The summer holidays are over! But the stunning villages of South Luberon still have plenty of surprises in store for you, promising unforgettable memories, even if just for a weekend or a day. Just 30 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, in the heart of the countryside and within a protected natural park, the Indian summer here has a flavour of authenticity and timelessness. The perfect combination for a sun-kissed autumn or a few days of holiday in complete tranquillity.
Admire the autumn landscapes
This year, the drought and summer heat mean that the leaves on some trees are already taking on the beautiful palette of autumn colours! So don’t wait too long if you want to experience the autumn landscapes, with their shades of green, yellow and red. And to admire these enchanting landscapes, there’s no need to set off on a long hike. Simply stop in one of our villages and enjoy a peaceful stroll. For example, discover Cadenet, a hilltop village nestled between Lourmarin and Pertuis.
A must-see in the village: trace the history of the former château, where today only a few remnants remain in the troglodyte caves. On your way back down, be sure to stop at one of Cadenet’s restaurants, renowned for their quality, for example, the Dix Vin restaurant. Chef Laurent Juguet, a self-taught talent, offers homemade cuisine made exclusively with fresh ingredients in an exceptional setting. The restaurant’s private, tranquil terrace offers you a unique panoramic view of the village, where you can enjoy the sunset and the song of the birds.
On the other side of the Pays d’Aigues, don’t miss the hilltop village of Grambois. It was the backdrop the films ‘My Father’s Glory’, ‘My Mother’s Castle’ and ‘The Time of Secrets’, the trilogy of childhood memories by Marcel Pagnol. Come and see for yourself the Bartavelles fountain, made famous by these films. Several short walks allow you to explore the village, but to admire the landscapes of the Indian summer, we recommend following the Chemin de la Valbonette, a beautiful 4-kilometre loop offering two hours of immersion in the heart of nature.
Then, after your exertions, treat yourself to some well-deserved comfort at the Auberge des Tilleuls. A Provençal restaurant offering exceptional value for money. At the foot of the village, you can savour market‑fresh cuisine that is both generous and refined.
Visit the châteaux and meet their owners
In South Luberon, you will find châteaux that open their doors to visitors eager for history and passionate about beautiful architecture. What makes them unique? It is the owners themselves who guide you and share the story of these extraordinary places.
At the Château d’Ansouis, in the village ranked among the most beautiful in France, Frédérique Rousset-Rouvière welcomes you across the drawbridge of this fortress, standing since the 10th century. Tours take place every Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. until 15 October. Afterwards, you will have to wait until spring for the château to reopen to the public.
Witness the revival of the Château du Grand Pré in Vitrolles-en-Luberon, listed as a Historic Monument, as it comes back to life after nearly a century of slumber. A grand château dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, it echoes the châteaux of Aix-en-Provence. Here, François Niforos (or his guide) will share with you the stories and legends of the château. In summer, tours are held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until the end of September. After the summer season, the château will be open for visits by reservation only. The château is open to visitors aged 12 and over.
Just nearby, the Château de Lourmarin welcomes visitors all year round. It is open for visits every day, except 25 December and 1 January (annual closure from 3 to 13 January 2023 inclusive). Visit the first Renaissance château in Provence, built in the 15th and 16th centuries!
Reach new heights with hiking adventures
Indian summer is also the perfect season to explore the hiking and mountain biking trails of the Luberon! From 1 July to 15 September, when the risk of forest fires is higher, access to wooded areas can be hazardous. Access conditions are then regulated by prefectural decrees, and often you can only go walking very early in the morning. Out of season, there are fewer risks, and more freedom!
There’s no shortage of hiking ideas here! Whether you prefer a long walk, a short stroll, a hiking trail, or a mountain biking route, there’s something for everyone. For example, the winegrowers’ trail in Cucuron. A short walk through the vineyards on either side of the village of Cucuron, to admire the scenery and the expertise of the winegrowers.
To enjoy a unique panorama, be sure to climb to the summit of the Luberon and set out to discover Mourre Nègre. Allow 5 hours and 45 minutes for this 16 km hike with 897 metres of elevation gain!
