Provençal Villages: Céreste Reasons to Visit and Stay Awhile

Céreste is 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. While the region has many fascinating villages, we asked the owner of Mas de Grivet, a beautiful holiday rental home, what makes Céreste unique. The answers below should convince you to visit this village in the Luberon soon.

Céreste Photo ©OTI Pays Apt Luberon

Provençal Villages: Céreste

The village is approached from the west by a long avenue of Plane trees. It houses an 11th-century abbey, was previously a Gallo-Roman settlement, features a Roman bridge, and 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 the town and the surrounding areas.

Céreste Photo ©OTI Pays Apt Luberon

How do you describe the village?

Locals reside here and farm the surrounding countryside. You can buy their vegetables and fruit directly from the farmers’ roadside stalls. You will hear French all around you here.

The village is exceptionally well-stocked with essentials, including a supermarket, butcher, petrol station, restaurants, hairdressers, dentists, doctors, and schools.

It is a great cycling and walking area and a go-to destination for artists.

There are also plenty of places to eat in the area, catering from fine dining (Michelin-starred) to fantastic local restaurants and five-star hotels in easy reach.

What do locals love most about Céreste?

People live here all year round. 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.

Céreste Photo ©OTI Pays Apt Luberon

Why is Céreste an excellent place for someone to visit?

You have the best of both worlds – you can experience authentic French life in beautiful surroundings. And, should you wish, you will have easy access to the more commercialized areas (which can be extremely busy with tourists in the summer months). Relax and enjoy the unspoilt tranquillity of this part of the Luberon. It has access to great cycling, walking, flying, touring, beautiful scenery, musical festivals, great food, markets and brocantes. There is breathtaking scenery with lavender fields surrounding the village and easy access to the tourist areas for sightseeing – Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille are not far away.

Are there must-see attractions in or near the village?

Yes! Gorges d’Oppedette, for example, is a gorge thousands of years old – relics 40,000 years old have been found here. It’s a challenging walk with stunning views.

What is the best day trip from Céreste?

Go sailing and swimming in the Calanques and have a fantastic day out with lunch in Cassis. Or, if you prefer, go to the Lourmarin market on a Friday or the Isle-sur-la-Sorgues antique market on a Sunday.

If someone had a week in Céreste, what would they do to fill their days?

Saturday: Relax and unwind around the pool with some cold rosé.

Sunday: Head to the market at Reillanne for coffee overlooking the square, browse the stalls, and bring back everything you need for a Sunday afternoon feast – roast chicken or fresh fish, potatoes, cheese, salad, baguette – then there’s nothing left but to have a siesta!

Monday: Visit the excellent market at Forcalquier in the morning (try not to buy too much beautiful fabric and pottery), then enjoy lunch at Le Couvent des Minimes in Mane and maybe stay there for an afternoon spa treatment.

Tuesday: Hire bikes and go cycling, or grab your trainers and walk while admiring the fantastic scenery. You can head straight along the cycle path through Apt and towards Robion.

Wednesday: Take a day trip to the coast or visit Aix-en-Provence or Avignon for a city day.

Thursday: Book a morning on the golf course, a few hours on horseback, or have a day off around the pool, and then head up to Caseneuve for dinner.

Friday: Get an early start and explore the market at Lourmarin, where you will be spoilt for lunchtime restaurants. Then, stay for the afternoon to look around the château.

©Cobblestone and Vineyards

Among all that, there is plenty to do in local restaurants, and don’t forget about visiting local vineyards and tasting their wine.

What about non-touristy experiences nearby?

There is a small (grass) airfield near the village for those who like flying. Also, hang gliding is popular. The vineyards around here are mostly relatively small and “local.” Going for a tasting is less of a commercial experience and all the more fun because of it. The village often holds festivals on the weekends in summer, and there’s always plenty for the children to get involved in. Head to the tourist office in the village to see what’s happening nearby. They keep an up-to-date calendar of activities.

What day(s) is the market?

The bigger ones are Apt on Saturdays (one of France’s best).

Is there a grocery store nearby?

Yes. The village has a well-stocked supermarket and a great butcher. We even have our own hairdresser, bank, and petrol station!

Does Céreste have places for coffee and pastries?

Of course! There are two or three places to have coffee, croissants, and an excellent bakery.

What about restaurants in the village or nearby?

Our favourite restaurant in the village is La Pastorale, where we eat dinner and lunch. Or try the Sanglier Parasseux in Caseneuve nearby. You can watch the sunset on the terrace while eating tapas and drinking wine.

Alternatively, the nearby village of Saignon has a beautiful restaurant called Un Jardin sur le Toit. It offers excellent food and boasts amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside.

I’d also recommend hiring a chef to come to the house. It’s a fabulous way to enjoy freshly cooked local produce without washing up or driving home!

Travelling with children: Are there family-friendly activities near Céreste?

There is horse riding, tennis, adventure and aqua parks, paintballing, kayaking, and fishing. The Colorado Provençal adventure at Rustrel has different routes through the treetops for various ages. Kayaking at Fontaine de Vaucluse is super fun for all the family and a great way to cool off in summer. Nearby is a family-friendly trout fishing lake with a restaurant on one side.

What about sporting activities like swimming, biking or hiking?

Céreste is located on a very popular cycle route that features dedicated cycling paths. You can access this from the small roads that lead up to Mas de Grivet – no need to take the main road. There are numerous places to cycle, and the area caters to cyclists of all levels. For active cyclists, there are challenging routes to choose from over the Luberon. There are also beautiful scenic routes to take, which are less demanding. Bikes are easy to hire, and both electric and non-electric options are available. It’s possible to arrange bike tours or hire a guide to lead you through the area. The village has public tennis courts, and two golf courses are located relatively close by. There is a lot of hiking in the area, and paths are marked.

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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).