A day in the Luberon...which two or three towns?

I stayed in Roussillon for 5 nights and, while I was mostly there in the late afternoons and evenings, I never felt that it was over touristy, and that was in July at the height of tourist season. I actually felt that Gordes was pretty crowded when I visited there during the day, but again that was in July and at the height of lavender harvest so may not apply to September.

I loved both Gordes and Roussilon- both are touristy, but we'll worth the time. Parking cam be a challenge in both of them, and I would avoid market days due to the crowds. The views are spectacular from both, but they are very different. I hope you will go to Les Baux, which is fairly close to St. Remy - also touristy, but I loved it. In all of these towns it is pretty easy to dodge the crowds by going down a side street and perhaps finding an out of the way cafe frequented by locals. When you find a street with two or three cats sitting in it, that's the street you want to go down.

Even though I would avoid market days in these towns, I would certainly encourage you to find a market day in another less touristed town. The colors, smells, flavors, people watching - shouldn't be missed.

I was there in May and Gordes was beautiful and we went to Roussillon and thought it was fine and went from there to Loumarin,it was a nice day trip from Arles.
Mike

Essentially every bus tour in that area goes to Gordes and Roussillon. Probably also Les Baux, though I'm not as sure about it. That's just the way it is. I didn't have a car in southern France, so I have no alternatives to offer. If you can manage to hit one of the places very early in the morning, there will be fewer other tourists there. Same with late afternoon.

We arrived in Roussillon in the morning, May 2016. Parked and found a cafe for coffee/croissants with no trouble -- then shared the beautiful Ochre Trail with only a handful of other visitors. Perhaps we beat the buses. It was a very enjoyable morning. (Glad you have Carrières/Lumières on your itinerary; a highlight for us. Chagall was featured last year; the current show looks terrific.)

Roussilon is "touristy", but I absolutely loved it when we were there in April 2014. It's popular for a reason! I also loved Gordes and Les Baux, but to me, Roussilon is the pick of the litter.

The ocre trail is like non other! Perhaps an hour walk and one of the most beautiful sites I've ever seen. Parking is close by and easy to walk to the town either before or after. Since you are not staying the night, I would have lunch in Gordes and include Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque and Village des Bories, prior to lunch, then continue on to Roussillon. I would take dinner in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - many more selections for restaurants.

Adding another vote for Roussillon and the Ochre Trail - the purples and oranges are absolutely gorgeous. Tourists go to beautiful places for a reason! Agree that morning might be better, especially since it gets really hot there. And don't forego a provencal market or two - gather supplies for a delectable lunch, add a bottle of wine, and it's heaven! The tapenades and goat cheeses are especially delicious.

Okay, so Gordes in the morning for sure. Sounds like Roussilion might be the best bet. The abbey I have seen at lavender time...in September not sure it will have the same appeal for our four other family members. Hmmm. Should lunch happen in Gordes before leaving or in Roussillon before walking or elsewhere not out of the way.....wishing to go moderate on the dining..about 30E pp for lunch.

L'Estaminet restaurant across from the church is my recommendation. Very good food with a view. Even in the restroom area.