Villa Cedrela

La Forêt des Cèdres du Luberon offers a serene retreat surrounded by towering cedar trees and the enchanting landscapes of southern France. This idyllic sanctuary allows guests to experience the timeless beauty of Provence, from the charming villages of Bonnieux, Lourmarin and beyond to the rolling hills and ancient vineyards that define the area.

Follow the winding road to hilltop Bonnieux (5km), one of the most picturesque villages in the Luberon. Perched high on a hill, enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and the dramatic Mont Ventoux in the distance. Stroll through its narrow streets lined with stone houses, or visit the iconic Church of Our Lady of Santé, which dates back to the 12th century. Bonnieux is also home to a handful of artisan shops, cafés, and a Friday morning market where you can stock up on seasonal Provençal produce.

You are also well placed for visiting the hidden gem of Buoux (11km), a tiny village located in an area popular with rock-climbing enthusiasts. Indeed, the Luberon is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. Walk or hike through the forests of La Forêt des Cèdres or appreciate the rugged landscapes by mountain bike. There are also many wonderful cycling routes across the Luberon from the family-friendly Véloroute du Calavon to more challenging trails.

Discover many other picture-perfect villages across the region. To the south, Lourmarin (13km) invites you to explore its stunning Renaissance castle and cobbled streets lined with charming cafés, art galleries, and hidden courtyards. Cucuron (19km), known for its beautiful bassin framed by plane trees, is another gorgeous village where time seems to slow down. What’s more, Cucuron, Lourmarin and Ansouis (22km) all boast Michelin starred restaurants.

Heading north instead, Ménerbes (15km) and Gordes (24km) are other hilltop villages with panoramic views across the Luberon or drive to Roussillon (15km), where the earth itself is coloured in vibrant shades of red and orange due to its ochre mines. All three destinations (alongside Lourmarin and Ansouis) are officially classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’.

Read more about Luberon

With some of the most enchanting landscapes of Provence, the Luberon awaits with its idyllic perched villages, swathes of lavender, cherry trees, vineyards and dense forest.

Become captivated by the scenery as you potter around artistic Gordes with its atmospheric Tuesday morning market before heading to hilltop Ménerbes, the village that inspired Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’. Romantic Bonnieux enjoys the most glorious vistas, surrounded by a sea of vines and orchards, whilst red-hued Roussillon will take your breath away with its ochre landscapes and pine forests. They are all officially classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ in France.

Yet there are so many hidden gems to explore as well. Discover the historic doorways, windmills and summer cherries of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, then head to Goult to embrace its Provençal charm with little shops and pavement cafes. Surrounded by fields of lavender, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt is another historic jewel of the Luberon, often overshadowed by the handsome and historic town of Apt.

To the south of the Luberon, follow Albert Camus’ footsteps in Lourmarin, sip coffee by the picturesque bassin lined with plane trees in Cucuron and soak up the history of Ansouis – all three villages have a fine reputation for their high-end dining with a choice of Michelin starred restaurants.

Indeed, across the region look out for restaurant terraces serving Provençal cuisine with superb vistas alongside characterful markets showcasing seasonal delights from the Luberon and beyond (olives, melons, strawberries, cherries, truffles, chestnuts, lavender products and more). Most villages host a lovely weekly market whilst the largest in the Luberon is held on a Saturday morning in Apt. Just on the edge of the Luberon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famed for its antique stores and Sunday morning brocante. Meanwhile, wine lovers should visit the vineyards and wineries of the region producing Luberon and Ventoux AOC wines.

The walking, hiking and cycling opportunities in the Luberon seem endless and you will also find horse-riding, rock-climbing and tree-top adventures as well as canoeing and kayaking along the Sorgue near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Come across hiking trails for all abilities passing vineyards and forest or venture through the hills and mountain gorges for spectacular scenery. Cycling is also extremely popular – as well as more challenging routes, we especially love the family-friendly Véloroute du Calavon, a paved voie verte following a former railway line near the Calavon river passing poppies, lavender and orchards so typical of the Luberon.