Luberon

Discover the Luberon, the pearl of Provence

About 70 km north of Marseille and 50 km east of Avignon, the Luberon unfurls its limestone hills, fertile valleys, and hilltop villages that seem frozen in time.

Here, the light plays with the ochres, the greens of the vineyards and the blues of the sky. Classified as a Regional Nature Park since 1977 and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, it is a territory where nature, heritage and art de vivre blend harmoniously.

Between the Petit Luberon to the west, which is more rugged, and the Grand Luberon to the east, which is more rounded, the landscape changes with every turn. In summer, the songs of cicadas accompany visitors, while winter offers an almost suspended calm. We take you on a journey of discovery through this magnificent region.

Villages to visit.

From classic favorites to hidden gems, here is our selection of villages not to be missed:

• Gordes, a tourist hotspot in the region

• Lourmarin, Albert Camus' favorite village

• Oppède-le-Vieux and its ancient cobbled streets

• the ochre village of Roussillon

• Saignon, a little-known village with a superb fountain

• the medieval village of Goult

• the charming village of Lacoste

Where to stay in the Luberon

The Luberon offers a wide selection of accommodation in hotels, vacation rentals, guesthouses (gîtes) and campsites. Find our selection of accommodation below.

And here are a few highlights you won't want to miss during your stay:

Contrasting landscapes

The Luberon is a mix of agricultural plains, wooded hillsides, low mountains, and steep cliffs. In the Petit Luberon, the Cedar Forest offers resinous scents and shaded trails. The Grand Luberon, with its highest point at Mont Mourre Nègre (1,125 meters high), offers 360° panoramic views of Provence and the Alps.

In spring, the valleys are covered with wildflowers and fields of lavender in early bloom, offering a unique olfactory and visual spectacle. In autumn, the grape harvest brings the villages and hillsides of the Luberon massif to life.

A stroll through the Luberon

Start in Gordes, perched on its rocky outcrop, and stroll through its cobbled streets lined with dry stone houses. Continue on to Roussillon, where flamboyant ochre colors the facades and paths.

Heading south, discover Lourmarin, with its Renaissance castle and lively terraces. To the east, Apt lives to the rhythm of its Saturday morning market, one of the most famous in Provence. Finally, stop off at Bonnieux or Ménerbes to enjoy a glass of local wine while admiring the vineyards and hills.

Local life & events

The Luberon lives to the rhythm of the seasons:

• Luberon markets: Apt on Saturday mornings (8 a.m.-1 p.m.), Coustellet on Sundays (April to December), Lourmarin on Friday mornings.

• Lavender festivals: in July, in several villages such as Sault and Valensole.

• Grape harvest and open house: in September, at the AOC Luberon estates.

• Festivals: theater and music in Gordes, Lourmarin, and Bonnieux during the summer.

• Truffles: markets and tastings around Ménerbes and the Vaucluse plateau.

What activities are there to do in the Luberon?

The Luberon offers a wealth of exceptional activities among its hilltop villages and Provençal landscapes. You can explore the famous villages of Gordes, Roussillon, and Bonnieux. The Étang de la Bonde lake in Cabrières d'Aigues is a haven of coolness in summer.

Things to do include hiking on 50 hiking trails and 8 Grande Randonnée paths that crisscross the Luberon. The regional nature park also offers bike rides on the Calavon cycle route. You can discover the Colorado Provençal in Rustrel and taste wines in the many local cellars. Provençal markets bring the villages to life throughout the week. The best way to discover the Luberon is to take the small roads and stroll from village to village.

The culinary specialties of the Luberon

The local cuisine of the Luberon is characterized by its exceptional local products. There is no shortage of symbols to describe the Luberon, among them the local products: Cavaillon melon, truffles, Luberon AOP wines, olive oil, and candied fruits from Apt.

You can sample tapenade, AOP olive oil, and local wines. The markets offer seasonal products such as goat cheese, honey, and the authentic flavors of Provençal aioli.

Your questions about the Luberon

You have sent us several questions about the Luberon. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions to inform all our readers.

• Why visit the Luberon?For its varied landscapes, hilltop villages, local produce, and unspoiled atmosphere, far from the tourist crowds.

• When is the best time to visit?May-June for the flowers and lavender, September-October for the grape harvest and mild temperatures.

• Which villages are a must-see? Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, Bonnieux, and Goult are among the most iconic.

• Is it easy to go hiking?Yes, the nature park has dozens of marked trails suitable for all levels, including the cedar forest and the Sentier des Ocres.

• What specialties should you try?Luberon AOC wines, olive oil, lavender honey, goat cheese, and candied fruit from Apt.

• How do you get to the Luberon?The Luberon is easily accessible from major roads. Located between Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, the destination has several access points. The main route is the A7 motorway to Avignon or Aix-en-Provence. In summer, check the shortest route on apps such as Waze. The TGV stations in Avignon and Aix-en-Provence offer efficient rail transport. Take the ZOU buses, operated by the Région Sud, to reach the villages. Carpooling via BlaBlaCar is an economical option. The Marseille-Provence and Avignon-Caumont airports provide quick access. Local transportation is organized around ZOU buses and electric bike rentals, allowing you to explore this region close to the major urban centers of Provence.