Maison Junon is situated in a residential area a short walk from the heart of Lourmarin in the Vaucluse department of south-eastern France. Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, it is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and almond trees with typical Provençal architecture and lovely shaded squares.
It’s such a special place to spend time in, meandering around the myriad of little streets, coming across interesting shops, boutiques and galleries, stopping off for a coffee or reading the menus of some of the village’s excellent restaurants. The Friday morning market is a memorable experience and don’t forget to tour the village’s famous château which hosts several concerts as well as other festivities and events.
There are so many family activities to enjoy in the magnificent landscapes of the Luberon Nature Park including golf, hiking, cycling, horse riding and rock climbing. There’s canoeing and kayaking on the Durance River and nearby Étang de la Bonde is a tranquil area for walking and swimming during the summer months.
Ansouis, only 10km away, is yet another classified French Plus Beau Village, home to an impressive castle. It’s only 7km to Cucuron, set right at the foot of the Luberon mountain and 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 lunch or browse in the Tuesday morning market.
Heading 13km northwards from Lourmarin, Bonnieux is another unmissable village where you will see the church tower on the plateau long before you arrive. Lacoste is a beautifully preserved medieval village with incredible views which lies between Bonnieux and Ménerbes, the walled village in the Luberon mountains.
Food lovers are sure to enjoy a visit to Apt, 20km north of Lourmarin at the foot of the mountain range and in the heart of the Luberon Nature Park. It is classified as a site remarquable du gout as a result of the fine local produce sold at its two markets - the Saturday one at Place des Martyrs is particularly renowned.
Driving southwards, the university town of Aix-en-Provence offers a brilliant day out with its parks, galleries, museums, book shops and cafés. The magnificent landscapes of Les Alpilles are also accessible with exquisite Les Baux-de-Provence and vibrant Saint-Rémy-de-Provence reached in about an hour by car.
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.
