Set in 100 acres of vast grounds, Mas Alpheratz is located in the rolling hills of the eastern Luberon, close to the Vaucluse and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence border. Away from Provence’s usual tourist trail, make the most of the incredible hiking trails, cycling routes and charming Luberon villages.
It’s around a 10-minute drive to Céreste-en-Luberon where you will find a boulangerie, butchers, pharmacy and small supermarket as well as a wonderful market on a Thursday morning. The village dates back to the 12th century and it’s a delight to admire its medieval lanes, little fountains and old ramparts. Once part of the Domitian way linking trading routes between Italy and Spain, this is a popular destination for keen hikers with a variety of trails across the surrounding landscapes.
Saint-Martin-de-Castillon (10km) is another Luberon village not to be missed for its rural authenticity and glorious valley views. Meanwhile, Viens (10.5km) is a typically perched village with a wealth of charm. As you explore this part of the Luberon and beyond look out for rugged scenery, vines, forests and summer lavender fields. Further afield, lavender festivities take place in Sault (43km) and Valensole (47km) in the height of the summer.
Closer to home, Apt (19km) is famed for its lively Saturday market, the largest in the Luberon. The handsome town invites you to wander cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops and fragrant patisseries brimming with local produce. North of the town, visit the Colorado Provençal (25km), a stunning landscape of ochre cliffs and walking trails, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Heading east instead, Forcalquier (29km) enchants with its medieval allure. Climb to the citadel for panoramic views of the Luberon hills, or lose yourself in the town’s charming squares and cafés. Don’t miss the Monday morning market, a treasure trove of Provençal delights.
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.
