Luberon

The Luberon is an enchanting region in Provence, France, surrounded by gently rolling hills and the deep calm of lavender fields. The region's rustic charm is backed by the imposing silhouette of the Luberon Massif, creating a stunning landscape. Idyllic villages make for the main attraction, each with a unique charm and perfect for short explorations. Moreover, the Luberon is home to centuries-old abbeys, a lavender museum and it is a hiker's paradise.

Good to Know

• Getting There: From Paris, take the high-speed TGV to Avignon, then drive into the Luberon. Alternatively, Marseille-Provence International Airport is the main access point if you are flying in.
• Getting Around: Considering the rural setting and scattered layout of the picturesque villages, hiring a car is the best way to get around the region. Bicycle rentals are also available, but keep in mind that the area is very hilly and can get hot in the summertime. Finally, there are train connections between some of the larger towns in Luberon, such as Apt and Cavaillon, if you prefer not to drive.
• Where to Stay: Charming cottages in Gordes offer spectacular views of the Luberon Valley, while traditional townhouses in Lourmarin place you in the heart of this artists' haven. If you seek a getaway in the countryside, consider the pastoral comforts of a farmhouse in smaller, less-traveled villages such as Bonnieux.
• How Long to Visit: A 3- to 4-day itinerary is usually enough to see the highlights of the Luberon, though a longer stay of a week would allow for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration of the region.
• When to Visit: The region shines in summer (June through August), when the lavender fields are in full bloom. However, spring and fall also offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
• Similar Destinations: If you enjoy the Luberon, consider exploring other idyllic regions in Provence, such as the Alpilles, home to the historic town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, or the Côte d'Azur, known for glamorous seaside resorts like Nice and Saint-Tropez. You might also like the Italian provinces of Umbria or Toscana.

Highlights

Charming Villages

Some villages are steeped in intriguing history. Lacoste, with its imposing château once owned by the infamous Marquis de Sade, and Ansouis, with its well-preserved medieval charm and imposing castle, will appeal to you if you enjoy history. Ménerbes, forever immortalized in Peter Mayle's book "A Year in Provence," reveals its stories through stone houses, narrow streets, a unique corkscrew museum, and the House of Truffles and Wine. Other villages stand out for their unique landscapes. Cucuron's stunning central pond is a must-see, while Joucas' picturesque terraced landscapes offer breathtaking panoramas. Bonnieux sits high on a plateau with sweeping views of the Luberon landscape, and Gargas is built by ancient ochre quarries. Gordes and Roussillon are architectural gems. Gordes, set on a rocky cliff, is the epitome of elegance with its stone buildings and magnificent castle. Roussillon, with its buildings colored in the warm, earthy tones of the surrounding ochre cliffs, immerses you in a unique palette. For foodies, Cavaillon and Apt are a must. Cavaillon, famous for its juicy melons, hosts a lively summer melon festival. And Apt, renowned for its candied fruits and crystallized flowers, has one of the oldest markets in Provence. Finally, the town of Lourmarin stands out due to its artistic heritage. With Renaissance architecture, numerous galleries, an annual piano festival, and the illustrious Château, Lourmarin fosters a thriving artistic spirit.

Abbeys

Though there are many more, Silvacane Abbey and Notre-Dame de Sénanque stand out for their quiet grace. Silvacane Abbey features austere Cistercian architecture that invites you to take a moment to reflect, while its annual music festival brings soul-stirring melodies to its hallowed halls. Notre Dame de Sénanque, surrounded by lavender fields, is also a symbol of solitude and silence. The sight of its stoic, weathered stones against a backdrop of vibrant lavender has an almost ethereal beauty to it.

Musée de la Lavande de Luberon

The Musée de la Lavande de Luberon is a perfumed homage to lavender, telling its story from flower to bottle. Beginning with the history of lavender distillation and ending with the creation of lavender-based products, the museum offers an in-depth look at the journey of this fragrant plant. You also discover lavender's medicinal properties and will learn how to distinguish between true lavender and lavandin, all while being surrounded by its pleasant scent.

Hiking

The rolling landscapes of the Luberon are ideal for adventurers. There is a variety of trails in the Luberon Regional Nature Park, showcasing various views of this diverse area, from the ochre trails of the Roussillon to the heights of the Mourre Nègre or the mysterious Aiguebrun Valley.

Food and Wine

Luberon's sun-drenched vineyards produce remarkable rosé and aromatic white wines, celebrated for their distinctive terroir. Local markets teem with local produce, such as Cavaillon melons, Apt truffles, and Luberon Valley olive oil, which lend their flavors to the region's cuisine. Dining in the Luberon ranges from charming village bistros serving Provençal classics to sophisticated dining in gourmet restaurants.