To paraphrase the famous joke about “What kind of entertainment is there in Sharjah? Evening bus to Dubai!”, we can say that a popular London entertainment is the Eurostar to France. In addition to the obvious train to Paris, Eurostar also launches seasonal trains - in winter to the Alps, and in summer, for example, increases the number of flights to Marseille. So shouldn't we rush to Provence to see the lavender fields?


1. I did not have an open Schengen visa, so I went to the French visa application center in London. The French did not disappoint; they gave me a visa for three years. From London to Marseille it takes about seven hours. This was my first time using the Eurostar - it turned out to be a good train. The main thing is that there are sockets, but the wifi turned out to be very weak. The train arrived in Marseille at about half past three, which immediately negated attempts to have lunch somewhere bouillabaisse, absolutely all restaurants closed after 14.30-15.00. We will return to Marseille at the end of the trip, but for now we will immediately head away from the city. I ordered a car with an automatic transmission and the only such device turned out to be an awkwardly huge Ford Galaxy. Enterprise/National rental is located separately from other rental offices, I even had to call them and find out directions.

Afternoon program:

2. First stop in the popular tourist village of Les Baux-de-Provence. There weren't very many people, however. Several of the upper parking lots were completely full, but there were spaces on the lowest level, right on the street. Parking was still paid, you had to pay with coins, a single time, which ends at 20.00.

3. French villages in Provence are characterized by the fact that you have to walk up and down a lot. It can be quite tiring in the heat.

4. Almost immediately at the entrance to the city, we found ourselves in a delicatessen store, where we bought several types of cheese (including truffle and, mmmmm, lavender), ham and olives. We ate this supply the entire trip.

5. Next to the store there was a small cafe where we had a beer after a long trip. For some reason we were not allowed to eat there. My attempts to eat smuggled freshly bought cheese were stopped by my wife. :)) And also nand lavender ice cream was sold on the streets, we couldn’t resist.

7. In such villages, parking is generally organized at the very bottom, and it is suggested to walk up to the center. Which makes complete sense when you look at the width of the streets.

9. Amazingly beautiful nougat. I had to take a photo quickly and retreat, otherwise I would have had to buy it too.

10. At the highest point of the mountain there is a castle; entrance is paid. The castle has a small cemetery, some of the graves are relatively recent.

11. From the top point there is a dizzying view of the surrounding area:

12. Catapult, like in cartoons and films:

13. Canonical view of the village:

15. To the left of the castle you can see the performance arena; historical shows are probably held here:

16. Several towers of the ruined castle can be climbed.

19. The last stop for today is the ancient Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard. It was built more than two thousand years ago and today it is the highest surviving aqueduct.

20. The length of the aqueduct is 275 meters, the height is 47 meters. It was part of a water pipeline more than 50 kilometers long.

21. Access to the aqueduct is free, but you need to pay for parking. We arrived at the place late in the evening, when the local museum was closed, so parking was cheaper, but still quite expensive (10 euros).

22. From the aqueduct it’s about a half-hour drive to the city of Avignon, where we stayed overnight at the Central Hotel. Travel into the city center was closed - some kind of theater festival was going on right on the streets. We left the car in a paid parking lot near the station. Late in the evening, some of the restaurants were already closed, but we had a good time at the Le Vintage restaurant, ending the evening with a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape (thanks to the popes who settled in Avignon for a while for the wine).

To be continued...


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Practical information

For whom: for all
Duration: 6 days
Price per person: 910 € (37,300 rub.) or 470 € (19,300 rub.)

The cost of the Provence route includes:

  • transportation costs - car rental for 6 days - on average 420 € + gasoline for the entire route about 100 €, total 520 € (21,300 rubles) or public transport - about 80 € (3,280 rubles)
  • hotel accommodation - from 200 € (8200 rub.)
  • food expenses - 120 € (4900 rub.)
  • fee for visiting attractions (mentioned in the route) - approximately 70 € (2800 rub.)

Description of the route in Provence

Provence is strongly associated with endless lavender fields and grape valleys, an azure sea and hills dotted with small picturesque villages, where, as many years ago, you can buy hand-picked aromatic herbs and oils, ceramics, fresh fish and, of course, excellent wine.

