Provence’s Luberon Valley is famous for its picturesque hilltop towns like Ansouis, Bonnieux, Gordes, and Ménerbes. Additionally, charming villages such as Cabrières-d’Avignon, Cucuron, and Lourmarin offer their beauty. Visitors can explore agricultural lands, vineyards, medieval castles, art galleries, and great dining. Below are 15 of the must-see towns in the Luberon Valley. Click on the hyperlink text to jump to a specific location.
Ansouis
Apt
Bonnieux
Céreste
Curcuron
Gordes
Goult
Lacoste
Lauris
Lourmarin
Ménerbes
Oppède le Vieux
Roussillon
Rustrel
Saignon
Books for Your Trip to the Luberon Valley
The Luberon Valley is not just known for its famous hilltop towns. The Luberon massif is part of a protected biosphere known as the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon, which was established in 1977. This Park spans 165,000 hectares and stretches 75 kilometres from Cavaillon in the west to Forcalquier in the east. The villages mentioned below are located in the Luberon sub-region of the Vaucluse department. Situated in the geographic center of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, the Luberon massif is made up of three mountain areas: the eastern Luberon, the Grand Luberon, and the Petit Luberon.
Maison du Parc du Luberon
60, place Jean-Jaurès
84404 Apt
Email: accueil@parcduluberon.fr
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 04 42 00
Reference Book:
Le Parc naturel régional du Luberon à pied: Luberon – Monts de Vaucluse (French Edition)
A handy guide for walking routes and trails in the Park.
Download this map of the Luberon Valley
The village of Ansouis is on a hillside inside the Parc naturel régional du Luberon. High above vineyards and olive trees in the valley, it’s no surprise that Ansouis is among France’s most beautiful villages. The privately owned castle at the top of the town, the Château d’Ansouis, is the residence of the Sabran-Pontévès family. They restored and continue to maintain it. Tours (in French only) of this 10th-century fortress are available on a limited basis. You can make a reservation through their website. However, even without a tour, the panoramic views of the valley make a visit to the castle worthwhile.
©Perfectly Provence
While exploring Ansouis, take a meandering walk up the narrow roads to the 13th-century Église Saint-Martin d’Ansouis. Behind its rather stark, imposing outer walls, you’ll discover an ornate interior with colourful murals and crystal chandeliers.
©Perfectly Provence
Just outside the village, you’ll find the charming and unusual Le Musée Extraordinaire de George Mazoyer. George Mazoyer was both an artist and a deep-sea diver. He restored a 16th-century building in Ansouis to showcase his art and the artifacts he collected on his diving adventures.
©Perfectly Provence
Although Ansouis is a small village, it offers several dining options, including La Closerie, a one-star Michelin restaurant (reservations required). L’Art Glacier is home to Maître Artisans Glacier (master ice cream artists), the Perrière family. The shop offers a variety of ice cream, sorbets, sundaes, and other frozen confections. Reservations are recommended, but you can usually stop by and pick up an ice cream cone to go.
©Perfectly Provence
On Sunday mornings, head to Place de la Vielle Fontaine for the weekly market where you’ll discover fresh produce, ready-made meals, and local products.
Mairie d’Ansouis (website)
29 Boulevard des Platanes
84240 Ansouis
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 09 83 79
La Closerie
Boulevard des Platanes
84240 Ansouis
Bookings required. There are only 30 places in the restaurant and 16 on the terrace.
More of a small city than a town, Apt is considered the “Capital of the Luberon.” Home to over 10,000 inhabitants, Apt is also the sub-prefecture of the Vaucluse, which means that there are administrative functions based here. Visitors are most likely to go to Apt for its large Saturday morning market. Apt’s market has been named one of France’s 100 “exceptional markets” by the French National Council of Culinary Arts.
©Perfectly Provence
The market is the biggest in the Luberon Valley and is also historic—it goes back to the 12th century. It has everything you want: wonderful fruits and vegetables, olives, cheese, wine, honey, flowers, colourful tablecloths…the list goes on and on. During the peak summer months, nearly 500 vendors sell their goods—if you can’t find what you are looking for, it may not exist!
While you are in Apt, be sure to try some of its famous candied fruit. It’s so good that the town has been named a site remarquable du gout (remarkable site of taste). Apt is also known for its beautiful terres melées pottery, where different coloured clays are mixed to create beautiful swirling patterns.
