9 Beautiful Provence Towns to Visit on a Day Trip from Avignon
Avignon is a great base for exploring Provence. You don’t need to venture far from Avignon to see a wide range of landscapes and styles.
With a car, you can reach hilltop villages, Roman ruins, and scenic markets in under 90 minutes.
This list focuses on towns with atmosphere, character, and things worth seeing in one day, whether you’re into art, history, or just aimless wandering.
1. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Only 40 minutes from Avignon, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is built around canals fed by the Sorgue river. It’s small enough to walk across in half an hour, but you’ll lose track of time browsing antique shops and watching waterwheels turn.
Sunday is market day, and it’s one of the biggest in the region – part Provençal market, part flea market.
Parking can be tough then, so arrive early or visit midweek for a quieter stroll.
2. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Van Gogh lived and painted here during his stay at the Saint-Paul asylum. The walk to the Roman ruins at Glanum is short but scenic, with reproductions of his paintings set up along the way.
The town itself has narrow lanes, shady squares, and plenty of cafés. There’s a Wednesday market, but it’s worth visiting even on a quiet day.
Driving from Avignon takes about 30 minutes.
3. Gordes
Built into the rocks of the Vaucluse Plateau, Gordes is postcard material. The town rises steeply, with views across the Luberon valley.
While it’s popular, especially in summer, mornings are calmer. The small château in the center hosts art exhibits, and nearby you’ll find the Sénanque Abbey with its lavender fields (blooming in July).
Parking is outside the village, expect a short walk uphill. From Avignon, it’s about 50 minutes by car.
4. Les Baux-de-Provence
This cliffside village feels carved from stone. At the top, the château ruins offer views over olive groves and the Alpilles.
Below, you’ll find quiet alleys, galleries, and a few restaurants. The Carrières de Lumières art show, set in a former quarry, is worth seeing. It changes themes each year and draws both art lovers and families.
Driving from Avignon takes around 45 minutes.
5. Uzès
This small town sits just across the border in Occitanie but works well for a day trip. The arcaded Place aux Herbes is a classic southern square, surrounded by cafés and market stalls on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The nearby Duché d’Uzès still belongs to a noble family and can be visited. If you have time, the Pont du Gard is close by.
Avignon to Uzès is about 45 minutes by car.
6. Roussillon
Roussillon stands out for its color, deep reds, oranges, and yellows, all thanks to the ochre-rich earth. You can walk the short Sentier des Ocres trail just outside town to see the cliffs and rock formations up close.
The village has a few boutiques and a good selection of cafés with views.
It takes about an hour to get here from Avignon by car. Early morning or late afternoon light brings out the colors best.
7. Arles
Arles has more Roman ruins than many cities twice its size. The amphitheater still hosts events. There’s a Roman theater, baths, and the Alyscamps necropolis.
Van Gogh fans can visit locations he painted (though the originals are elsewhere). Arles also has modern additions like the Luma tower and photography exhibitions in summer.
Trains from Avignon take around 40 minutes, making it one of the easiest day trips without a car.
8. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
This small village sits at the base of a steep limestone cliff where the Sorgue river springs out of the rock.
The source is one of the most powerful in Europe, and you can walk up to the cave where the water emerges. It’s especially impressive in spring after snowmelt.
The poet Petrarch lived here in the 14th century, and there’s a small museum in his former home. The village has a few tourist shops, but the scenery is the real draw.
About 45 minutes by car from Avignon.
9. Tarascon
Often overlooked, Tarascon has a well-preserved medieval château right on the Rhône river. The fortress is massive and mostly intact, with rooftop views and eerie empty rooms.
The old town has narrow streets and faded façades with a lived-in feel. You can combine it with a visit to Beaucaire across the bridge, or swing by on the way to Arles.
It’s a 30-minute drive from Avignon, and usually crowd-free.