In the Luberon region of Provence, Le Mas Serein enjoys a rural setting almost equidistant to the idyllic villages of Gordes and Roussillon, both officially classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Fly into Marseille or Avignon Airport or take the fast TGV train from Paris to Gare d’Avignon TGV (43km).
There is a small Luberon village around 3km away with a restaurant and traditional grocery store whilst hilltop Gordes (5km) is also just a short drive away. Gordes is one of Provence’s most loved villages with such a rich heritage alongside wonderful restaurants, little shops and galleries – the village and its landscapes have inspired many artists over the years. The Tuesday morning market is so charming, set up in the streets around the foot of the castle – look out for delicious specialties such as olive oil, honey, cheese, charcuterie and wine alongside a wealth of local fruit and vegetables as well as lavender based products.
In the other direction is the famous village of Roussillon (5.5km), known for its ochre-hued surroundings and pine trees. Visitors can appreciate the village’s many restaurants alongside the lovely Thursday morning market. Other picturesque villages across this part of the Luberon include Ménerbes (12km), Oppède le Vieux (16km) and Bonnieux (12km), the gateway to La Forêt des cèdres. This region is loved for its hiking and walking trails, cycling opportunities and wine-tasting across the vineyards of the Luberon.
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (21km) is another fantastic area for hiking trails and outdoor activities including kayaking and canoeing along the Sorgue River. Spend time in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (21km) pottering around its antique shops followed by lunch on a riverside terrace or soak up the vibrant ambience of its Sunday morning market and brocante.
The UNESCO World Heritage sites of Avignon (50km) are less than an hour away or venture west towards the beautiful scenery of Les Alpilles with olive groves, woodland and limestone peaks alongside artistic towns and picture-perfect villages including Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (40km), Eygalières (34km) and Les Baux-de-Provence (50km), all brilliant days out.
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.
