La Bastidonne

A balcony overlooking the Sainte Victoire massif

A small rural village located to the south of the Luberon massif, La Bastidonne is notable for the simplicity of its architecture and its construction turned away from the mistral wind. Those venturing to the heart of the village are rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view, while the neat farming slopes at its feet and the cool forest reflect the life and work of the locals.

On the border of the Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse, the village is perfectly located to explore the many landscapes of the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region. There are only 839 inhabitants. Few people, but generous, smiling faces who have mastered the art of hospitality and sharing. 

The history of the village

Around 1230–1231, a knight named Savaric had ‘La Bastide de Savaric’ built. A village gradually formed around the foot of this Bastide, which remains the symbol of this village to today. In the late 14^th century, the lordship was transferred to the Seigneur de La Tour d’Aigues, who retained this status until 1792. La Bastide de Savaric was renamed La Bastidette, then La Bastidonne de Savaric, and finally La Bastidonne as of 1790.

Sights and Heritage

Rue des Ferrages

‘Ferrages’ means the place where the blacksmith lived and, more likely, ‘wet meadow’ dedicated to forage plants. At the time, La Bastidonne was confined to the heart of the village (set on higher ground), and all wastewater flowed down to the bottom of the village, making this area dam. This street had always been an essential thoroughfare, until the construction of the departmental road D973, which now connects the village to the towns of Pertuis and Mirabeau. Horses could also rest in a barn that once stood where the town hall is now located.

The former Magnanerie

‘Le magnan’ is the Provençal word for a caterpillar. The magnanerie was where silkworms were farmed. This traditional village house in La Bastidonne is a fine example of rural architecture, bringing together all the functions of country life: living quarters for people, shelter for animals, and a square dovecote tower (18th century). Today, the building is privately owned and occupied by residents.

At the time the village was built, the inhabitants were poor and used small stones to construct their houses, which they then covered with render (for better insulation). The rendered houses where you can spot small, poor-quality stones are therefore the original period homes, while façades adorned with large exposed stones belong to more recent or renovated houses.

Place du Barri

‘Barri’ means ‘great wall’ in Provençal, so this is the rampart of the village of La Bastidonne. As each rampart marked the boundary of a parish, ‘barri’ eventually came to mean the neighbourhood. As you walk right to the back of the square, on the left you will notice a large wall facing the church. This spot offers a magnificent panorama, with green landscapes where you can catch glimpses of the rooftops among other sights.

Stroll along the Rue du Lavoir and take a look around. You will notice small doors at ground level on the houses, which lead to the cellars where basins once collected surplus water from the washhouse. Then walk back down the first street on your right and notice the old water drainage system.

What to do in La Bastidonne

The Chapelle Saint-Julien hill and walking trail

The Saint Julien plateau in La Bastidonne, a true natural fortress, preserves the remains of a large oppidum (fortified hilltop settlement). It was occupied during the Iron Age and the Gallo-Roman era. A chapel dedicated to Saint Julien was built in the 17th century, with a hermitage adjoining the Chapel. At an elevation of 449 metres and within 1.5 km of the village, the plateau makes a great place to walk. To visit it, we recommend starting from the Castellet car park at the western entrance of the village. You can reach the Saint-Julien hill in a 20-minute walk.

A little tip: If you are a wine enthusiast, be sure to make a detour to the Domaine des Perpetus. Located in the town of La Tour d’Aigues, the estate is nevertheless just a stone’s throw from the Saint Julien Chapel. Its vineyard and olive grove are cultivated using organic farming methods to produce authentic rosé, white and red wines, as well as olive oils infused with the true flavours of Provence. In summer, the estate hosts ‘Les Estivales des Perpetus’, a friendly gathering to be enjoyed with friends or family over a glass of wine and sharing platters.

The Lou Sarraïé studio of Toni Balenci

Artist Toni Balenci invites you to enjoy a moment of escape in his studio nestled in the Provençal countryside. Enjoy a warm and exclusive encounter with the artist, who reveals the remarkable richness of his artistic world. The painter divides his time between his studio in La Bastidonne and Sartène in southern Corsica. He regularly exhibits his work in both regions, as well as in a Parisian gallery.

Market day and local flavours

From May to October, discover delicious local and seasonal produce on the market stalls! The village market takes place on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, and on selected Fridays from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm in July and August.

A truly delightful spot also awaits you in La Bastidonne: La Terrasse d’Olivier. Chef Olivier Brissy welcomes you to a tranquil setting in the very heart of the village (just next to the children’s playground). He offers spontaneous cuisine made with high-quality, fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. Indoors or on the spacious, shaded and leafy terrace, you can enjoy refined menus.

A little further from the village, you will also find the Domaine du Grand Réal. This must-see in South Luberon is in fact a unique, multi-faceted place. Founded by the association dedicated to autism in La Bourguette, the estate employs people with autism or multiple disabilities. It is a bold challenge, welcoming guests to a peaceful place with staff affected by various disabilities might seem rather risky. But on the contrary, the dedication of each individual and the kindness of the team make this place truly delightful. A wonderful place to come together in the tranquil setting of the Luberon countryside. The shop at Grand Réal specialises in the sale of olive oil, AOC Luberon wines from the estate, goat’s cheeses, and organic hampers made and produced on site. Plus, you can also stroll around the farm, where you’ll spot the traditional olive oil mill.