Ansouis
Last update on
Aug 17, 2026
22 km. north of Aix en Provence by route D556 to Pertuis then take D56.
Discover the beautiful village of Ansouis in the Luberon
Ansouis is located south of the Luberon Mountains, about 30 kilometers north of Aix-en-Provence.
Where to stay
This hilltop village in the Vaucluse is listed among the most beautiful villages in France, and in our opinion, it richly deserves this distinction. Its castle—a former fortress that is still inhabited and furnished—overlooks the town and the vineyards. Its Saint-Martin Church, built against the ramparts, honors the memory of Saint Elzéar of Sabran and Saint Delphine. Its “Extraordinary Museum,” the work of Georges Mazoyer, is as perplexing as it is captivating.
Plan on spending half a day strolling through the cobblestone streets, past the fountains, and visiting the art studios.
A charming Provençal village
Built sheltered from the Mistral, Ansouis is a village in the Luberon with charming narrow streets where you’ll find shops and artisans.
As you stroll through Ansouis, you can’t miss the village square, and you’ll enjoy soaking up the Provençal atmosphere on a café terrace under the shade of the plane trees.
The Castle of Ansouis
Ansouis boasts a 12th-century medieval castle that is now a splendid private residence (open to visitors).
The Ansouis Castle features a magnificent collection of 17th- and 18th-century furniture as well as beautiful tapestries. Extensive gardens and terraces lend the entire site a great deal of charm.
Saint-Martin Church
Adjacent to the castle and enclosed within its walls, Saint-Martin Church is fortified and accessed via a beautiful semicircular staircase.
It houses the relics of Saint Elzéar of Sabran, canonized in 1369, and his wife Delphine, who are honored each September with a pilgrimage. The 17th-century altarpieces, pulpit, and baptismal font from 1672 are listed as historic monuments, as is the building itself, which has been designated since 1988.
The Extraordinary Museum
Located on Rue du Vieux Moulin in a 16th-century building, the Extraordinary Museum houses the treasures brought back by Georges Mazoyer from thirty years of diving.
Beneath medieval vaulted ceilings, corals, seashells, and fossils sit alongside his paintings, ceramics, and stained-glass windows. The Blue Grotto, a replica of a coral reef, is a particular favorite with children.
What to see
Chateau d'Ansouis.
St. Martin Church (12th c.).
Museum (sculptures, painting, stained glass windows, ceramics).
Things to do
Truffle hunting in English with a guide and his dogs.
Sunday morning market.
Hiking. Mountain biking.
Summer festivals : Feast Day in July, concerts, theatre, exhibitions.
Crafts : santon figurines, ceramics, wood sculptures.
Bed and breakfast
Former royal inn 16th C. at the foot of Castle Ansouis.
Air-conditioned rooms of character, refined atmosphere, private bathroom. Free WIFI. Table d'hôtes
Airbnb
Discover our selection of houses, villas and apartments on Airbnb for an authentic stay in this Provençal village. You will love your vacation here.
Accommodation
Bed and breakfast
Vacation rentals.
Hotels
Your questions about Ansouis
You've sent us several questions about this charming village in the Luberon. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
What is there to do in Ansouis?
A well-planned morning covers most of Ansouis. Start with the castle, still lived in and fully furnished, and its terraced gardens. Continue to the church of Saint-Martin, built into the old ramparts, then head down to the Musée Extraordinaire created by Georges Mazoyer. Art galleries and craft workshops fill out the walk, along with the Wine Arts and Crafts Museum at Château Turcan. The Michelin guide is a good compass if you want to extend the day toward Cucuron or Lourmarin.
Why visit Ansouis?
Ansouis is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, and its heritage and history earn it the title. You are in the heart of the Luberon here, in a hilltop village that still feels lived in, far from the crowds of its better-known neighbors. You explore on foot, climbing toward the castle along the cobbled calades. The Sud Luberon tourist office website lists opening times and guided tours before you set out.
What monuments are there in Ansouis?
The castle has crowned the village since the 12th century. Once a fortress, later a country residence, it is a listed historic monument and can be visited with a guide. The church of Saint-Martin, also protected, holds a remarkable altarpiece and painted panels. The belfry, the old gateways, the fountains and the washhouse round out the local heritage. Add the Georges Mazoyer museum for something more offbeat.
How do you get to Ansouis?
By car, take the A51 motorway to Pertuis, then the D56. Allow 40 minutes from Aix-en-Provence and its TGV station, a little longer from Marseille-Provence airport. For public transport, bus line 908 on the ZOU network links Pertuis to Ansouis from Monday to Saturday. Parking is at the foot of the village, before the walk up. Our interactive map shows the site and the visitor information points.
What food and wine is Ansouis known for?
Local gastronomy starts in the glass. Vineyards surround the village and produce AOP Luberon wines in red, rosé and white, sold at the cooperative cellar and at nearby estates. The cooking follows the land: olive oil, market vegetables, lamb, goat cheese. Village restaurants serve on their terraces as soon as the weather turns. Producers in the surrounding area round out the basket with local products.
When is the best time to visit Ansouis?
The season runs from April through October. Spring offers the best conditions: clear light, vines waking up, a quiet village. Summer brings the terraces and galleries to life, but crowds and heat build up too. The castle and the museums follow seasonal hours, with reduced opening outside the main season. Check the opening days before you travel, especially in January and February.
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