If you’ve ever wanted to experience the real Provence—before the lavender crowds and postcard scenes—April might be your perfect window.

Provence in April is honest and grounded. There’s warmth in the air, but it’s not yet high season. Strawberries show up at market stalls. Shutters start to open. And tiny villages like Saignon and Oppède-le-Vieux feel lived-in, not curated.

This isn’t about big-ticket sights. It’s about moving slowly, eating well, and enjoying the kind of everyday moments that make travel feel personal. Morning walks. Good coffee. A courtyard stay you wish you’d booked for longer!

Let’s map out a relaxed spring loop through the Luberon.

Why Provence in April Feels Different

April in Provence hits a sweet spot. It’s spring—but without the chaos of summer. You’ll get fresh produce, blooming trails, and enough space to explore without feeling rushed.

Why go in April?

Strawberries are in season (the Gariguette variety is amazing)
Local markets are lively but not overwhelming
Wildflowers are everywhere
It’s cool enough for layers, warm enough for patios
It still feels like a local place—not a tourist destination

If you travel to reconnect with yourself, this is your kind of trip.

Start in Saignon: Quiet Streets & a Morning View

Just above Apt, Saignon feels like one of those rare villages where life slows down and you’re invited to do the same. It’s small and quiet, with cobbled alleys winding between stone houses draped in climbing roses. You’ll find benches tucked into shaded corners—perfect spots to sit and watch the world go by without a single interruption.

Morning in Saignon is something special. A short walk up to the chapel viewpoint offers sweeping views over the Luberon valley below. It’s peaceful up there, with hardly anyone around, making it an ideal place to pause, jot down your thoughts in a journal, or simply breathe in the calm.

After your walk, head to La Maison d’Aline, a charming little café right by the old village fountain. Grab a coffee and a freshly baked croissant, then find a seat where the locals often gather to read the newspaper or chat quietly. You can join the slow rhythm of village life, or just enjoy the quiet and stillness that feels like a gentle reset.

Where to stay? Une Chambre en Luberon is a cozy, welcoming bed and breakfast just a short stroll from the village center. The rooms are simple and clean, and the courtyard garden is a lovely place to unwind after a day of wandering. The host knows the area well and is happy to share local tips that help you discover even more hidden corners of the Luberon.

Head to Bonnieux: Markets & Forest Breezes

Bonnieux feels like a movie set—quaint, charming, and with that perfect Provençal vibe—but it’s actually a real, lived-in village. Perched on a hill, you’ve got the old church watching over a handful of cozy restaurants and terraces that stretch out with views that seem to go on forever.

Start your day on a Friday with the local market. Go early to beat the crowds and grab the freshest finds: baskets of strawberries, creamy cheeses, fragrant herbs, and crusty bread. Then, find a spot on the church steps for a relaxed little picnic breakfast—it’s a simple moment, but one that feels really good in this setting.

After you’ve filled up, take a stroll through the nearby cedar forest. The air is fresh and filled with the scent of pine, making it the perfect quiet escape. It’s peaceful here, with just the occasional bird song to keep you company.

Where to Stay: Les Terrasses du Luberon is a laid-back, welcoming place to base yourself. Their breakfast is solid, the staff are friendly, and the terrace is one of those rare spots where you can curl up with a book—or just do nothing and soak in the slow pace of the village.

Stop in Oppède-le-Vieux: Ruins & Rosé

Oppède-le-Vieux has this quietly charming vibe that feels a bit like a secret, even though it’s just a short drive from bigger towns like Gordes or Bonnieux. The village itself is a maze of narrow, winding lanes lined with old stone houses covered in ivy, and the highlight is the small church sitting atop the hill overlooking everything.

Start your day with a slow walk up to that hilltop church. The path is peaceful, and once you reach the top, you’ll find a quiet spot with views that make you pause and just take it all in. After soaking up the scenery, head back down to the village and stop at Le Petit Café. It’s the kind of place that feels easy and unpretentious, serving up simple, seasonal dishes and a strong coffee that hits the spot—no fuss, just good food and atmosphere.

