Luberon

Rolling vineyards, hilltop villages dusted in golden stone, and the scent of lavender and thyme — the Luberon region of Provence is the stuff of postcards, yet it feels wonderfully real. This is a landscape that rewards slow exploration: winding back roads lead to medieval villages like Gordes and Roussillon, where every alley reveals a new view over the patchwork valleys below. For international travellers, the Luberon offers a quintessentially French blend of history, outdoor adventure, and world-class food and wine.

Highlights & What to See

• Gordes & Roussillon — Two of the most photographed hilltop villages: Gordes for its brooding stone houses and castle, Roussillon for its ochre cliffs and vibrant red-orange facades. Wander the cobbled lanes and stop for a coffee on a sun-drenched square.
• Sentier des Ocres — A short, surreal hike through the ochre mines near Roussillon. The trail winds between pillars of burnt-orange and yellow earth, like walking through a living painting.
• Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque — A serene 12th-century Cistercian abbey still home to monks. Arrive in late June or July to see the lavender fields in full bloom around the stone walls — a classic Provençal image.
• Lacoste & the Marquis de Sade's Castle — A dramatic ruined castle perched above the village of Lacoste, with panoramic views. The village also hosts a summer arts festival.
• Markets of Apt, Lourmarin & Gordes — The region's weekly markets are a sensory feast: piles of glossy olives, wheels of goat cheese, fresh figs, and local honey. Apt's Saturday market is the largest; Lourmarin's Friday market is especially charming.
• Hiking & Cycling in the Luberon Regional Park — The Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon offers hundreds of kilometres of trails through oak forests, vineyards, and past dry-stone huts. Rent a bike or join a guided walk to explore the quieter corners.

Suggested Time to Spend

Three to four days is ideal to soak up the Luberon's atmosphere without rushing. Base yourself in a central village like Lourmarin or Bonnieux. Spend one day visiting the iconic villages (Gordes, Roussillon, Lacoste), another exploring the abbey and hiking the ochre trail, and a third meandering through markets and vineyards. If you have a fifth day, add a side trip to the nearby Côtes du Rhône wine regions or the Roman sites of Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Avignon — The historic papal city, with its enormous Palace of the Popes and the famous Pont d'Avignon, is just an hour's drive west.
• Arles & the Camargue — Roman ruins, Van Gogh's inspiration, and wild white horses in the Rhône delta; about 1.5 hours southwest.
• Aix-en-Provence — Elegant city of fountains and Cézanne's studio, 45 minutes south.
• Gorges du Verdon — Europe's grandest canyon, with turquoise water perfect for kayaking and hiking; 1.5 hours east.
• Côtes du Rhône Vineyards — The famous wine routes of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas lie just northwest of the Luberon.

Please check official sources for current details.