Traveling between the cities of Provence is best done with a rented car, because not all cities and villages can be easily reached by train and/or intercity bus. If renting a car is not possible, then visit only those cities on your route that can be reached by public transport.

The first day. Castellane (Verdon Nature Reserve)

Provence is, first of all, amazing nature. By visiting the small town of Castellane or the tiny villages of Aigines, Le Salles-sur-Verdon, Bauduant or many others located near the Verdon Nature Reserve, you can enjoy the incredible beauty of the Verdon Gorge and the amazing Lake Sainte-Croix. The Verdon Gorge is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places in Provence. The beginning of the Verdon Gorge is located about 5 km from the town of Castellane. It is best, of course, to come here by rented car, because the roads along the Verdon Gorge are incredibly beautiful. The most popular road is the Cretan road. Along it there are a lot of observation platforms with dizzying views of the canyon, the Verdon River and lakes. You can also get to the gorge from Castellana by bus.

Travel time: no more than 35 minutes
Ticket price: from 2 €

The first day. Toulon

Toulon, with its narrow streets, small squares, numerous fountains and magnificent port, is one of the most attractive cities in Provence. It is small, so half a day is enough to explore it. The main attraction of the city is the Cathedral of St. Mary of the 11th century, located near the wonderful Avenue Republique. You should definitely visit the National Naval Museum, located nearby, then walk to Place Louis Blanc, admire the Church of Saint-François de Paul, marvel at the oldest defensive fortification of the city - the Royal Tower, look at the Toulon theater and stroll through the Comunal Les Oiseaux park.

Train Toulon-Marseille
Travel time: from 47 minutes
Ticket price: from 11.5 €

Second day. Marseilles

Time to visit: one day

The oldest city in France, the country's largest seaport. Once here, you should definitely take a leisurely stroll through the streets and breathe in the air of Marseille, which has everything: from the smell of fresh fish and the salty sea to the aromas of a spicy thick soup mixed with oranges. Take a look at the old port, stroll along the beach, and try authentic Marseille bouillabaisse in one of the restaurants on La Canbière Street. Buy a couple of marine-themed souvenirs here. Stop by the Museum of Archaeology, see the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Major, visit the famous Château d'If, which is located on the island of the same name, one and a half kilometers from Marseille, and in the evening return to the port again to see the ships and yachts against the backdrop of an incredible sunset.

Train Marseille-Aix-en-Provence
Travel time: from 34 minutes
Ticket price: from 7.6 €

Day three. Aix-en-Provence

The town of Aix-en-Provence is home to famous Provençal markets, craft workshops, fountains and sweet callisons - leaves made from almond dough and candied fruit. This town is very small, so exploring it will only take half a day. It is best to start your walk from the central street - Boulevard Mirabeau, where the most famous fountains in the city are installed, one of which has thermal water. Walk to the picturesque Place d'Albert, visit the Paul Cézanne Museum, and look into the Cathedral of the Holy Savior of the 12th-15th centuries. and to the first Gothic church in Provence - Saint-Jean-de-Malt. Women will certainly enjoy the curious Tapestry Museum with its collection of the 17th-18th centuries.

Train Aix-en-Provence-Saint-Martin-de-Cros
Travel time: hour 33 minutes - hour 56 minutes
Ticket price: from 16.2 €

Bus Saint-Martin-de-Cros-Les Beau-de-Provence (No. 715)
Travel time: from 30 minutes
Ticket price: 2.2 €

Day three. Les Baux de Provence

Les Baux-de-Provence is a very small but incredibly picturesque town located on the rocks near the ruins of the Beau castle. Les Baux is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful towns in France. Built right on the rocks, it literally breathes the Middle Ages. Curved, narrow and uneven streets, houses with different slopes, numerous handicraft shops - as if everything here is made of stone. You should definitely visit the grounds of Beau Castle, located at the top of a kilometer-long mountain range. From here, from the very top, stunning views of Provence open up. At the castle of Beau there is a museum dedicated to the history of Les Baux, its Medieval and Renaissance heritage, and the olives grown in the Les Baux valleys.

