Ménerbes
3 km from the D900 (or N100) which links Avignon (40km) and Apt (23km) by the D103.
Discover the beautiful village of Ménerbes in the Luberon
Looking for an authentic destination in Provence? The village of Ménerbes stands on a rocky outcrop and is listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
This village in the Luberon awaits you between Oppède to the west and Lacoste to the east. Here you will find the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin (Truffle and Wine House), Saint-Hilaire Abbey, and the famous corkscrew museum. Ménerbes charmed Picasso, Nicolas de Staël, and Peter Mayle.
The village overlooks the vineyards and offers a view of the Monts de Vaucluse. You can stroll through the narrow streets, visit historical sites, and taste the AOC Côtes du Luberon wines
Ménerbes is located in the Vaucluse department, near Goult, Bonnieux, and other villages in the Luberon. The tourist office is located on Avenue Marcellin Poncet and is open Tuesday through Saturday.
From the road, you will see this village as a stone vessel. The ancient fortifications tell the story of the religious wars of the 16th century. The citadel and the church of Saint-Luc bear witness to Ménerbes' medieval past.
What to see in the village?
As you visit the village, you will notice that Ménerbes has preserved many reminders of its rich historical past.
The Dolmen de la Pichouno (unique in Vaucluse) shows that Ménerbes was inhabited as far back as prehistoric times. Excavations have uncovered the remains of villas and an ancient cemetery dating back to the Roman period.
In the Middle Ages, access to the town, which was then riddled with underground passages, was via the two gates of St Sauveur and Notre Dame.
The Abbey of St. Hilaire, a former convent of a Carmelite community, was developed around 1250 from a pre-existing religious site, part of which was troglodytic.
Saint-Hilaire is an atypical architectural ensemble that evokes Gothic forms while retaining a Romanesque feel. A superb historical monument.
The history of the village
During the Wars of Religion in the 16th century, Ménerbes was the capital of the Protestant movement. You can admire the imposing citadel built between the 12th and 16th centuries. Magnificent old houses, beautifully restored, still bear witness to this tumultuous past and the place occupied by the nobility at that time. They give the old town of Ménerbes a lot of character!
Picasso had a house there
Nicolas de Staël and Picasso had residences in Ménerbes, and they have since been joined by many famous artists, musicians, actors, and writers, each of whom now owns one of these beautiful farms scattered around the village.
The Corkscrew Museum
Don't leave Ménerbes without visiting the picturesque Corkscrew Museum, which houses more than 1,000 different examples of this magical little tool invented in the 17th century by a Frenchman, of course!
Where to stay?
Further down this page, you will find our selection of hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals that we recommend in the village.
What to see
St Hilaire abbey. 14th century church. 18th century chapel Ste Blaise.
Medieval and renaissance houses. Corkscrew museum.
Musee du tire-bouchon - Corkscrew museum
Leisure activities
Hiking.
Mountain biking (mountain bike hire and routes).
Cultural events.
Arts and crafts.
Hotels
18th century hotel building surrounded by 15 hectares of vineyard
Individually decorated rooms with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi
Bar-restaurant - Swimming pool - Spa
Holiday rentals
2 charming renovated houses 2 to 18 people: 300 m² for 13 people with 7 bedrooms + 80 m² house for 4 people with 2 bedrooms. On a landscaped area, very quiet with heated swimming pool, patio, terraces, garden.
Accomodations
Vacation rentals.
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Your questions about Ménerbes
You have sent us several questions about this pretty village in the heart of the Luberon. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions
What activities are there to do in Ménerbes?
The market is held every Thursday morning at Rossignol Park and attracts both locals and tourists. A visit to the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin (Truffle and Wine House) is a must if you want to discover Ménerbes' specialties. The Domaine de la Citadelle vineyard offers tastings and a tour of the botanical garden with a superb view of the village. The Corkscrew Museum displays more than 1,200 historical pieces, and in winter, the truffle market is the place to buy Provence's black diamond.
How to get to Ménerbes?
You can easily reach Ménerbes by road via the A7 motorway, exit 25 at Cavaillon, then follow signs for Apt. The D3 departmental road crosses the town from east to west, and the D103A provides access to the hilltop village. This town in the Vaucluse is located in department 84 between Oppède and Lacoste. Bus lines serve the village, and a map will help you plan your precise location in the Luberon.
What events are there in Ménerbes?
The weekly market takes place every Thursday morning from April 1 to October 31 at Rossignol Park. The Christmas market at the Maison Dora Maar welcomes artisans and gourmet foods in early December, while the truffle market is a must-see event. Les Musicales du Luberon regularly organizes concerts at the village's Saint-Luc church. The tourist office can provide information on activities and events in Ménerbes. Visit the website for the latest news and information.
What are the specialties of Ménerbes?
The black truffle, tuber melanosporum, is a major specialty of the region, with Vaucluse being the leading producer. The vineyards produce AOC Côtes du Luberon wines, which are popular with wine lovers. Wines that are not AOC can claim the Vin de Pays d'Aigues label, as the clay-limestone soil is ideal for growing vines in Ménerbes. The local cuisine also relies on fruit crops and mushroom production in mushroom farms, adding to the village's local produce.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Beaumettes (4 km), Oppede le Vieux (7 km) and Lacoste (8 km).