Wondering if the following plan to see Luberon area in September is reasonably paced. We are based in Menerbes for 3 nights, and have a car.
Thurs. 9/28: Rent car in Avignon at 3:30 pm. Drive to Menerbes. Explore Menerbes, stay put? (we will have come by train from Carcassone that day, so big travel day).
Fri., 9/29: Lourmarin, Lacoste. Drive (35 min.?) to Lourmarin in morning, have lunch, is castle worth seeing? See Lacoste mid-afternoon on way back to Menerbes. Amount of time needed here? Don't want to rush either place.
Sat. 9/30: Roussillon, Gordes. Drive to Roussillon in morning. Amount of time here? Gordes for lunch and rest of afternoon. Maybe a quick stop off in Joucas prior to Gordes ( I know it's small but pretty....., could lunch here instead?)
Sun. 10/1: Leave Menerbes, drive to Vaison la Romaine. Is it worth stopping to see Oppede and taking that route? Would like to skirt around (not up and thru) Mont Ventoux and take in the town of Brantes as we drive towards Vaison, which would be a more eastern route. Which is best?
I am leaving out Bonnieaux ( i know some people love it) in favor of seeing Lourmarin, which seems much more appealing. I know some rave about Saigon, but I'm not sure how that would best fit in to the days we have--maybe en route to Vaison if taking an eastern route? (rather than the Oppede western route?
Don't want to overdo....would appreciate any and all tips! Thank you!