Villa Capucine is set within its own vast grounds on a hilltop with glorious views of the Luberon valley from its swimming pool, just a 10-minute walk from a pretty village and equidistant from the towns of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Cavaillon.
Stroll along the country road (no pavement) to reach the local village and explore its charming stone lanes coming across beautiful houses, a boulangerie, butchers, épicerie-tabac and restaurant. There are some attractive walks from the village including a hiking track to Le Mur de La Peste. A little further afield, find excellent shops, a larger supermarket and a Farmer’s market on a Sunday morning in the small village of Coustellet (3km), also home to the Lavender Museum.
With the gorgeous waterwheels and antique stores of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (11km) in one direction and the iconic perched villages of the Luberon in the other, this is a fantastic base for exploring this captivating part of the Vaucluse and beyond. L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is especially atmospheric on a Sunday morning when the brocante takes place, one of southern France’s most famous markets. You are also well located for visiting the incredible landscapes around Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, perfect for long hikes and canoeing/kayaking opportunities.
Gordes (8.5km), Ménerbes (10km) and Roussillon (16km) are classified as three of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and all worthy of a visit for their rich history, wonderful markets and stunning views of the Luberon scenery from summer sunflower fields and cherry orchards to pine forests and ochre landscapes. Other nearby gems include Bonnieux (18km) and Lacoste (15km) whilst the handsome town of Apt (25km) hosts the region’s largest market on a Saturday morning.
The Luberon is a paradise for guests seeking walking trails, cycling routes, rock-climbing near Buoux and wine-tasting across the AOC Luberon vineyards and wineries. Admire the summer lavender near Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque (11km) or venture further to Sault (41km) to visit its lavender farms and distilleries.
Other brilliant day trips include the small city of Avignon (33km) with its UNESCO World Heritage sites, the art galleries of Van Gogh’s Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (37km) and the delightful shops, restaurants and historic buildings of Aix-en-Provence (68km), so loved by Cézanne and many artists over the generations.
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.
