Les Taillades

Discover the charming medieval village of Les Taillades in the Luberon

Les Taillades is a charming village located at the foot of the Luberon Mountains, in the Vaucluse department, just 5 km from Cavaillon.

Nestled between the fertile plain and the foothills of the Petit Luberon, this village charms visitors with its medieval old town and ancient quarries. Its name says it all: here, stone was quarried. The yellow limestone quarries shaped the landscape and defined the rhythm of village life from the Middle Ages until the early 20th century. Today, one of these old quarries has been transformed into the Théâtre des Carrières, a one-of-a-kind cultural venue. Every summer, the Estivales des Taillades festival fills the space with music, theater, and dance echoing off the white rock cliffs.

The old village, dating back to medieval times and nestled at the foot of the Luberon mountain, has retained much of its charm and promises a pleasant stroll. Here you’ll discover a medieval tower, the ruins of a 17th-century castle, an 18th-century church, the Sainte-Luce Chapel, and a mysterious sculpture carved directly into the rock.

This rugged village remains one of the Luberon’s best-kept secrets. Just a stone’s throw from Avignon, Cavaillon, and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, it offers easy access to all the region’s heritage sites, without the crowds of major tourist destinations.

An old medieval village

The old medieval village nestled at the foot of the Luberon Mountains has retained much of its charm and promises a pleasant stroll (the site is a listed historic site). Les Taillades was once an important center dedicated to stone quarrying.

Beautifully renovated quarries

Abandoned at the end of the 19th century, these former quarries now serve as a natural theater where dance performances, plays, and concerts take place in August. This site has been superbly enhanced; cypresses, oaks, and wildflowers blend harmoniously with the stone and rock weathered by time. As you walk by, you’ll notice entire sections of sculpted rock, and you’ll pass by a beautiful 17th-century mansion (private).

You’ll follow a stone-paved path that climbs through the quarry and overlooks it; along the way, you can admire the magnificent view of the village and the plain. Once you reach the top of this beautiful path (allow 5 to 8 minutes on foot), you’ll arrive at the church and the small terrace in front of it, beautifully framed by greenery and flowers and offering a stunning view of the castle and the entire quarry site.

The Saint-Pierre Mill

You can then head to the Saint-Pierre Mill (19th century) to see its large waterwheel, once used to grind flour. The mill no longer grinds grain, but its wheel still sets the waters of the Carpentras Canal in motion.

Hiking in the Luberon

The wonderful landscapes surrounding the village are protected: Les Taillades is part of the Luberon Regional Nature Park. During your walks, you’ll discover a rich and varied flora and smell the subtle scents of Mediterranean essences and the aromatic plants of the garrigue!

Where to eat: at the Auberge des Carrières

Take advantage of your visit to Les Taillades to have lunch or dinner at the Auberge des Carrières. A very charming restaurant with excellent home-style cooking. It’s a renowned spot in the region, and you won’t be disappointed. Be sure to make a reservation to secure a table during peak season.