©Office de tourisme Pays d’Apt Luberon
Today’s Apt was originally a Roman settlement – Apta Julia – on the Via Domitia circa 45 BC. A testament to the importance of Apta Julia are the remains of a forum, thermal baths and an antique theatre. Although these important sites are less visible than in Arles, Le Musée d’Apt is well worth a visit for its historical information.
Le Musée d’Apt14 Pl. du Postel,
84400 Apt
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
In 2018, Jen and Chris Mallon sold everything and moved from England to Apt in the South of France. It was a quick move. They decided to relocate in June and arrived in France at the end of September. They left their jobs, sold a house, put everything into storage and headed through the Channel Tunnel to begin a new life in Provence. Now that they are settled into life in the Luberon and running Cent Cinq self-catered apartments, we asked Jen how she would spend a day in Apt, and she shared the following local’s advice.
Grab a croissant and start with a gentle morning coffee in one of the cafés on the Place Gabriel Péri (the square where the Mairie is) – grab a table in the sun and watch the locals and visitors going about their day.
Then, a bit of retail therapy, there are so many fabulous independent shops selling linens, clothes, jewellery, local cheese and soap – and pick up a few delicacies from our excellent “traiteur italien” Maison Pinna.
On the way through town, pop into the Cathedral for a moment of peace (and respite from the summer heat) – classed as a “Monument Historique”, it sits on the foundations of the original Roman city “Apta Julia.”
For lunch, I’d stick with something light, and our go-to places are Le Chant de l’Heure (excellent crêpes, steaks, and salads) or Les Valseuses (a vibrant restaurant with a fresh menu each day).
Then, in the afternoon, I’d head into Le Musée d’Apt. Right in the middle of town and packed full of fascinating local history, it’s the best place to learn about the industries that the region is famous for – fruit confit (candied fruit), faïences (a specific style of pottery) and the mining of ocres (ochre). I’d recommend booking in advance for a guided tour of the newest part of the museum, the “annex Apta Julia”, where you can track the history of Apt back 300,000 years – including marble sculptures found when the original site of the Roman amphitheatre was excavated.
Books to read about Apt:
Terres mêlées by Mireille de Reilhan
Luberon, pays d’Apt by Patrick Ollivier-Elliott and Caroline Bujard
Office de Tourisme Pays d’Apt Luberon (website)
Bureau d’Apt788 Avenue Victor Hugo
84400 Apt
Telephone +33 (0)4 90 74 03 18
Mairie d’AptPlace Gabriel Péri
84400 Apt
Perched high on a hilltop, Bonnieux was initially built by the Romans for its strategic vantage point. Today, it rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley. Make your way up through the village’s winding lanes to the 12th-century church at the summit, where panoramic views stretch as far as the eye can see.
©Perfectly Provence
Just outside the village, you’ll find the Pont Julien, a stunning 2,000-year-old Roman bridge spanning the Calavon River near one of the region’s oldest settlements. History and nature lovers alike will also enjoy a scenic walk through the nearby cedar forest, planted during the Napoleonic era with trees imported from North Africa.
©Keith Van Sickle
If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss the chance to hike or cycle among the region’s fragrant lavender fields – a true Provence highlight.
Bonnieux is also an ideal home base for exploring the Luberon with its many restaurants, boutiques, and a busy Friday market at Place du Terrail. Being a larger centre, it has all the amenities anyone would need for a delightful Provençal vacation.
Perched near the top of the village, the hotel-restaurant César is known for its flavourful, traditional dishes with creative flair. Run by a friendly husband-and-wife team, it offers excellent service, stunning views over the Luberon Valley, and accommodations that cater to dietary needs.
©Perfectly Provence
Bonnieux’s weekly market is held on Friday mornings at la Place du Terrail. During July and August, there are more market stalls around the church (Église Neuve de Bonnieux) on l’Avenue Ittenheim.
Mairie de Bonnieux (website)
3, Rue Jean-Baptiste Aurard
84 480 Bonnieux
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 75 80 06
Quick Driving Tour of the Luberon Villages
Céreste-en-Luberon is a small village to the east of Apt with a population of roughly 1,200 people. The town is part of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department and is adjacent to the Vaucluse. Likely due to its location, Céreste is generally not part of the typical visitor’s itinerary of Luberon villages. As a result, Céreste remains an authentic, unspoilt, and charming Provençal village. It is immersed in lavender country, steeped in history, and sits on the foothills of the Grand Luberon.
