Massacre in Merindol Provence’s Dark History

Blinded by the hues of lavender shutters.

Gently numbed by a glass or two of chilled local rosé.

It would be easy to overlook the hamlet of Mérindol during a visit to Provence.

The Luberon region is brimming with villages laying claim to le plus beau village de France (the most beautiful villages in France) and many of those proudly display Villages Fleuris (flowering villages) emblems on street signs.

Located on the edge of the leafy Luberon massif, the town’s population barely touches 2,000 people. Mérindol is hardly a notable exit off the D973, a stretch of highway between the larger centres of Cavaillon and Pertuis, respectively known for their juicy orange melons and tricolour wine production.

Continue reading here to find out why Mérindol is known for a 1545 massacre!

The remains of the ancient village are deeply-rooted on a rocky outcrop. A faded sign marks the path indicating in the classic French style – proceed at your own risk. Missing the fine print typical in North American, it is left unsaid that appropriate footwear is recommended and that ruins from the tenth century are not safe for scaling.

Full day Bandol & Cassis Discovery Wine Tour from Marseille

Begin your journey in the medieval village of Le Castellet, perched elegantly atop a wooded hill overlooking lush vineyards. Next, venture into the renowned Bandol wine region.

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).