Villa Royere is in the Luberon region of Provence, a very short drive from Ménerbes, Oppède le Vieux and Coustellet. Arrive by plane into Avignon, Marseille or Nimes Airport or take the fast train from Paris to Gare d’Avignon TGV (37km) in just 2 hours 40 minutes.
Within 5 acres of grounds with vineyards and olive trees, the house is set off the road between Cavaillon and Ménerbes. A footpath behind the farmhouse leads to the ‘newer’ part of Oppède in about 15 minutes with its bakery, épicerie, tennis courts and a couple of restaurants (or it’s just a 5-minute drive/bike ride). There are even more food shops in Coustellet (5km) including two supermarkets and a lovely Sunday morning Farmer’s market.
When it comes to exploring the Luberon, start off in hilltop Ménerbes (4km), officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and so loved in Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’. Come across charming little shops along the narrow lanes and restaurants with terraces with incredible views overlooking orchards and vines. The pretty market takes place on a Thursday morning.
The perched village of Oppède le Vieux (4.5km) is another gem of the area – it’s like a step back in time as you explore the medieval lanes and admire stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes. There are some great walks and hikes from the village.
Other iconic hilltop villages across the Luberon include Gordes (10km), Lacoste (11km) and Bonnieux (15km), all with so much historic charm and beauty. Elsewhere, taste the cherries from Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, the melons of Cavaillon, the lavender ice-cream of Roussillon and experience the Saturday morning market in Apt. Not to mention a wealth of high-end restaurants including Michelin starred establishments in places such as Lourmarin, Cucuron and Ansouis.
There are of course wonderful walking trails, cycling routes, horse-riding as well as canoeing and kayaking along the Durance and Sorgue rivers. Beyond the Luberon, seek out antiques in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (15km), visit the evening Farmer’s market in Velleron (22km), discover the fountains of Pernes-les-Fontaines (24km), the cycling routes of Mont Ventoux from Bédoin (42km) and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Avignon (35km).
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.