Bus Les Baux-de-Provence-Arles (No. 59)
Travel time: from 20 minutes
Ticket price: 2.2 €

Day four. Arles

Vincent Van Gogh lived in this amazing city for 15 months, so be sure to pick up a special map of the city from the tourist center, which marks certain places associated with the works of the famous artist. Also in Arles you should definitely visit the 1st century Amphitheater, the ancient Roman theater, the Church of St. Trophime, Montmajour Abbey and the thermal baths of Constantine and Aliscan. From Arles it is very easy to get to the famous Camargue nature reserve, where you can see the famous Camargue horses and bullfighting bulls.

Bus Arles-Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer
Travel time: from 46 minutes
Ticket price: 2.2 €

Day four. Camargue

Day five. Avignon

The famous "Papal City". You need to start from the old part of Avignon, you just need to walk along the quaint narrow streets, looking at the amazing buildings. The most important attraction of Avignon is the unique Papal Palace of the 14th century. Nearby is the Small Palace, inside of which there is a wonderful Museum of Art. Be sure to walk to the magnificent Pont Saint-Benedict (Avignon Bridge), explore the Carthusian Monastery, visit the Notre-Dame de Dome Cathedral, Fort Saint Andrew and the Calvet Museum.

Train Avignon-Orange
Travel time: from 13 minutes
Ticket price: 6 €

Day six. Orange

The town is very small, so it will only take half a day to see its sights. In Orange there is a superbly preserved semicircular ancient theater and a nineteen-meter Arc de Triomphe. The ticket price also includes a visit to the Municipal Museum, where you can learn a little more about the former greatness of the city. Gigonda is located approximately 16 km from Orange. An alternative to a rented car is a taxi. The trip will cost approximately 25 €.

Day six. Gigonda

Our route ends in the small village of Zhigonda, famous for its wines. There are endless vineyards around it, you can wander along them for hours. Gigonda is a typical wine-growing settlement; there are no monumental historical sights here, but wine lovers and connoisseurs will find this place very fascinating. If you are traveling during the lavender blooming period, then go further, for example, to the town of Seau, famous precisely for its love of lavender and its endless lavender fields.

Experienced travelers are planning their summer vacation now. Especially when it comes to independent trips to Europe: you need time to figure out transport, book accommodation, and explore the sights. For those who have long dreamed of a holiday in France, we have prepared a detailed story about Provence from eyewitnesses - independent travelers.

When you imagine Provence, many associations immediately arise: fields of lavender, aromatic spices, mountains, impressionists. People from all over the world continue to come here, just like 100 years ago. Artists are looking for inspiration, city dwellers tired of the hustle and bustle are looking for harmony, gourmets are looking for delicious cuisine. The secret of Provence is that everyone finds something of their own here, what they need.

When is the best time to go?

My favorite time in Provence is September. Firstly, there is no longer any heat, but the sea, on the contrary, is warmed up. Secondly, there are fewer tourists, and it is easy to find a place on the beach or park a car. Thirdly, prices in September are lower than in the summer months. And, of course, September is fig season. In October it is also warm here and you can swim. However, it doesn’t change from year to year and you can get caught in the rain.

Summer in Provence is high season. It can be very hot on the coast at this time. But higher in the mountains the climate is mild and comfortable. During the day the temperature rises to 30 degrees and in the evening drops to 20.

How to fly

From Moscow there are direct flights to Marseille and Nice all year round. A ticket to Marseille will be cheaper. Direct flights to Marseille from Moscow are operated by Air France. To make your flight more budget-friendly, choose a flight with a transfer. Such a ticket with a stop, for example, in Frankfurt will cost about $300. From Paris to Marseille you can travel by high-speed train in three hours (approximately 40 euros per person).

Where to live

If you are planning a trip for 1-2 weeks and frequent trips throughout Provence, it will be convenient to book rooms in different hotels or apartments. For longer trips, especially with small children, it makes more sense to rent a house. For example, this is the second year that we have been renting a house with friends through the website www.homeaway.com. To obtain a visa, ask your hosts to send you an invitation. This invitation must include your name and the name of your host, as well as the period for which you intend to rent the house.

