Why You Should Take a Tour of the Chateau Lourmarin

Last time, I told you about Provence’s first Renaissance château, the Lourmarin Château and promised that next time, we would peek inside. Here, you will find a fascinating, sometimes quite surprising, eclectic collection of treasures, thanks to the legacy of its last private owner, Robert Laurent Vibert, and The Lourmarin Laurent-Vibert Foundation.

Continue reading here to see more of Caroline’s photos of this fascinating castle. The Château is located just outside the walls of the charming Luberon village of Lourmarin.

Château Lourmarin
84160 Lourmarin
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 68 15 23
Hours: Open daily except December 25 and January 1

More on Lourmarin

Lourmarin is a tiny, medieval village huddled under the southern Luberon’s gently folded landscape. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and abundant fruit trees, next to timeless perched towns and, in the summer, endless fields of fragrant lavender. It is a magical place of meandering, cobbled streets lined with crumbling clay-tiled, golden stone buildings. The village has vibrant cafes, restaurants, chic shops and galleries.

It is a popular weekend destination because the village is close to Aix-en-Provence and less than an hour from the TGV station. This means the town and its businesses thrive throughout the year, not experiencing an “off-season” like other small towns.

The charming old streets are lined with cute boutiques. For Provencal gifts, head to La Maison FRANC for traditional lavender wands. For beautiful linens, there is an interior design store called KOT.

Sit in a cafe and enjoy the people-watching. Here are a few dining tips for Provencal cafés and markets.

Market Day is a Must

Friday is market day in Lourmarin, a good-sized market popular with tourists and locals. As with many village markets, parking can be a little challenging. However, Lourmarin has several public lots, so you will find a spot with some patience. Proceed on foot to the old town centre, where colourful market stalls spread through the charming streets. Shop for locally grown produce, tablecloths, baskets and all the treasures of a Provencal marché!

Olives and Vines

Surrounded by resplendent vineyards and olive mills, rent a bike and explore the closest ones. Here are a few nearby vineyards: Domaine de Cavale, Domaine de Fontenille, and Château Constantin. It is a bit far to cycle, although it is only 15 minutes by car and is called Château La Coste.

Plan your Visit to Lourmarin

Lourmarin Tourist Office (website)
Place Henry Barthélémy
84160 Lourmarin
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 68 10 77
Open Monday – Saturday 10h to 12h30 and 15h to 18h

Lourmarin Town (website)

Le Château Constantin
Route du Jas de Puyvert
84 160 Lourmarin
Telephone: + 33 (0)4 90 68 38 99
Monday to Saturday – 10h to 13h and 14h30 to 18h30

10 Villages to Visit in the Luberon