La Villa Provençale is set in the heart of the Luberon National Park in a great location for exploring many of the idyllic landscapes and perched villages of this glorious region.
Set just off a country road, it is just 3km by car to reach hilltop Ménerbes, a picturesque village where Frances Mayes’ wrote his famous book ‘A Year in Provence’. Explore its narrow, steep lanes and come across charming cafes, restaurants and little shops. The Thursday morning Farmer’s market is delightful whilst music-lovers should check to see if there are any classical concerts taking place during their stay.
Other great villages to visit include the beautifully restored medieval village of Lacoste, only 7km away, and Coustellet (9km) home to one of the best Farmer’s markets in Provence on a Sunday morning. The lavender fields around Gordes (10km) are also a must, as are the idyllic hilltop villages of Bonnieux, Roussillon and Oppède. Food lovers will also appreciate the fantastic twice-weekly Provençal market in Apt (18km) which is especially impressive on a Saturday morning.
Then there’s some incredible hiking trails, such as the 3hr circular walk between Bonnieux and Lacoste, passing vineyards, little farms and woodland or the more challenging Gorges de Regalon to the south. Cycling is also popular both on and off-road with various circuits including La Véloroute du Calavon following the old railway line close to nearby Les Beaumettes.
Of course, the Provençal towns and cities of Avignon (40km), Aix-en-Provence (62km) and Saint-Rémy (38km) are close enough for wonderful days. Spend time admiring the gorgeous scenery of Les Alpilles, perhaps visiting some of the area’s pretty medieval villages such as Eygalières and Les Baux-de-Provence, both under an hour away. Cavaillon is another interesting town to visit, especially in the summer when melons are in season!
The Region
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.
