Perched on a pine-clad hillside near the village of Oppède, Mas de la Pinède is ideally placed to explore the natural beauty of Provence’s Luberon region, only 38km from Avignon.
Within easy reach, you’ll find two distinctly different Oppèdes. Just down the hill, the ‘new’ Oppède, just over 2km away, offers a slice of everyday Provençal life, with a bakery, a couple of relaxed restaurants, a grocery store and tennis courts. For a step back in time, venture up to Oppède-le-Vieux (5km), a mesmerising medieval village nestled into the mountainside. Wander cobbled paths up to the 12th-century church and castle ruins to take in panoramic views of the Luberon valley.
Ménerbes (3.5km), a short drive away, is one of the region’s most celebrated villages, known for its honey-coloured stone buildings, art galleries, restaurant terraces and spectacular vistas. Further afield, discover the ochre-hued lanes of Roussillon, the grandeur of Gordes and the elegant charm of Bonnieux, all within a scenic drive. These postcard-perfect hilltop towns each offer their own unique atmosphere, with markets, artisan shops and terrace cafés perfect for morning trips out.
Outdoor pursuits abound in the Luberon, with a network of well-marked hiking and cycling trails weaving through vineyards, lavender fields and orchards. Wine lovers can enjoy tastings at local domaines, while the region’s Provençal markets offer a feast of seasonal produce, cheeses and handcrafted goods - the Luberon’s largest is in Apt (21km) on a Saturday morning.
For those craving a day trip, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (18km) with its famed antiques market and riverside cafés is just a short drive away. Or drive to Avignon (38km), the medieval city of popes, where history, architecture and vibrant culture await.
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.