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Journey there, first leg
First day with only about three hours of driving, so the start stays relaxed.
In Bern, a short walk to the Bärenpark and the Aare river is well worth it.
Long leg — allow for breaks.
This is where your trip begins. From Stuttgart, you'll head south via Switzerland.
After around three hours of driving, Bern makes a good stopover. The compact old town with its Bärenpark and the Aare river is perfect for stretching your legs before continuing towards Provence the next day.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Second leg, arrival at the holiday home
The second travel day is the longest of the trip. After this, you'll stay in the same house for nine nights.
Arrive calmly at the lake, so the kids can stretch their legs.
Long leg — allow for breaks.
A short stop at the turquoise reservoir at the mouth of the Verdon gorge. A good opportunity for a picnic and the first paddle in the water before continuing on to the holiday home.
Your holiday home with pool in the heart of the Luberon, centrally located for all your outings. Bonnieux sits on a hillside overlooking the valley and makes a great base for the coming days.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Rest, a short village stroll
A deliberate rest day after the long journey, with no driving.
The local weekly market (Fridays in Bonnieux) is a lovely way to get your bearings in the region.
A quiet day to settle in. Bonnieux climbs up the hillside in terraces, with the old church at the top offering wide views over the Luberon. A leisurely wander through the lanes, then back to the pool.
Hilltop villages and lavender
Get to Gordes early, when it's cooler and quieter. The lavender bloom at the abbey is usually still lovely at the end of July.
Only around an hour of driving in total today.
One of the loveliest villages in France, built from pale stone against a rocky outcrop. The view of the village from the approach road is famous. Wander through the steep lanes and enjoy an ice cream in the sun.
The Romanesque Cistercian abbey sits in a hollow, surrounded by its own lavender field, which is in full bloom at the end of July. A peaceful, almost magical place. Kids will enjoy the cool monastery rooms and the story of the monks.
Ochre earth and colour
Very short drives today. The Ocre Trail in the morning, free afternoon.
Bring sturdy shoes and a change of clothes, as the ochre dust stains strongly.
A village entirely in shades of red and orange, built from the local ochre. The glowing façades look almost painted. A wonderful place for wonder and photographs.
A short circular walk through the former ochre quarries, past bizarre red and yellow rock formations. Two routes of 30 and 50 minutes, manageable for children. Note: light-coloured clothing will pick up ochre dust.
Spring and river
A water day to cool off. The spring carries little water in high summer, but the riverbed still looks lovely.
Water shoes are handy for the stony riverbank spots.
Here, the Sorgue river emerges from a deep, mysterious spring at the foot of a rock face, the most powerful spring in France. The clear, cold water invites paddling in the shallower spots. A short, shaded path leads to the spring itself.
The Venice of Provence, criss-crossed by canals and old waterwheels. A relaxed spot for lunch by the water and a stroll along the shaded banks.
Rest and relaxation
A deliberately car-free rest day in the middle of the trip.
A good chance for a trip to the local weekly market or a bike ride around the area.
Villages and views
Short drives between three villages close to one another.
The climb up to the castle in Lacoste is steep but short, and manageable for children.
A long, stretched-out village on a rocky ridge, with wide views over the Luberon's vineyards. Made famous by Peter Mayle's books, but still quiet and unspoilt. Ideal for a leisurely morning stroll.
A small hilltop village with the ruins of the Château de Sade, set high above the valley. The climb up to the castle rewards you with a wonderful panoramic view, an exciting goal for children. Bonnieux is visible on the opposite side.
Lavender bloom, the highlight
Valensole is the furthest outing, but at around 75 minutes each way it's still manageable. Setting off early is worth it for the light and lighter traffic.
Bring drinks and sun protection, as there's little shade on the plateau.
The most famous lavender plateau in Provence, in July an endless purple sea stretching to the horizon. Small roads run between the fields, where you can stop and walk through the scent. The most beautiful spot on the whole trip for photos.
The village at the heart of the plateau, with lavender and honey shops. A good spot for a lunch break and to buy lavender products and honey straight from the producer.
Lavender and ochre canyon
Walk the cooler Colorado Provençal in the morning, then the lavender fields around Sault afterwards.
Slightly more driving overall today, but in short stretches with long breaks in between.
A former ochre quarry near Rustrel with vividly coloured rock towers, gorges and sand formations. There are two signposted circular routes, the shorter one manageable with children. Feels like a miniature version of the American Colorado.
A plateau village on the edge of Mont Ventoux, surrounded by vast lavender fields that, thanks to the altitude, often bloom longer than in the valley. Sault is known for lavender and nougat. A peaceful destination away from the main tourist crowds.
Departure
The trip ends in the Luberon. As with the outward journey, an overnight stop on the way home is recommended, for instance in Lyon or Basel.
Allow around nine hours of pure driving time for the entire return journey to Stuttgart, which can easily be split over two days.
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the holiday home. As this trip ends at its destination, this is your starting point for the individual journey home.
For the journey back towards Stuttgart, Lyon makes a good stopover for stretching your legs or an overnight stay. The Vieux Lyon old town and the banks of the Rhône are perfect for a break.
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