Approach Céreste from the west along an avenue of Plane trees for the prettiest view. Céreste displays its historical roots in the old centre with stone facades, tiny streets, communal fountains, and the remains of ancient ramparts. The town has an 11th-century abbey, was previously a Gallo-Roman settlement, and features a Roman bridge (Pont de la Baou). More recently, the village played a crucial role in the Resistance during World War II. You can find various commemorative plaques and monuments to brave Resistance members as you explore Céreste and its surrounding areas.
Unlike other villages with a higher number of second homes, Céreste is home to permanent residents, and there is life and activity in the town all year round, from art exhibitions to medieval fêtes, the regular brocantes, and the year-round Thursday farmers’ market. Some stunning homes are tucked away in the hillsides, hidden from view and surrounded by their land. It’s a discreet location with easy access to larger towns and well-known tourist spots.
Book your stay in Céreste at this beautiful mas.
Read: Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes by Elizabeth Bard
Céreste Photo ©OTI Pays Apt Luberon
Located in the Luberon Regional National Park, Cucuron has all the charms of a small Provençal village. Like its closest neighbours, Lourmarin, Ansouis, and Vaugines, the hamlet has old ramparts, bell towers, and shady plane trees.
Many Luberon villages have an unfathomably long human presence, dating from the Neolithic Era. The Gauls inhabited the area, and the Romans followed them. In 1720, the plague struck the towns’ population with abandon. That was followed by wars and financial challenges, which resulted in the rural population’s flight to major economic centres.
Why Visit Cucuron?
The Setting: Cucuron’s population is roughly 2,000, and the village is surrounded by agricultural land. The town remains true to its rural base, surrounded by vineyards, cherry trees, asparagus fields, and grains. During peak season, the village’s cooperatives are busy with grape crushing, olive milling, and cherry jam production.
Historical centre: Like many villages in Provence, Cucuron was once a fortified settlement surrounded by imposing 13th-century stone ramparts that stretched for six hundred metres. Two old entry gates, including Le Portail de L’Étang, remain today. If uninvited guests (aka enemies) considered attacking, there were also six towers and a moat.
Tuesday Market: Like every village in Provence, Cucuron boasts a weekly market bursting with seasonal produce, homemade preserves, fish from the Mediterranean, handcrafted products, and eye-popping colourful linens. Cucuron’s market is distinguished from others in the region because the vendors are situated on the town’s unique Bassin de l’étang (pond) border.
©Perfectly Provence
Le Bassin de l’étang: While many villages have fountains and other water features, the basin in Cucuron is more significant than any other in the region. This manmade pond is large and rectangular, surrounded by mature plane trees, and the plaza has plenty of shade.
©Perfectly Provence
L’Office de Tourisme (website for regional tourism office)
11, Cours Pourrières
84160 Cucuron
Telephone: +33 (0)7 82 62 43 54
Open seasonally beginning April 1.
The village of Gordes is often referred to as the crown jewel of the Luberon because of its location high above the valley. When you drive toward the town and first see it, it’s so beautiful you’ll want to stop the car to take a picture. Many people do just that, so the town built a special pull-off area (arrêt minute) where you can park and take photos.
Photo credit ©Paul Shawcross
With a population of just over 1,600, the village provides modern amenities that cater to both residents and visitors. Gordes boasts excellent restaurants, as well as luxury accommodations and spas. Its most iconic site is the 16th-century, medieval Château de Gordes, where visitors can see amazing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Château also hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural festivals.
Every year in early August, the Festival de Gordes enthrall audiences at the Théâtre des Terrasses. This open-air theatre is a unique place. It is nestled between the cliff and the plain, with the Luberon mountains on the horizon. Performances by French musical groups, solo artists, and other entertainers draw visitors from around France and beyond.
Less than two kilometres from Gordes, you’ll find the Village des Bories, Les Savournins. This historic site comprises hut-like dwellings constructed using dry stone masonry. The buildings originally served as a temporary shelter for shepherds and farm workers.
©Perfectly Provence
Another exciting attraction is the Glass and Stained-Glass Museum (Musée du Verre et du Vitrail), located approximately 4 km from the town. Learn how humans started working with glass more than 3000 years ago and how glass and stained-glass-making techniques have been used for thousands of years.
