Villa Paulette offers a spectacular location being a ten minute walk along a country road from the heart of a charming, hilltop village situated in the Luberon Regional Nature Park. Roam the delightful streets and marvel at the captivating stone houses. You can’t miss the striking Château which dates back to the 12th century. You cannot currently enter it but it is certainly worth admiring from the outside.
Additionally, this magnificent village benefits from being surrounded by some exceptional nature spots. There are a number of fantastic nature trails around the villa for avid hikers or cyclists such as La Combe de Vaumale.
What’s more, there are some impressive forests and woods to explore nearby. For example, the majestic Forêt Domaniale de Vénasque is a short 15 minute drive away. In addition, you can reach the phenomenal Bois de Bourrade in 20 minutes by car. There are also plenty of vineyards and wineries close by where you can treat yourself to an authentic wine tasting experience, the closest being only a 15 minute drive away from Villa Paulette.
Moreover, there are many fabulous landmarks and museums to see nearby such as the astounding Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque located a 20 minute drive away from the villa, just outside the village of Gordes. The sensational architecture of this Abbey and its enchanting surrounding lavender fields will leave you speechless. You can learn all about the history of these Provençal lavender fields at the Musée de la Lavande Luberon, also a 20 minute drive away.
This home is situated in the perfect location to explore the rest of the Luberon, with the tremendous villages of Gordes and Roussillon only 15 minutes away by car. Whilst in Gordes be sure to visit the amazing Village des Bories, an open-air museum with old stone huts. It is truly fascinating! Additionally, you will be enthralled by the technicolour of Roussillon. As you stroll the streets you can gaze in wonder at the eye-catching red, yellow and orange buildings. Make sure to visit the Roussillon Ochre where you will be in awe of the reddish orange cliffs.
Furthermore, you can easily take a day trip to the more lively cities of Aix-en Provence and Avignon. Aix-en-Provence is roughly an hour and a half away from Villa Paulette by car whilst Avignon is only an hour’s drive away.
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.
