Le Bosquet is in a peaceful rural location surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and orchards near the delightful village of Ansouis in the southern Luberon, only 32km north of Aix-en-Provence.
Ansouis is officially one of the “most beautiful villages” in France, with a Michelin starred restaurant, Sunday morning market, ancient castle and a couple of interesting museums.
Nearby Cucuron, only 4km by car, is best known for its Bassin, a large pool of water in the main square shaded by ancient plane trees, making this a delightful place to sit in the shade with a coffee. Gastronomers should note that there is yet another Michelin starred restaurant to be found here! Streets and houses wind upwards to the castle with fine views over Mont-Saint-Victoire and the many hectares of farmland producing the melons, olives ,cherries and the fine Côtes du Luberon wines to be found in Cucuron’s Tuesday morning market.
Nestled beneath the hills is yet another of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, Lourmarin, whose winding streets are full of boutiques and galleries, restaurants and cafés. Highlights are the bustling Friday morning market, concerts at the mystical 15th century castle and Albert Camus being its most famous resident.
Drive northwards through glorious wooded hills to discover more exquisite Luberon villages such as Lacoste, Bonnieux and Ménerbes. The lovely University town of Aix-en-Provence is only 33km to the south or venture further north to Avignon with its fine historic treasures.
Hikers of all abilities will enjoy the pretty vineyard trails or try the Gorges de Régalon for a greater challenge and cyclists will love the tranquil rides between idyllic villages - the Pays d’Aigues circuit covers some of the southern Luberon villages and towns. Admire the landscapes of olive groves, cherry and almond trees from the back of a horse, hire a canoe on the river Durance or head to the beautiful gorge at Buoux for a spot of rock-climbing.
Locals take summer swims or walk through the pine forests at the picturesque Étang de la Bonde, only 8km away. The less adventurous may just prefer the leisurely trip around the Luberon vineyards sampling some of the excellent wines – there are couple of especially good wine châteaux close to Lourmarin.
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.
