Where to Stay in the Luberon? 10 Villages in Provence Worth Visiting

If you love picturesque villages, stunning scenery, and authentic French charm, visiting the Luberon Valley should be at the top of your travel list. This region of Provence is famous for its hilltop towns. They were initially built for defence, but today they are perfect for exploring and taking postcard-worthy photos. Each village is unique. From panoramic vistas and medieval castles to galleries and restaurants, here is our list of 10 must-see villages in the Luberon Valley.

• Ansouis
• Bonnieux
• Gordes
• Goult
• Lacoste
• Lourmarin
• Ménerbes
• Oppède le Vieux
• Roussillon
• Saignon

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Ansouis

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 10^th-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.

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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.

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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 16^th-century building in Ansouis to showcase his art and the artifacts he collected on his diving adventures.

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.

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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

Bonnieux

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Gordes

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 16^th-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.

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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

Goult

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Lacoste

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 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.

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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.

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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)

Lourmarin

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.

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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 16^th-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.

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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.

Mairie de Lourmarin (website)
21 Rue Henri de Savornin
84160 Lourmarin

Ménerbes

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

Oppède le Vieux

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.

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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)

Roussillon

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.

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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 to learn more about this fascinating natural resource.

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)

Saignon

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.

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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. From the end of June through early August, it 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, where you can enjoy a delicious meal with a panoramic view of the rolling hills and valleys that define this region of Provence.

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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

Where to Stay in the Luberon

From Nice: Chateau de Cremat and Chateau Ste Roseline Wine Tour

Venture into the scenic vineyards of Nice on a delightful 6.5-hour tour that showcases the art of winemaking and culinary delights. Start at the stunning Château de Cremat, nestled in the hills, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and sample exquisite wines. Next, visit the historic Château Sainte-Roseline, where you can explore its beautiful estate and taste renowned crus.

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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).