To see some of the best lavender fields in Provence, visit l’Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. The abbey was constructed in the 1100s and is still home to Cistercian monks who tend the lavender fields. Their gift shop offers a wide selection of lavender products, including lavender honey, which is made on-site.
Tuesdays are market day in Gordes, located in the town centre, between 08:00 and 13:00, all year round. Besides the locally grown produce, you’ll find herbs, spices, and flowers. Many local artisans have stalls selling handmade paintings, linens, soaps, and home décor items. The Christmas market (the weekend before Christmas) is held in the Château and Chapelle des Pénitents.
Ville de Gordes (website)
1 Place du Château,
84220 Gordes
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 72 02 08
Musée du Verre et du Vitrail (website)
D 148 – Route de Saint Pantaléon
84220 Gordes
Telephone: +33 (0)4 32 50 28 35 (April to October)
Open Monday to Friday
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque (website)
Guided tours are available, but must be booked in advance.
The village of Goult is a hidden jewel in the Luberon region. It is a small village with around 1100 permanent residents. Wander through its quiet, winding streets and admire sweeping views of the Luberon Valley. Many of the homes appear frozen in time, while others have been lovingly restored, preserving the essence of Provençal charm.
©Perfectly Provence
Although out of the way, Goult has all the basic amenities and some marvellous restaurants. Visit the weekly market, held every Thursday morning on Rue de la République, to sample local produce and connect with the many artisans in the community.
©Perfectly Provence
For a panoramic reward, stroll up to the Moulin Jérusalem. The tower-type grain mill is a favourite site for photographers. It was initially constructed in the 1600s but eventually fell into ruins. In the 1950s, the National School of Geographical Sciences purchased it for an astronomy training centre. In the 1990s, the municipality acquired the property and undertook its restoration.
©Perfectly Provence
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the easy access to the former Coustelet-Apt railway line, now a scenic, paved path perfect for cycling or walking. This vehicle-free path runs parallel to the D900 motorway between Goult and Lacoste—a peaceful way to take in the landscape.
Mairie de Goult (website)
31, Place Jean Moulin
84220 Goult
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 72 20 16
Download the Goult Village Map
Map for Mange-Tian, an 8-kilometre circular hike from Goult
Perched on a scenic ridge in the Luberon, the hamlet of Lacoste offers breathtaking views over a valley of vineyards and orchards. Its charming atmosphere and well-preserved architecture belie some of its atypical history. For instance, Château de Lacoste is the former home of the infamous philanderer Marquis de Sade (his name is the origin of the word sadism). However, in the 1990s, fashion designer Pierre Cardin bought the château. He restored it and transformed it into a cultural hub. Today, it features a small museum, a sculpture garden, and a stunning outdoor amphitheatre that hosts performances in the warmer months.
©Perfectly Provence
Lacoste is also home to several art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants, making it an ideal stop for food and culture lovers. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll through the cedar forest, one of Europe’s most beautiful wooded areas, or a visit to the Abbaye de Saint-Hilaire, located near the Lacoste-Ménerbes border. In summer, take in the intoxicating scent of lavender on a bike ride through the surrounding countryside.
©Perfectly Provence
For good food and friendly service, visit Café de France in Lacoste. If you don’t have time for a meal, stop by for a coffee or glass of wine and enjoy amazing views of the Luberon landscape.
Tucked away without a website or street address, the Café de France in Lacoste is a hidden gem. It draws visitors for its stunning terrace views of the Luberon landscape and the nearby perched village of Bonnieux. Whether you stop in for a full meal, a coffee, or a glass of wine, the experience is all about the scenery.
Mairie: (website)
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has three campus locations in Atlanta, Savannah, and Lacoste. Founded in 1978, the vision for SCAD was a university that, in providing a high-quality arts education, would prepare its students for creative careers. Lacoste in the Luberon Valley is a world apart from Georgia, but the location, steeped in history from prehistoric times, piqued the interest of the SCAD founders. What if the dilapidated structures could be transformed and modernized to suit the needs of art students? After a long and careful restoration project, La Maison Basse was ready for students in 2012. Today, some 300 students a year have access to the facility during their studies in Lacoste, a village once owned by the Marquis de Sade and Pierre Cardin, much later.
Visit SCAD Lascote (website)
Rue Saint-Trophime
Lacoste, France
Human habitation in what is today the village of Lauris dates to prehistoric times. Through the ages, with ready access to water and a defensive position on the crest of a hilltop, this town benefited from its strategic location. The rather austere-looking 18th-century castle is now privately owned. Only the terrace at the foot of the château is open to the public with a view of the south Luberon.
