The hilltop village of Gordes is a gem of the Luberon region, offering an enchanting escape filled with timeless charm. As one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, Gordes captivates with its honey-coloured stone houses cascading down the hillside, cobblestone streets, and a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding countryside.
Mas du Granan is around a 10-minute walk from the heart of Gordes (do note that part of the route does not have a pavement). Once you arrive, wander through the village’s winding lanes to discover boutique shops, inviting cafés, and delightful restaurants serving Provençal delicacies. The historic Château de Gordes, a testament to Renaissance architecture, stands proudly at the village’s heart and offers stunning views from its ramparts. For art enthusiasts, the Pol Mara Museum within the château celebrates the works of this renowned Flemish painter. Every Tuesday, Gordes’ bustling market brings the spirit of Provence alive with vibrant stalls brimming with local produce, handmade crafts and fragrant lavender products.
A stay in Gordes opens the door to the Luberon’s treasures. Just a short drive away, you’ll find the iconic Abbaye de Sénanque, a serene 12th-century monastery surrounded by iconic summer lavender fields. Not far from here, explore the unique Bories Village, an open-air museum of ancient dry-stone huts that echo the region’s pastoral heritage.
Nature lovers can venture into the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, where verdant trails weave through vineyards, orchards and forests offering an idyllic backdrop for hiking, cycling and a wealth of other outdoor adventures. Perched villages not to be missed across the Luberon include Ménerbes (10km), Roussillon (11km) and Bonnieux (18km).
Beyond the Luberon, discover canoeing and kayaking opportunities along the Sorgue River near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (17km), visit the antique stores and famous Sunday morning brocante of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (17km), venture to the art galleries of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (37km) or spend the day admiring the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Avignon (38km) alongside its markets, restaurants and bars serving the finest wines of the Rhône valley and Provence.
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.
