltop community.
Unfortunately, as we approached, a thick fog rolled in and completely obscured Gordes. I was disappointed after waiting so long to see it, hoping a gust of wind might clear the mist, but no such luck. When we reached the town viewpoint, the village was hidden in fog. Despite my initial disappointment, I realized the fog hadn’t overtaken Gordes as much as I thought. Wandering its quaint, timeless streets, it felt like stepping back 300 years in rural France.
As the morning chill set in, we found a cozy spot to warm up, the Bastide de Gordes. It was perfect, with a roaring fire and homemade hot chocolate served in large teapots. After enjoying a few cups by the fire, we decided to give Gordes’ viewpoint one more try. As we drove away, the fog magically lifted, revealing the beautiful village. Finally seeing Gordes from afar was worth the wait.
After savoring the view for about half an hour, it was time to head to our last stop. We journeyed through the mountains to Roussillon, nestled in the Lubéron Valley. This colorful hilltop village is highlighted by the stunning Ochre Ridge. The ridge’s deep hue comes with a tale from the Middle Ages about a young woman named Séramonde and a tragic love triangle that ended dramatically, coloring the cliffs as they are today.
Hearing the story made me wish for more time to explore the Ochre Path and the village’s charming streets. But, our adventure in Provence had come to an end. After four incredible days filled with exploration and delicious food, it was time to head back to London. Provence had long been on my must-visit list, and it exceeded my expectations. Rather than leaving disappointed, I’m more inspired to return, especially in summer when the local produce and flowers are at their peak.