Villa Auguste can be found just a 10-minute walk from a small Luberon village, around 10km east of Cavaillon, making it a great location for exploring this glorious part of Provence.
Stroll into the little village and within 1km you will find a boulangerie-patisserie and a butchers in the more modern quarter as well as a couple of restaurants and a bar dotted around the village. Wander a little further to discover the old part of the village on a hill with its pretty belltower and there is also a children’s playground and tennis court nearby. Surrounded by vineyards, in an area known for its AOC Côtes du Luberon wine, there are some especially lovely walks in the countryside around the village, suitable for a variety of abilities.
Just a 5-minute drive away is Coustellet where you will find further useful amenities including supermarkets and a pharmacy as well as a wonderful Farmer’s market on a Sunday morning (usually April to December) which sells all sorts of fresh produce from across the region. In the summer, from June to August, look out for a smaller early evening market on a Wednesday.
You are also well placed for exploring many of the archetypal perched villages of the Luberon such as Ménerbes (8km), the idyllic place that inspired Peter Mayes’ ‘A Year in Provence‘ as well as tiny Oppède le Vieux (5km) in its spectacular position.
Gordes (10km), one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ is another gem of this region, surrounded by fields of summer lavender, whilst Roussillon, Bonnieux and Lacoste can all be reached within half an hour. Look out for Provençal markets, summer festivities or classical concerts taking place in local villages and towns during your stay.
The Provençal town of Cavaillon is also close by, just over a 10-minute drive away. It has a fascinating heritage including one of Europe’s most beautiful synagogues as well as an interesting Roman history. The town is also famous for its Cavaillon melons which you will find in local markets in the summer months – if staying in July look out for the town’s vibrant melon festival!
There are ample cycling opportunities across the Luberon region and of course as far as Bédoin and Mont Ventoux, as well as many walking and hiking trails, rock-climbing and horse-riding. Visit vineyards close by or further afield (Châteauneuf-du-Pape is under and hour away), sample the exquisite olive oil of Les Alpilles near gorgeous villages such as Les Baux-de-Provence or spend the day in the historic city of Avignon (33km).
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.