How to navigate

Upon arrival at the airport, we rented a car. It is best to choose a car in advance on the Internet. France has a well-developed railway network. It is called here TGV. You can view fares and train schedules on this website. However, if you want to see small picturesque villages, you will still need a car.

Almost all express roads in France are toll roads. So when planning a trip by car, budget for travel expenses. Check out the rates.

What to see

Provence is the most diverse region France. I will write about the places we visited and which we liked the most. I'll start with Aix-en-Provence, the historical capital of Provence.

Everything here testifies to prosperity and prosperity. And at the same time, Aix is ​​unusually alive - after all, there is a university here and a music festival is held. If you come to Aix by car, it will be easiest to find a space in one of the multi-level underground parking lots. When traveling by train, keep in mind that Aix has two stations. You need to get off at the Aix-en-Provence center station.

Start your exploration of the city from Boulevard Mirabeau. Admire the exquisite building facades. Stop by Les Deux Garcons for lunch, a café that has been in business since 1792. Paul Cézanne and Jean-Paul Sartre often came here. On the opposite side of the boulevard from Les Deux Garcons stands the beautiful mansion of Morel de Pontev. Its façade is decorated with sculptures of Atlanteans. There are morning and evening markets on the boulevard, where you can buy local soap, honey or a hat. Visit the Saint-Saver Cathedral. It was built at different times and combines three styles - Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque.

Marseilles

You can read a lot of unflattering reviews about Marseille. I can’t say that this is all fiction, that’s partly how it is. Nevertheless, Marseille is the capital of Provence with wonderful architecture and rich history. Therefore, I think that you need to visit here at least once.

One of the most famous landmarks of Marseille is the Basilica of Notre Dame de La Garde, built in the neo-Byzantine style in the 19th century. It rises above the city at an altitude of 154 meters. You can get to the basilica by excursion train (8 euros), which departs from the Old Port. After visiting the basilica, return to the Old Port. In my opinion, this is the most charming place in Marseille. Next to the Old Port is the Old Town. The famous Rue La Canebière departs from here. On it you will see the buildings of the Opera House and the Exchange, the Maritime Museum and the Museum of the History of Marseille.

Marseille is the birthplace of the main character of the novel Monte Cristo. Go to the island with the Chateau d'If, where Dantes was imprisoned. You can get to the castle by boat departing from the Old Port. The cost of visiting the castle is 5.50 euros.

Cassis

Go to Cassis to simply enjoy the atmosphere of a small seaside town surrounded by cliffs and swim in the sea. The road going down to Cassis is a real pleasure. Amazing sea views open before you, and the road is bordered by vineyards.

The main attraction of Cassis is the calanques, local fjords. In the port of Cassis you can buy tickets for a boat trip to explore the calanques. The cost of a ticket for such an excursion depends on the number of places visited. A tour of 5 calanques costs 19 euros and lasts 65 minutes. The calanques can also be reached on foot along the road leading from the beach. Just be aware that there are difficult sections along the way, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Village of Lourmarin

This is a very picturesque village. While you are traveling to Lourmarin, you never tire of admiring the beautiful fields and vineyards.

The small streets of the village are dotted with shops and cafes. There is a 15th-century castle in Lourmarin (visit €6.50). Pay attention to the wonderful spiral staircase. The castle hosts wonderful classical music concerts. Moreover, guests can arrive an hour before the concert, bring provisions with them and dine on the castle terrace.

Arles

In Arles the sun shines almost all year round, which makes this city even more attractive. If you come here by train, get off at the central station. From the station you can get to the city center in a few minutes by one of the buses. If you are traveling by car, leave it in the parking lot on the embankment and start exploring the city from here.

Arles is located on the banks of the Rhone River. Walk along the embankment to the Reattu Museum, where works by Pablo Picasso are kept. Then move towards the small square Place du Forum. And then Van Gogh’s famous yellow cafe appears in front of you.

