Provence
 

I am planning on visiting Provence the end of September beginning of October. I'm trying not to cram too many things into my itinerary and yet still enjoy everything that I see. I have to take a drive east from Avignon to Forcalquier. I want to stop in two towns along the way. I'm interested in L'isle-sur-la-sorgue, Gordes and Roussilon. If I had to pick two which are the best two to visit. I need to be in Forcaquier by 2pm? Thank you for any suggestions .

I would go to sorgue and Gordes. But I love to shop, so those would be my choices. It probably depends on what you are looking for, food, shopping, scenery. Will you be there on Sunday? I liked Roussilon but it was not my favorite.

I visited both Roussilon and Gordes last month, and think they are both worthwhile seeing. They are small and can be visited quite quickly, even if you get off and walk about a bit.

Thank you both so much for your help. We will be in Provence for a week. Spending three nights in Avignon. Visiting St Remy and Les Baux. One night in Manne fur a balloon ride the next morning. Driving to Aix for three nights, visiting Cassis. That's why I don't want to make this crazy yet enjoy the highlights.

You may have trouble getting to Forcalquier by 2 if you spend too much time in l'Isle sur la Sorgue, Gordes, or Roussillon. Plus, if you realize that you've dawdled too much - you're still in the Luberon and Forcalquier is pretty far away. Below is something that's in my Provence itinerary. Also, if you make this trip on a Monday - that's their market day & it's huge (one of the largest in Provence). You will have great difficulty driving near Forcalquier then. Consider heading straight to Forcalquier with a stop in Lurs just outside of Forcalquier. You can visit the Luberon villages from Avignon or Aix.

Forcalquier* is a very interesting town to explore. My wife's very favorite home decorating store in Provence is here - called La Terraio. There are two locations - one on Rue Plauchud near the Fontaine Renaissance, and another smaller shop just around the corner on Rue Merciere. Even if you don't want/"need" to shop, this store with its maze of "rooms" is captivating. The perched village of Lurs* (just north of Forcalquier off the D12) is another very cute hilltop village worth exploring.

Stu Dudley

Thank you Stu. I will look into that as well. It's so great to have the advice from seasoned travelers. It's helpful when planning a trip .

We stayed in Gordes last month and visited the village several times. Great for shopping and dining. One evening we rain into one Of the infamous black pigs as we were descending the village. While St Remy was touristy, Roussillon was great for shopping (darn, why didn't I buy more of those pottery espresso cups?) and visually. The color if the clay used in architecture is amazing! Good photo opportunities!

Hope you can fit it all in!