©Perfectly Provence
Historical information indicates that by the 16th century, Lauris was a vermillonère, where natural colourings were made by drying cochineal insects and using their carmine acid to produce deep-red dyes. You can read more here. By 1638, the community was also involved in silkworm production, an important revenue source until the middle of the 19th century.
©Perfectly Provence
A must-visit in Lauris is the Jardin conservatoire de plantes tintinctoriales. On the cliff edge overlooking the plains of the Luberon, you will find a unique garden. This garden, envisioned and operated by Couleur Garance, is located on what were the terraces of the 18th-century Château de Lauris. Jardin conservatoire de plantes tinctoriales achieved the label of Jardin Remarkable in 2011, joining the ranks of many other gardens in France.
Jardin conservatoire de plantes tintinctoriales (website)
Open from May to October
Closed on Mondays
Lourmarin is an enchanting medieval village surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, orchards, and lavender fields. With its cobblestone streets and well-preserved Renaissance architecture, it is recognized as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
©Perfectly Provence
The village has long attracted creative types. The Lourmarin cemetery is the final resting place of two literary giants, Albert Camus and Henri Bosco, both of whom found inspiration in this idyllic village.
The 16th-century Château de Lourmarin, the oldest Renaissance castle in Provence, is worth visiting. It was designated as a historic site in 1973. Over the years, the ownership changed hands many times, but in 1920, it was purchased by business tycoon Robert Laurent-Vibert. When he died in 1925, he left the castle to the Académie des sciences, agriculture, arts et belles-lettres d’Aix-en-Provence, which established the non-profit foundation that currently runs the castle. It’s worth visiting the castle to see the fascinating and eclectic furniture and treasures collected by Robert Laurent-Vibert.
Because Lourmarin is quite close to Aix-en-Provence and less than an hour from the TGV, it is a popular weekend destination for locals. Hence, the town and its beautiful restaurants and cafés thrive throughout the year, and it doesn’t experience an off-season like other small towns.
©Perfectly Provence
The Friday morning market is very popular (arrive early to avoid the crowds), as is the holiday Christmas Market, with many stalls featuring the creations of local artisans. In addition, the town hosts many exhibitions and events, including the indie-rock Festival Yeah! (June) and the Festival New Art (September). And while you’re in the area, consider visiting local vineyards and enjoying the beautiful restaurants and cafés.
It seems fitting that the chic village of Lourmarin has a renowned Michelin star dining room on its doorstep, but that has not always been the case. Auberge La Fenière comes from humble beginnings as an agricultural property tended by generations of the Sammut family. Can’t go? Discover Cuisine Libre at Auberge La Fenière a Book You are Going to Want to Eat.
Mairie de Lourmarin (website)
21 Rue Henri de Savornin
84160 Lourmarin
Château Constantin
Route du Jas de Puyvert
84160 Lourmarin
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 68 38 99
Château Turcan
Route de Pertuis
84240 Ansouis
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 09 83 33
Auberge La Fenière
1680, Route de Lourmarin
84160, Cadenet
Perched on a hilltop in the heart of the Luberon, Ménerbes is well-deserving of its title as one of les Plus Beaux Villages de France. With evidence of human settlement dating back to the Paleolithic age, the town has a long and varied history. The village likely takes its name from Minerva (Minerve in French), the Roman goddess of wisdom, justice, and strategic warfare, as well as a patron of the arts. The name is fitting for its strategic location and is home to famous artists and writers.
Photo Credit ©Paul Shawcross
When visiting Ménerbes, it is easy to understand why the Luberon and this town have enchanted so many people. The charming main street invites you to pause and wander through an art gallery or enjoy refreshments at one of the restaurants, particularly if you have biked up the hill like Julie the Vaucluse Dreamer.
While author Peter Mayle may have helped shine a global spotlight on Ménerbes and the Luberon, the town’s artistic history predates his stories. Over the years, Ménerbes was home to several creative types, including Pablo Picasso and his muse, Dora Maar (herself an accomplished photographer and painter), and abstract artist Nicolas de Staël. De Staël painted Nu Couché in Ménerbes in 1954 at Le Castellet, which sold in 2011 for €7 million – France’s highest auction price for a painting that year.