Where to Stay: Le Clos du Luberon is a real gem if you want to stay nearby. It’s a renovated farmhouse with thick stone walls that keep things cool in summer and cozy in cooler months. There’s a small courtyard perfect for relaxing with a glass of local rosé, and their breakfast often includes fresh strawberries and pastries that feel like a sweet, local treat to start your day right. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger just a little longer.

Market Days That Are Actually Worth It

When spring rolls around and the markets start popping up again, April is that sweet spot—markets are lively and full of fresh local produce, but not yet overwhelmed by crowds. If you want to experience the best of Provençal market life without feeling rushed or packed in, here are some top picks that really deliver the vibe, the flavors, and the authenticity.

Apt (Saturday Market):
This is the big one—Apt’s Saturday market is a full-on local experience, not just for tourists but for the people who live in the region. It stretches across the town square and nearby streets, packed with stalls selling everything from fragrant herbs and seasonal fruits to Provençal cheeses and freshly baked bread. Expect to find colorful baskets of cherries, wild asparagus, and early strawberries in April. The energy here is fantastic—vendors call out their wares, locals haggle good-naturedly, and you’ll catch the scent of fresh lavender and rosemary in the air. It’s also a great place to pick up handmade soaps and local crafts. If you want to blend in, grab a café au lait from one of the street cafés and watch the world go by.

Lourmarin (Friday Market):
Lourmarin’s market is a little smaller and polished but still keeps that authentic Provençal charm. It’s the kind of market where the stalls are a bit more curated, offering artisan products like hand-pressed olive oil, homemade terrines, and seasonal vegetables that look almost too perfect to eat. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with locals chatting over cups of espresso and artists displaying paintings nearby. If you’re into fresh flowers, you’ll find gorgeous bunches of tulips and daffodils this time of year. There are also a handful of food trucks and casual spots where you can grab a glass of local wine or a bite of socca, a chickpea pancake specialty from nearby Nice.

Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Sunday Market):
If you love vintage and antiques, this is the market for you. Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famous for its Sunday market, where you can spend hours browsing through old books, quirky ceramics, secondhand jewelry, and other unique finds. It’s a magnet for collectors and casual browsers alike. The market spills into the charming canalside streets, making it easy to stop for a coffee or gelato as you explore. April mornings are ideal here—go early to beat the weekend crowd and get the best picks. Beyond antiques, you’ll find local farmers selling fresh eggs, honey, and artisanal cheeses, which make perfect picnic ingredients if you want to soak in the spring sunshine nearby.

Each of these markets offers a slice of Provençal life at a slower pace, perfect for those who want to connect with local flavors, crafts, and culture—without the overwhelm of peak tourist season.

Getting Around (with or without a car)

It’s easiest with a small rental car, but you can make it work without one.

From Paris or Lyon:

Take the TGV to Avignon (about 2h40 from Paris)
Rent a car from the station (book ahead)
You’ll be in the Luberon in about an hour

No Car Option: Stay in Apt or Bonnieux, then use taxis or local buses. It’s not the fastest way, but if you’re not in a rush, it works.

Why Provence this time of the year is totally our vibe

This time of year in Provence is all about slowing down—no rush, no crowded tourist spots. It’s the kind of place where you get to wake up without an alarm, linger over breakfast at a local bakery, and wander down quiet streets without bumping into a hundred other visitors.

April here means soft mornings, fresh air, and a chance to find your own little corner—whether that’s a bench in the park, a shaded café terrace, or a peaceful trail through the countryside. It’s a chance to breathe, enjoy good food without hurry, and soak in the everyday rhythm of Provençal life.

If you’re looking for a break from the noise and a reminder that travel can be about simple, genuine moments, Provence in April might just be exactly what you need.

Want more guides like this?

Sign up for the Trippers Terminal newsletter—slow European escapes, cozy stays, and hidden seasonal finds straight to your inbox.

Strawberries and Stone Villages: Exploring the Quiet Side of Provence in April