Stop between Cote d'Azur and Provence
 

Our family will be travelling in between rental properties in the South of France in early July; driving from Antibes to Bonnieux in the Luberon.
Does anyone have any suggestions on a place along the way to spend part of the day? Either a particularly beautiful village or outdoors picnic place (or we are open to suggestions)? We are 2 adults, and 3 kids (two teenagers and a 6 year old). Thanks so much

When we were traveling for Avignon to Nice,, we stooped for night in Ramateulle, a hilltop village with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. It was short drive down to large sand beaches.

You could take the Pays D'Aigues loop at the foot of the Grand Luberon.
Anouis-Cucuron-Vaugines-Lourmarin

ANSOUIS
Another "One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France"
Catholic Renaissance(16 century town). Imposing Chateau-ask tourist office if it is open for tours.Romanesque church built into the castle walls. Nice views of the fields below.

CUCERON
More of a working town than a tourist destination. Large pond in the center of town has a lot of activity including a Tues market.Medieval keep, Romanesque church, fine old buildings,ramparts ring the village, clock tower, numerous ruins, 360-dgree views. There are numerous cafes by the pond for food.

VAUGINES
Small, quiet residential village. Worth a stroll

LOURMARIN
Lively and glamorous village-galleries and boutiques, many restaurants, and Friday market. Can be congested in mid summer, but unlike Gordes and Roussillon is rather spacious and has plenty of parking.

On our trip last year from Grasse to Venasque, we made a morning stop in Fayence, continued through the Gorges du Verdon, past the stunningly turquoise Sainte Croix du Verdon lake, and finally to a pleasant lunch stop in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It's all shown in our phototravelogue at http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/...8%3A1613811775

You might want to use www.viamichelin.com and specify a non-toll and scenic road. That would represent a 4 hour drive, so you would have to decide how far off that road you would want to go to find a beautiful village.

I remember going out of my way to go to Verdon and see that lake.

I think the Grand Canyon of Verdon would be exciting for all ages. Pack a picnic, It's so beautiful,

thanks so much for the great ideas, Verdon looks amazing, and thanks Michael for the michelin website