Just set back off a quiet country road, reached via a tree-lined gated driveway, Villa Gusteau is set in 10 acres of wonderful grounds, only 3km from the heart of Gordes, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ in the Luberon region of Provence.
The perched village of Gordes is an absolute joy to explore with its narrow lanes, picturesque cafes, many restaurants and inviting little shops. As you look out from various points in the village the views of the Luberon hills are simply glorious. Visit the lovely market on a Tuesday morning in the heart of the old village where you can pick up all sorts of fresh regional produce and local crafts as well as lavender products of course!
Just outside of Gordes is the beautiful Abbaye de Sénanque, famously surrounded by fields of lavender in the summer (usually the end of June to early August). If you adore lavender, then you may also wish to drive up to the fields around Sault, around a 45-minute drive away, and visit one of the lavender farms or distilleries, many which offer guided tours. There’s also a Lavender museum near Coustellet, perhaps combine it with a trip to the village’s excellent Farmer’s market on a Sunday morning.
Of course, the Luberon offers yet more charming markets, enticing restaurants and a wealth of history across its many gorgeous villages and towns in places such as Ménerbes, Bonnieux, Apt, Roussillon and maybe even pretty Lourmarin to the south. Nearby L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is sure to enchant you with its antique stores and Sunday morning brocante whilst water lovers will adore kayaking along the Sorgue from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
Then there’s endless walks and hikes through the Luberon landscapes passing vineyards, farms, cherry orchards and dense woodland. Seek out cycle trails between villages, along former railway tracks or even as far as Mont Ventoux or discover rock-climbing opportunities near the tiny village of Buoux.
Further afield, head out for day trips to some of Provence’s wonderful towns and cities such as Cézanne’s Aix-en-Provence, Van-Gogh’s Saint-Rémy as well as historic Arles and Avignon.
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.