Van Gogh became an iconic figure for Arles. The artist painted almost 200 paintings here. In the center of Arles there is an ancient theater and arena - monuments from the times of the Roman Empire. The arena makes a colossal impression with its grandeur. Around it there are many shops and stalls with souvenirs and spices. It is best to have lunch or dinner not in the center of Arles, but closer to the embankment on Docteur Fanton or Reattu streets.

Saint Paul

Saint-Paul is a former psychiatric hospital at the monastery where Van Gogh was treated after cutting off his earlobe. The Saint-Paul hospital is located a short drive from Arles, next to the ancient Greek ruins of Glanum.

Van Gogh was in the hospital for voluntary treatment. Its decoration has been restored to the same form as it was in the artist’s time. Van Gogh created many famous paintings here. Copies of the artist's paintings are displayed in the garden, and you have the opportunity to admire the views that Van Gogh painted.

Avignon

Avignon is surrounded by a ring of fortress walls. Behind them you will find a beautiful city. There are two stations in Avignon - Avignon Center and Avignon TGV. You need to get to Avignon center station. Keep in mind that from many cities trains only go to Avignon TGV. Therefore, change here to another train to the central station or take a bus.

Of course, the palace that attracts the most tourists to Avignon is the Papal Palace. Popes fled here from the Vatican and lived here from 1309 to 1377.

A tour of the Papal Palace is a fascinating journey. If you are exploring the palace on your own, as I did, I advise you to definitely take an audio guide (if you purchase an entrance ticket, the audio guide is given free of charge), otherwise it is very easy to get confused in the numerous halls and passages. Entrance to the palace costs 11 euros. You can immediately buy a ticket to visit the palace and the Saint-Benez bridge (pont d’Avignon) for 13.50 euros.

The coolest route around Provence by car in 1 day! July 24th, 2015


The route is quite simple, and can start not only from the city of Castellana. You can stay in any city on the Cote d'Azur: Nice, Cannes or my favorite Menton. You just need to leave early in any case, since the route is quite busy and intense.

You can also finish not in Avignon, but in some other city. But Avignon is one of the most interesting places in Provence, the "City of the Popes" with one of the largest medieval buildings in the world - the impressively powerful Papal Palace. And for those who love the province more, I highly recommend staying in the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, instead of Avignon, and this will not affect travel time in any way. At the end of the route, after the abbey, Les Baux-de-Provence is the same distance as Avignon, but this village is simply a stunning place and is home to the most visited castle in France.

The route is divided into two parts, the first is Verdon Gorge, Moutiers-Sainte-Marie village and lavender fields.

Here is the area with the gorge in more detail.

The first views begin already from the intersection of D925 and D955, and from the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon the Cretan road D23 begins. This is a serpentine road and you need to drive along it clockwise (as shown on the map), because... the second half is completely one-sided. The climax is somewhere in the middle of the Cretan road (the title photo of the post), but further interesting views also open up, right up to Lake Sainte-Croix. More photographs of the gorge in a separate section.

Immediately after, we are greeted by Lake Sainte-Croix, where you can go for a swim if you wish.

Next we will have a stop in a village Moutiers-Sainte-Marie(Moustiers-Sainte-Marie).

Here we will have lunch and we can work up a little appetite by going upstairs (262 steps) to the chapel of Notre-Dame de Beaubourg.

And, of course, have lunch. For lunch, I recommend Bistrot provencal La Treille Muscate (located on Place de l'eglise, Google finds it by name), a real French restaurant with local cuisine and a touchy cook if you suddenly order the meat above medium doneness. Only one caveat - they only speak English there -French You can reserve a table by mail [email protected], or by phone +33 4 92 74 64 31. Incredibly tasty.

Next we go to Lavender fields, on the road D8 or D6. There will also be lavender fields after Valensole along the D6, up to Manosque, but less frequently.

I really liked the photos of lavender fields trasyy , I give one photo.

The most important thing is not the beautiful look, but the smell. But you can see and smell them only from mid-late June to early August. And the best time is the beginning of July.

The second part of the route is a beautiful road through Serest (no need to stop there) and between villages Lacoste(Lacoste) and Proud(Gordes), where on the sides of the road there will be vineyards, gardens, ancient stone walls. And at the top of Lacoste there is a castle where the Marquis De Sade once lived.

The last section of the route is larger.

