Over the centuries, the Luberon has managed to preserve its small villages, medieval houses, beautiful churches, magnificent castles and charming little streets. Among the historic villages worth a visit, you are surely familiar with those listed by the association The ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’. This route invites you to discover them, while also exploring the vast natural landscapes of the Luberon Regional Nature Park: the South Luberon Route des Châteaux, Étang de la Bonde, the combe de Lourmarin, le Colorado Provençal, the mines of Bruoux and the Abbaye de Sénanque.
70 km to discover five listed villages
Starting from Ansouis, follow the blue route on the map below to discover all the villages listed among The ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’. These award-winning villages boast remarkable architectural heritage set within a preserved natural environment. But, far from the clichés of ‘museum villages’, they are also renowned for their economic, social and cultural vibrancy. Like open books on heritage and architecture, these villages invite you to stroll through them in every season, and always feel at home!
Ansouis
The jewel of South Luberon
In the heart of the Pays d’Aigues region, with the Grand Luberon and the Durance River on the horizon, the hilltop village is crowned by an ancient château. Today, this beautifully preserved village is still overlooked by its magnificent château, once owned by the De Sabran family. Before reaching it, you cross the main square and wander through the narrow streets lined with beautifully restored houses. The château, both a medieval stronghold and a 17th-century bastide, has preserved a keep and fortress turrets, as well as ramparts with battlements and machicolations. The gardens are magnificent, adorned with neatly trimmed and well-maintained boxwood. From the terrace, the view of the Sainte-Victoire mountain is breathtaking.
Unmissable highlights of the village
The Château d’Ansouis (open during the summer season and by appointment) has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1948. Its owner opens its doors to share her passion for the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. This refined gem overlooking the hilltop village also boasts a hanging garden and a hermitage.
Saint-Martin Church and its balcony, open all year round, also overlooks the village. At the foot of its steps, you will be treated to an extraordinary panoramic view of the Luberon.
The Musée Extraordinaire, further down in the village, is sure to surprise and delight families. This unique museum brings together a wonderful collection of corals, shells and all kinds of fish!
The Musée des Arts et des Métiers du Vin, set slightly apart from the village, nestles behind a beautiful avenue of cypress trees. Belonging to Château Turcan, here you can discover over 3,000 objects spread across 1,300 m².
Lourmarin
And its château, vibrant all year round!
Located at the entrance to the Combe de Lourmarin, the village nestles at the foot of the Luberon. Its Renaissance château, numerous shops and lush surroundings make it an unmissable stop. Many artists have been captivated by this place and have made it their home, including writersAlbert Camusand Henri Bosco.
Nearby, Michelin-starred Chef Nadia Sammut runs a renowned gourmet restaurant in Cadenet: La Fenière, Lieu de Vie.
Attractions to discover
The Renaissance château, listed as a Historic Monument since 1973, enjoys an exceptional setting overlooking the village. It is a vibrant place all year round, where you can stroll through exhibitions or experience the thrill of concerts held on the terrace.
The art galleries of Lourmarin: a vibrant array of artists is showcased in the village’s charming galleries. There is something for every taste, from Provençal art to more modern paintings.
The Friday market, a true hub of local life where scents and flavours mingle to a musical backdrop. An opportunity to also discover the belfry, Saint-André Church and Saint-Trophime Church, the Protestant Temple, and the iconic fountains of Lourmarin.
Ménerbes
And its breathtaking view
Among its highlights are breathtaking views over the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse, as well as proud little streets lined with eighteenth-century mansions and old residences. The village was once home to renowned artists, including the painter Nicolas de Staël, Picasso and Dora Maar, as well as the British writer Peter Mayle, who helped bring it worldwide fame in the 1980s.
Today, visitors come to explore its unusual Corkscrew Museum or to sample Côtes du Luberon wines in the magnificent Maison de la Truffe et du Vin.
Renowned in the Luberon
The dolmen of Pichouno, identified in 1850 by Abbé André.
Le Castelet, a small château built on the ruins of an ancient fortress.
The richly decorated 14th-century church, the belfry with its campanile, and the 18th-century Saint-Blaise Chapel. You will also be just 30 minutes from the Forêt des Cèdres (Cedar Forest).
Roussillon
A land of ochre and colours!
Between the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse, perched atop an ochre cliff, Roussillon offers visitors a perfect harmony of colours with its stones, roofs, and façades imbued with the same red tones as the surrounding landscapes.
Shades of red, orange and yellow are absolutely everywhere! An astonishing palette of colours that leaves no one unmoved.
An absolute must to explore during your getaway
The Sentier des Ocres offers a walk, indeed, two different walks, that allow you to discover breathtaking landscapes. Taking either 30 or 50 minutes, these trails immerse you in a colourful, enchanting world. Not to be missed!
The stepped alleyways, so typical of medieval villages. The vibrant façades and winding alleyways are simply enchanting.
The 17th- and 18th-century residences, together with a breathtaking panorama, offer the perfect setting to discover the remains of the ramparts and the 10th-century château.
Gordes
And the village of Bories
After the final bends of a charming road lined with dry stone walls, Gordes appears, a hilltop village crowned by a Renaissance château in its centre. Terraced houses clinging to the cliffside, steep ‘calades‘ (narrow cobbled lanes), stairways, a little square with a flowing fountain, private mansions, there is an extraordinary sense of mineral harmony throughout the village, where stone reigns supreme. This is where your tour of the Luberon villages, listed among The ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’, comes to an end!
Highlights in the village
The village of Bories: fully restored and listed as a historic site, this must-see emblem of Provençal tradition is located just next to Gordes. Here, you can admire the traditional Provençal ‘bories’, ancient stone dwellings of farmers and shepherds dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
The château, the Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque, the Palais Saint-Firmin, its troglodyte rooms and the Bouillons mill.
Discover more about the Luberon
Don’t miss the chance to discover all our villages, local producers and activities to enjoy in the South Luberon. There are still plenty of hidden gems waiting to be found here!
All our villages make for wonderful walks, and there are many local producers to discover, each with their own unique style. As for activities, there is always something new to try, so don’t miss the latest additions by browsing the other pages of the Tourist Office website.
