In a calm setting on the edge of a small Provençal village, Lis de la Paix enjoys an ideal base for visiting the many gems of Provence, perfectly located between L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (12km) and the landscapes of the Luberon, around 33km from historic Avignon.
Passing vineyards, you can walk along the country lane (without pavement and unlit at times) to the local village with its bakery, butchers and two restaurants (check opening days). The older part of the village is a little further, home to a church, belltower and charming houses alongside a football field and playground.
It’s an attractive village for wandering around soaking up the authenticity of Provence. In the other direction, there are further amenities in Coustellet (2.5km) including some good food shops, supermarkets and a popular Sunday morning Farmer’s market. Food lovers note Musée de l'Huile d'Olive (2.5km) is a good place to try local olive oil whilst there are ample wine-tasting opportunities across the Luberon and Rhône valley.
Heading into the Luberon, visit some of the region’s iconic perched villages including Oppède le Vieux (4km), Ménerbes (7km) and Gordes (11km), all loved for their historic charm and atmosphere. As you explore the dreamy Provençal landscapes of the Luberon, come across gastronomic restaurants, weekly village markets and beautiful walks passing orchards, vineyards, lavender fields and forests.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s Sunday morning brocante is another highlight of Provence – it’s a joy to potter around this characterful town at any time of week with its antique stores, pretty cafes and riverside restaurants. The beauty of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (13km) also awaits or discover the scenery as you canoe or kayak along the Sorgue.
Head to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Avignon (33km) or spend the day visiting the olive groves, limestone valleys, picture-perfect villages and artistic towns of Les Alpilles with countryside that inspired the likes of Van Gogh - Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (30km) and Les Baux-de-Provence (40km) are both lovely 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.