©Nancy Brown Negley Artist Residency Program
Ménerbes remains a thriving hub for the arts, boasting an artist residency program inspired by the career of Dora Maar. Today, the Nancy B. Negley Association manages programs at the historic Dora Maar House and Hôtel de Tingry. Both facilities provide space for mid-career artists to advance their creative pursuits while in Provence. The team at La Mob provides programming and current exhibits.
Read about Dora Maar and Ménerbes
At the top of Ménerbes, in the charming Place de l’Horloge, you’ll find the elegant 17th-century Hôtel d’Astierde Montfaucon, now home to la Maison de la Truffe et du Vin de Luberon. This stately building has seen many lives – once a hospital in the 1700s, later a school until 1953, and today a beautifully restored Historic Monument, officially recognized in 1996.
Since 2004, it has celebrated two of the region’s most prized treasures: truffles and wine. Inside, you can explore the story of Vaucluse’s famous black truffles, wander through a well-curated wine cave, and browse local delicacies in the boutique. On sunny days, savour a meal or glass of wine in the stunning garden perched on the cliff’s edge — an experience that blends history, flavour, and breathtaking views.
Market day is held on Thursday mornings from mid-April to the end of October at Rossignol Park and on Marcellin Poncet Street.
Mairie: Ménerbes Townhall (website)
20 Place de ll’Horloge84560 Ménerbes
Telephone: + 33 (0)4 90 72 22 05
Dora Maar House (website)
58 rue du Portail Neuf,
84560 Ménerbes
La Maison de la Truffe et du Vin de Luberon
Place de l’horloge84560 Ménerbes
Telephone:+33 (0)4 90 72 38 37
Perched on a hillside in the Luberon valley, Oppède-le-Vieux is a village that time seemed to forget. Although Oppède has been inhabited since long before Roman times, by the early 20th century, it was nearly abandoned. Its narrow, climbing cobblestone streets made everyday life difficult. However, today, those same features give the village a timeless charm that enchants visitors.
©Perfectly Provence
Reaching the hamlet at the summit requires considerable effort, but the reward is well worth it. You can visit the ruins of a feudal medieval castle and the striking 12th-century collegiate church, Notre-Dame-d’Alidon.
In contrast, the new village (Oppède) in the valley has grown in recent years and has some modern amenities, including shops, restaurants, and various festivals throughout the year. In addition, the rich farmland in the area provides delicious fresh olives, local wines, and, of course, fields of lavender in the summer months.
Mairie: (website)
The village of Roussillon dazzles visitors with its striking ochre cliffs and beautiful buildings, which are tinted by the multitude of ochre colours that are mined in the area.
Photo Credit ©Michel Augsburger
You can explore le Sentier des Ocres, two scenic trails (30 or 60 minutes) that meander through the ochre cliffs and (former) mines. Informative placards along the trails provide explanations of the region’s geology, history, flora, and fauna. A visit near sunset to capture breathtaking photographs bathed in golden light. It’s no wonder Roussillon has long been a haven for artists and photographers.
For one of the best views of the town’s vivid colours and the lush green valley below, enjoy a meal at Restaurant David, either on the terrace or by one of the dining room windows. The food is consistently delicious, and after your meal, a stroll through the town offers a chance to admire each building painted in a unique shade of ochre.
©Perfectly Provence
If you are in the mood for indoor exploration, stop by the Ochre Museum (Écomusée de l’Ocre). You can shop for locally made pigments, browse the exhibits, or even take a hands-on workshop.
Roussillon’s weekly market is on Thursday mornings from mid-March until the end of October at la Place du Pasquier. Although small compared to markets in larger centres, Roussillon’s market has almost everything you need to stock your pantry. You’ll find fresh local produce, fragrant herbs, cheeses, sausages, honey, breads, olive oils, and more. Visitors can also browse stalls filled with handcrafted treasures, including paintings, jewellery, table linens, and Provençal fragrances.
Mairie Roussillon en Provence (website)
Tourist Office
Roussillon en Provence Information Services
Place de la Poste
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 05 60 25
Le Sentier des Ocres (website)
ôkhra – The Ochre Ecomuseum (website)
570 Route d’Apt,
84220 Roussillon
Mines de Bruoux (website)
1434 Route de Croagnes
84400 Gargas
Authentic! Gentle and quiet. Rustrel is the real Provence, where you find friendly people, children playing in the square, boules courts, a great bakery and a café at the heart of the village. Rustrel has its share of artists, too, with two beautiful pottery workshops.
