Luberon may seem like a remote corner of the world — and that is part of its charm. But getting here is much easier than you might think. The region is strategically located in the center of Provence, between three major transport hubs: Marseille, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence. Here we cover all the options, routes, and tips to make your journey to our villa in Bonnieux as comfortable as possible.
By plane: nearest airports
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) — the main option
The international Marseille Provence airport is the most convenient choice for most travelers. It receives flights from Istanbul, Dubai, and all major European cities. The drive from the airport to our villa in Bonnieux takes about 68 minutes along a scenic road through Aix-en-Provence and the Luberon valley.
All major car rental companies have offices at the airport: Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Avis, and budget-friendly Enterprise. We recommend booking a car well in advance, especially in summer — in July and August, cars get snapped up quickly.
Nice Airport (NCE) — the Riviera alternative
If you plan to combine Provence with the French Riviera, you can fly into Nice. The drive to Bonnieux takes about 2.5 hours, but the route is incredibly beautiful: through mountain passes and hilltop villages. This option is especially good if you want to stop in Aix-en-Provence or visit Gordes along the way.
By train: TGV — fast and comfortable
TGV to Avignon (Avignon TGV)
The high-speed TGV from Paris (Gare de Lyon) will take you to Avignon in just 2 hours and 40 minutes. This is one of the most comfortable ways to travel — you enjoy views of the French countryside from your first-class window, sip a glass of rose, and arrive refreshed. From Avignon TGV station to our villa is about 50 minutes by car. We can arrange a driver to meet you right on the platform.
TGV to Aix-en-Provence (Aix-en-Provence TGV)
Another convenient option is the Aix-en-Provence TGV station. Travel time from Paris is about 3 hours. From here to Bonnieux is approximately 60 minutes by car. The station is located a bit outside the city of Aix, but all car rental companies are nearby.
TGV tickets are best purchased well in advance on the SNCF Connect website — 2-3 months ahead, prices start at 39 euros. At the last minute, the same ticket can cost 120 euros or more.
By car: freedom to explore
From Paris (about 7 hours)
The route along the A6 motorway, then the A7 through the Rhone valley, is the classic road south to France. The drive takes 7-7.5 hours without stops. We recommend splitting the journey over two days with an overnight stop in Lyon — this way you avoid fatigue and get to see another magnificent city. Keep in mind the toll road costs: about 70 euros one way.
From Lyon (about 3 hours)
Lyon is an excellent stopover point. From here to Bonnieux is just three hours along the A7 motorway. After leaving the highway, the most pleasant part of the journey begins — narrow roads winding through vineyards and lavender fields of Luberon.
From Nice (about 2.5 hours)
From Nice you can take the A8 motorway through Aix-en-Provence or choose a more scenic route through Manosque and Apt. The second option is 30 minutes longer but passes through stunning mountain landscapes of Upper Provence.
Car rental: what you need to know
A car in Luberon is not a luxury but a necessity. Public transport here is minimal, and distances between villages range from 10 to 30 minutes. Here are a few practical tips:
- Car size. Roads in Luberon villages are narrow and parking spaces are tight. The ideal choice is a compact car or small crossover. A full-size SUV will be inconvenient.
- Transmission. If you are used to automatic — book in advance. In France, manual is the default.
- Insurance. Get full coverage (CDW + TP) with zero excess. Provence roads wind, and minor scratches in car parks are common.
- Navigation. Google Maps and Waze work perfectly in the region, but download offline maps — signal can be weak in some valleys.
Transfer from the airport or train station
If you do not plan to rent a car from day one, we can arrange a comfortable transfer to the villa. Our trusted drivers will meet you at Marseille airport or Avignon station with a name sign. An air-conditioned Mercedes V-Class with cold water will take you directly to the villa door. Transfer cost: from 120 euros one way, the car can accommodate up to 7 passengers with luggage.
Our recommendation
The optimal option for most guests: fly into Marseille, pick up a rental car at the airport, and just over an hour later you will be at the pool of our villa in Bonnieux. If you are traveling from Paris and prefer not to drive — TGV to Avignon plus a transfer. Either way, we are always in touch and happy to help plan the route that works best for you.