Lacoste(Lacoste) and Proud(Gordes) are very pretty villages, representing the quintessence of an idyllic Provençal village with ancient stone streets, surrounded by flowers, and stunning panoramas of the surrounding valley.

And the last stop, right after Gordes, is Abbey of Senank(Librairie de l'Abbaye de Sénanque), founded in 1148, where there is also a large lavender field.

To go along the route, all you have to do is print out this post (namely, screenshots of Google maps) and go ahead. In general, the route can be divided into two days, then you will have more free time to walk. Before traveling, I recommend reading my

Hello, forum users!

We are going to Provence on June 10-14.
We plan to spend the first two days in Marseille, and 12-14 to move to the Manosque area.
The preliminary plan is:

Spend the afternoon on June 12 in the vicinity of Monosque. Is there something particularly pleasant and beautiful in the immediate vicinity that you would recommend?

On June 13, go towards the Luberon. We are planning Gord. There are also plans for a Lavender museum.
What else would you recommend from your visits there? Roussillon? Who has been to the lavender museum, please tell me, is it interesting? Worth to visit?

On June 14, go towards Verdon. We are planning Valensole, lake. A visit to Moutiers-Sainte-Marie is in doubt.
What else would you recommend in Verdon? Do you recommend Moutiers-Sainte-Marie?

I would like a leisurely inspection, beautiful views.
I would also really like to visit some of the following: workshops for the production of lavender oil (maybe there is a lavender museum?), private wine houses where you can taste and buy delicious wine (are there such in that region?), perhaps something also from places where they produce something local.

Tell me from experience, will the lavender fields bloom at this time or not?
Where is the best place to find lavender at this time? Near the Senac Abbey?

Thank you all in advance for your advice, opinions and recommendations!

it will begin to bloom in the Luberon, near Bonnier.
Moustiers Saint Marie is a must, amazing town.
But Manosk...what do you need it for?

Valensole he did not stand next to Verdon,
They are just hoping for lavender, and then they are passing from Moustiers to the Luberon.
The city itself is no good.

and what about your reservation?
Actually, the championship is just starting there and everything is very bad
and tickets and hotel reservations, and it’s a shame the prices are on the ceiling.

What I mean is that from Marseille your wishes are not feasible,
only sequential route with hotel reservations
to Moustiers, Ile-sur-la-Sorgue, back to Marseille or Cassy

Pug, thanks!

Manosque because housing is planned there and because it was chosen as such a midpoint between Luberon and Verdon.

In your opinion, is it better to go to Gordes early in the day and then to Bonniere (hoping to catch lavender :))? If Bonnier is set in the navigator, will we not miss the lavender fields?

Have you been to the Lavender Museum?

Do you think you can skip visiting Valensole? Straight to Verdon, then to the lake and then to Moustiers-Saint-Marie?
Tell me, where is the best place to drive up to the lake in order to go down to it?
Or maybe there is the best viewing place near the lake?

We are going to visit the Luberon and Verdon from Manosque.
I understand that it’s a long way from Marseille.

From Marseille we would like to visit the calanques from the Cassi side and walk to D'en-vo.
It's like 1 hour walk from the port of Cassi? Right?

I think parking there will be difficult. Maybe tell me where it’s better to look for parking?

Vasilisa.

Firstly, there are developed minute-by-minute routes around Provence,
don't be lazy, take a look
I have three different ones.

I would go from Marseille to Verdon through Draguignan to Castellane,
capturing part of the Road of Eagles
from Castellane to Moustiers, along the northern route.

But if you are staying overnight in Manosque, then your driver will have a hard time.

You first go to the Ritz, then to Valensole - this is a drive through lavender fields.
Then to Manosque, and late in the evening you will be in Manosque.
This is a very inconvenient base, better than Moustier, then you will have time everywhere.

From Manosque you can reach the Luberon
Ask Roussion, Gordes, Lacoste, Bonnier and back.
But the route is very strenuous.

In Bonnier, the lavender is right at the BONNIER sign, below, not on the mountain.
At least last year there was a field.
But I also saw Gu, if anything.

