Beaumont-de-Pertuis

Between the hills and the Durance River

Here, a completely different side of the Luberon awaits you. This sprawling village, bordering the departments of Alpes de Haute-Provence, Var and Bouches-du-Rhône, is surrounded by mountains.

During your journey, be sure to admire the Durance River as you cross the Pont de Mirabeau. It is a breathtaking landscape that has stood the test of time with grace. In Beaumont-de-Pertuis, the houses nestle closely together in a maze of rooftops. At the top of the steep lanes stands an ancient church. From terraced gardens, tall cypress trees rise up and the silvery crowns of olive trees shimmer. In this unspoilt corner of Provence, a warm welcome awaits behind every door. Follow our tips here to make sure you don’t miss a thing in the village of Beaumont-de-Pertuis!

The history of the village

The first reference to Beaumont dates back to 1079. ‘Baùmoun’ in Provençal also means the cave(referring to the Saint Eucher cave). There is no doubt that the Hermit entered a cave overlooking the Durance River, as confirmed by written accounts. It was once a vast territory, sheltered by hills and franchises (rights or privileges) that the villagers skilfully obtained from their many lords. There were so many that the village was long known as Beaumont-les-Nobles. The history of Beaumont has been marked by several earthquakes, the most violent of which was the earthquake of March 1812.

The old château

The old château of Beaumont, demolished in 1970, once stood where the two terraces are now located at the top of the stairs. Its underground rooms can be accessed via the neighbouring cellars. As you walk down the Rue de l’Église, you will find on your left the alleyway leading north: above a doorway, a small devil’s head with a goatee and pointed ears (a cast of a Romanesque sculpture that was in the church before the earthquake).

The Notre Dame de Beauvoir Chapel

This is the first building you come across as you enter the village via the road from Mirabeau. The chapel was built in the second half of the 11th century by the monks of the Saint-Victor de Marseille abbey. In 2008, during restoration work, a fresco measuring nearly 60 m² was discovered. It depicts the life of Jesus and is thought to be the oldest in Provence. Access inside the chapel is prohibited until restoration is complete.

What to do in Beaumont-de-Pertuis

The Sainte-Croix Hermitage hike

This 12th-century pilgrimage chapel was built at the top of the hill overlooking the village, at an altitude of 516 metres. This hermitage was deconsecrated at the beginning of the 18th century. A hermit is a person, most often a monk, who chooses a spiritual life of solitude and contemplation. A giant metal cross stands in front of the chapel, towering over it with its impressive height and size.

The 7 Lakes

On the banks of the Durance River, take your pet for a walk and watch migratory birds in this lovely nature reserve just outside the village. The quality of the waters encourages exceptional biodiversity and even fishing. You might be lucky enough to spot a family of beavers! The 7 lakes on the Durance River are artificial lakes created during the construction of the hydroelectric dam at Cadarache.

As a Natura 2000 listed nature reserve, these lakes form a unique area in the region, with varying water conditions that are especially attractive to birdlife. The pebbly and marshy stretches make good nesting places for the purple heron and many other species, while the great cormorant likes to overwinter here). The site is also a major migration route (the most striking example being the black stork). Access is via the departmental road between Mirabeau and Corbières, almost opposite the junction for Beaumont-de-Pertuis at the sign for the EDF power station. Go under a small bridge; the 7 lakes are on the other side of the motorway.

Market day and local flavours

Don’t miss the chance to discover seasonal produce at the farmers’ markets of the Luberon. These are places brimming with colour and fragrance! Discover the fish market on a Wednesday morning.

Be sure to discover the guest house La Belugue with its spacious, well-appointed rooms set in an 18th-century farmhouse. La Belugue has had a wine bar on site since July 2020. Open on Friday and Saturday evenings, with live jazz musicians, La Cour Bar à Vin offers a selection of over 50 wines from the Luberon, the vast majority of which are organic, as well as a range of natural wines that match the elegance of the venue. To accompany your drinks, enjoy platters of charcuterie, salmon, and fine local cheeses. The bar offers outdoor seating in a courtyard with exposed stonework typical of Provence. It is a pleasant and refined place for an aperitif dinner or a relaxing evening with friends and music lovers, discovering the wines of the Luberon.

Top 6 things to do in Beaumont-de-Pertuis

1. Stroll through the village’s charming streets
2. Hike to the Sainte-Croix Hermitage Chapel and enjoy stunning views
3. Walk around the Seven Lakes, a protected Natura 2000 site
4. Go fishing at Lake Aillade
5. Enjoy local cuisine at one of Beaumont’s great restaurants
6. Experience Sons du Lub’, a contemporary music festival