Easier to access, the geological trail of Cabrières d’Aigues is a beautiful loop that can be explored in 3 hours, covering 9 km and 636 metres of elevation gain. Along the way, be sure to look at the ground, the pebbles and shell traces are evidence that the sea was here millions of years ago!
Hop on your bike and explore the Luberon in complete freedom!
To explore South Luberon by bike in autumn, we recommend scenic loop route no. 22, which will take you through Vitrolles-en-Luberon. A delightful walk in the heights of the Luberon. This is the highest village in South Luberon! The route will then take you through the villages of Grambois, La Tour d’Aigues and the magnificent little hamlet of Fontjoyeuse.
Between vineyards and villages, the scenic loop route by bike through the Pays d’Aigues region truly lives up to its name! This route leads you on a wide loop through truly diverse landscapes. From hilltop villages and charming fountains to forests, you’ll enjoy a wonderful snapshot of the Luberon. For lovers of vibrant vineyard landscapes, choose the ‘La vigne au gré des saisons‘ loop (Vineyards Through the Seasons). By bike, explore the vineyard landscapes of the Luberon and deepen your knowledge of the vineyard and viticulture!
Enjoy unique experiences
If you’re looking to get off the beaten track, we recommend Nordic walking with Luo Experience. Every Saturday morning, discover a new place in South Luberon during a two-hour walk. Equipment is provided, just bring sturdy walking shoes, a backpack, and a bottle of water.
Less heat makes it more pleasant for walkers, and for animals too! It’s the perfect time for a ride accompanied by a horse. Treat yourself to a wonderful escape at a gentle, unhurried pace through the red-tinged vineyards and olive groves during the autumn school holidays.
6. Vignobles en Scène : discover the wines of the Luberon!
Are you familiar with the Vignobles & Découvertes label? This distinction is awarded to a destination in recognition of the quality of its offerings. The label therefore encompasses not only wine cellars, but also accommodation, restaurants, events and activities focused on bringing together winegrowers and visitors, who come to taste, purchase and learn about wine. The Luberon destination is delighted to have received this label in March 2022! All the accredited destinations in France come together to offer you a true showcase of wine tourism. On the agenda: encounters centred around wine, introductory tasting sessions, cycling tours, yoga in a château listed as a Historic Monument, and many more original ideas to discover the Luberon and its flavours!
Savour local specialities
Just like the locals, come and wander among the stalls of the various markets in South Luberon, soaking up this unique atmosphere. Whether during the week or at the weekend, you will always find a market in one of the villages where you can pick up some quality goods. Fresh produce, flowers, clothing, souvenirs, you’ll find everything on the market square.
While winters in the Luberon can be very cold, during the Indian summer and autumn, the temperatures are especially mild. We highly recommend choosing a restaurant with a terrace! A view of the Luberon, exquisite flavours on your plate, good company, what more could you ask for? Here is a small selection of three restaurants with a terrace, perfect for an Indian summer.
Experience thrills at the amusement parks
An adventure for everyone! Make the most of the South Luberon countryside to enjoy wonderful experiences with your family. Forest Sensation is a friendly and fun treetop adventure park set in a natural, wooded area spanning two hectares, halfway between La Tour d’Aigues, Mirabeau and La Bastidonne. Thrills guaranteed!
In La Roque-d’Anthéron (13), the former Grimmland has become Dinopedia Parc Provence, an immersive prehistoric valley where more than 50 animatronic dinosaurs come to life across 20 hectares of natural surroundings. The park features over 30 interactive attractions, including a Raptor maze, scenic trails, a Mesozoic pool, and educational discoveries. It is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day during school holidays and on public holidays, except on 25 December and 1 January.
Also, just10 minutes from Avignon, Parc Spirou, located in Monteux, is open during the low season.
Enjoy a vibrant cultural programme
South Luberon is brimming with activities and events all year round! To keep up with the cultural programme, be sure to check our events calendar for the coming week!
Take a dip while you still can!
Whatever the season, make sure to stop at the Étang de la Bonde, the largest body of water in the Luberon! Peaceful outside the high season and ideal for walks among the Aleppo pines that line the lake, this spot becomes very popular as soon as the fine weather returns. Traditionally, local residents come here to picnic with their families at weekends, beneath the shade of the trees lining the beach.
Have a glorious Indian summer in South Luberon!