©Chris Mallon
Rustrel, with a permanent population of only 670 (as of 2020), but perhaps because a large château dominates it, the town seems more significant. It is a “year-round” village with a delightful mix of permanent residents, expats, and visitors. Only 10 kilometres from Apt, the largest Luberon town, Rustrel’s location between Luberon and Monts de Vaucluse gives the village a secluded feel.
This Luberon Valley village sits below the Plateau d’Albion with one of France’s most famous sites, the Colorado Provençal, a former ochre mining site, only minutes away. Rustrel is a terrific base for a holiday. It is the region with quick access to larger centres and famous sites, and is only steps away from hiking trails.
©Perfectly Provence
Its proximity to the ochre trails of the Colorado makes Rustrel a wonderful place to visit. The Colorado Provençal has stunning trails and views of the ochre cliffs. Whether you like to hike or not, Colorado Provençal is a must. The Colorado Provençal is a natural site with walking trails that meander through a palette of ochre cliffs. It’s hard to imagine today, but this incredible site results from marine sediments that settled eons ago when Provence was underwater. The ochre cliffs range in colour from white to deep orange and red. Layers of mineral deposits (limestone and clays) and years of sediment build-up resulted in this impressive natural site once the water receded.
Colorado Provençal (website)
Parking des mille couleurs
RD 22
84400 Rustrel
Put on your walking shoes and follow the Baume de Midi Trail. This hiking trail passes by historical sites for the production of charcoal. Alternatively, a water walk takes you through the village, past fountains, spring-fed washhouses (lavoirs), and the Saint-Roch oratory. Walk to the pre-Roman oppidum at the summit of the Massif du Pointu.
Surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and nature, Rustrel is home to the Écomusée du moulin à huile. This small museum highlights the importance of olive cultivation historically and in the present day. Located in the centre of Rustrel, this 18th-century mill operated until the 1930s. The mill processed olives into oil via “à sang,” where animal power rotated the millstone. During your visit, you can follow the steps of olive processing, from where the fruit arrives to grinding and storage tanks.
Musée du Moulin à Huile
Rue du Moulin à Huile
84400 Rustrel
Guided tours in French
Open in the summer months
Free admission
Marie de Rustrel (Facebook Page)
Nestled against a steep ridge with a massive rocky outcrop, you’ll find the charming village of Saignon. This quiet, lovely village feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. When you arrive, leave your car in the parking area so you can explore the meandering cobblestone streets on foot.
©Perfectly Provence
With roots dating back to the Middle Paleolithic era, Saignon has long been shaped by its unique geography. The Rocher de Bellevue, once a strategic lookout, still offers panoramic views of the Luberon countryside. Saignon is one of the best places to view lavender fields in Provence. Those preferring a shorter climb can still enjoy stunning vistas from the rampart walls.
This traditional French village successfully blends the old and new. Historic stone fountains and medieval façades stand alongside contemporary shops and restaurants. One standout is Un Jardin sur le Toit, for a delicious meal with a panoramic view of the rolling hills.
©Perfectly Provence
To experience the local flavour, don’t miss the Thursday morning market at Place du Petit Pasquier. The market takes place from April to October. It is a delightful spot to pick up fresh produce, regional delicacies, and a taste of village life.
Mairie de Saignon (website)
26 place de ll’Eglise84400 Saignon
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 74 16 30
Le Parc naturel régional du Luberon à pied: Luberon – Monts de Vaucluse (French Edition)
A handy guide for walking routes and trails in the Park.
DK Eyewitness Provence and the Côte d’Azur by DK Eyewitness
Luberon Travel Guide 2025 by Isobel G. Aleena
Luberon, Avignon, Aix, Alpilles Guide Un Grand Week-end published by Hachette
Apt:
Terres mêlées by Mireille de Reilhan
Luberon, pays d’Apt by Patrick Ollivier-Elliott and Caroline Bujard
Céreste:
Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes by Elizabeth Bard
We Landed by Moonlight was written by one of the RAF’s finest Special Operations pilots, Group Captain Hugh Verity.
The Sea Garden by Deborah Lawrenson
Ménerbes:
The Paris Muse by Louisa Treger
Roussillon:
The Red Cliffs of Roussillon by Elizabeth Karlhuber