There is always a problem with parking in Cassi.
There is one at the port, for a limited time, I think for an hour or two.
There are a lot of parking lots, just drive around everything and you'll get lucky somewhere.

I wouldn’t waste time on the calanques, on a hiking trip.
Take a boat, take a ride and you will understand that you need it on foot.

Stressful and hard for the driver why?
Is the road itself so difficult?
Even if one day from Manosque to Gordes and back, and on another from Manosque to Verdon and back?
You have me puzzled. I thought that this should be tolerable and not stressful.

These are narrow roads, narrower than ours, and on Verdon there are serpentine roads and about 20 stops on it..
You can go from Marseille to Manosque by expressway,
although why is it needed, nothing is visible on it.

One route north or south of Verdon takes half a day,
and it is impossible to jump from it to the expressway in your case.
Yes, and there are no expressways there.

Alas, I’m running out of time; on Monday we’ll come up with a route based on your realities.

Let's put together a run through the Luberon:

165 km =3h25 min

57 km =1h04 min
Manosque - ROUSSILLON 84220 Roussillon
- 8 km =0h11 min
GORD 84220 Gordes
- 11 km =0h17 min
Menerbes
- 7 km =0h10 min
LACOSTE 84480 Lacoste
- 7 km =0h10 min
Bonnier
- 56 km =1h00 min
FORCALIER 04300 Forcalquier
- 22 km =0h26 min
Manosque

These are all very interesting places.
In Gorda there is a parking lot in the city center, a circle next to the cathedral, 100 meters up.
In Lacoste, stop at the bottom and climb up on foot to the chateau of the Marquis de Sade.
In Forcaglia you need to climb the mountain, there is a path there.

I would advise you to hold out until Ile sur la Sorgue, but I’m afraid it will become a bit difficult for you.

on Gord Verdon

Manosque
22 km. =0h26 VALENSOLE 04210 Valensole
- 28 km. =0h40 Moustiers 04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
from MOUTIERS by the southern route, cross the bridge
- 16km = 0h21 to Aegina 83630 Aiguines,
further to the observation deck Col-d’Illoire Col-d ’Illoire
further along the cornice of Sublim to the Mescla balcony Balcons de la Mescla.
- 34km =0h45 Trigance 83840 Trigance
further after the Point Sublime bridge turn left onto
- 21km =0h25 La Palud 04120 La Palud-sur-Verdon,
- at the intersection of Rue Moustier and Rue Castellane, enter the Cretan road D23 ROUTES DES CRETES - there the traffic is CLOCKWISE!
“...the loop of the D23 road starts from the gas station and the Aberg restaurant...”
- along the northern side of Verdon we go back to
- Moustier.
- Manosque

I don’t put down the mileage and time, it’s pointless in the mountains on serpentine roads
Time costs count half a day to Triganza, as the highest point of the route
And it takes the same amount of time to go back, time it.

Leave at dawn, the route is difficult.
Before and after Valensole there will be lavender fields.
At Gord Verdon, reach the middle and turn.
Don’t go towards Castellan, it’s not that interesting anymore.

You leave Moustiers for the second half, a very unusual town.
There's a problem with parking there; you have to park on the highway.
Lake Sainte-Croix is ​​more interesting to look at than to take water treatments.

If you have time in the evening, set the direction from Valensole to Oraison.
There are other lavender fields on this road and a spectacular descent from the plateau.
When you come down from the plateau, set Manosque on the road along Durance.

pug, you are just super! Some kind of wizard!
I have now built your routes on Google to see what the trips will look like - super-super-super! Conveniently, what I wanted to eat and even much more! Thank you!

Tell me, what would you definitely recommend for a visit to the Cote d'Azur based on your taste? What cities/villages?
Your opinion is very interesting.

I will join the discussion))). But you say “there are developed minute-by-minute routes around Provence.” Where can I look? We are from Barcelona and want to see the lavender and the Verdon Gorge. Uv. Pug, where should we be based? I wanted more Roussillon and Grasse. The trip is planned for 4 days on June 23. Will there be any sporting events or something else at this time? And can you tell me a French website for booking private accommodation? I would like a private house (or part of it) with a separate entrance.