There are so many villages to visit in the Luberon, from Gordes to Saignon, Bonnieux and Lourmarin. Unfortunately, these days, some of them are flooded by tourists, and so famous that, for me, that are losing their charm. So this is not a list of the most famous villages, but simply our favourites. We hope you enjoy...
Saignon
Saignon, largely unknown and unspoilt, is one of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon. We recommend that you start with morning coffee at Chez Christine, the village boulangerie. Christine still serves a rarity these days in France, « le bol », a large bowl of café au lait, exactly the way French people drink it at home.
Wander across the road, and visit Pierre in his art studio, l’Atelier. Pierre is a local artist who does most of his painting perched on the bonnet of his old paint splattered 2CV which you will find parked right out the front of his studio. Other artisans in town worth visiting are the milliner, Atelier Saint Louis and Christine, at Bijoux Carolina.
Afterwards, take a stroll down the cobbled streets of this picturesque perched village, check out the iconic fountain, the communal washing pool, the colourful shutters, and doors, quirky signs and letter boxes and flowery facades. Climb right up to the top of Saignon, past the old chapel to the « rocher », the remnants of the ancient strong hold with the most magnificent panoramic view of the « petit luberon ».
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
A beautiful provencal town, built on the Sorgue river, with it’s many canals. The old water mills are still spinning their moss coated wheels in this picturesque village, renowned for it’s multitude of antique markets and flea shops. With a population of 20 000, there are plenty of bars, cafés, restaurants, art galleries and shops. This town is always buzzing, but it is best to visit on the weekend when the antique markets are open. The market is on Thursday ans Sunday morning, so parking might be dicult on these days, unless you arrive early.
Make sure you visit the Village des Antiquaires, and l’Isle aux Brocantes, the Corsini Art Gallery, and the textile mill la Filaventure Brun de Vian-Tiran. For coffee or a cool rosé, we love the Café de France. We recommend le Quai duJardin for lunch in a beautiful shady garden. And finally, the Ravi ice cream shop and the Maison Jouvaud, for amazing cakes and a lovely selection of homewares, are among our favourite places.
Lourmarin
Lourmarin is a little village that it oozes provencal charm, with it’s paved streets,
stone village houses, flowers spilling everywhere and interesting boutique shops.
You will find little art galleries, clothes shops, a salon de thé and several of our
favourite home decor shops. Lourmarin was made famous by British author Peter
Mayle, who wrote “A Year in Provence” about the trials and tribulations of moving to and renovating in France. This book was the inspiration behind Ridley Scott’s film “A Good Year”, filmed (absolutely beautifully) in the area.
This is a lovely place for a morning coffee or a meal in the sun as in typical French style, there is a cluster of restaurants with terraces spilling onto the road in the heart of the village, a perfect place to people watch and soak up the atmosphere and wander in and out of the interesting boutiques. The chateau de Lourmarin is one of the only ones in the area open for visits. Even if you choose not to visit the inside, it is worth walking up to the castle and wandering around the grounds to admire the beautiful views, the olive groves and the imposing old stone edifice of the castle itself.
Goult
Goult is a hidden gem known for its authentic charm and peaceful ambiance, a bit less touristic than its better known neighbours. With paved streets, old stone buildings, weathered shutters and beautiful gardens, Goult is full of photo ops! Best known for it’s old wind mill, the Jerusalem Mill, which you will find right at the top of the village. Restaurant to visit: La Gaudina, a real French bistrot: outdoor seating, traditional, fresh seasonal food, great atmosphere…but hard to get in! Don’t forget to book!
Also in Goult, and also on the D900, between Apt and Goult, the Auretto winery, where you can partake in a cheese and charcuterie board with a glass of wine, after you wine tasting.
Roussillon
Renowned for its stunning ocre cliffs and beautifully coloured buildings, Roussillon is unique and full of charm. It's beautiful pink and orange hues, typical provencal architecture and breathtaking sunsets will seduce you.
Stroll around the little cafes, restaurants, and art galleries. Check out Bals'Art, the vinegar distillery at the top of the village for amazing balsamic vinegar, or visit the old olive oil mill. Walk right to the top of the village for breathtaking views of the Luberon region, or pick up the "Sentier des Ocres",the trail through the ocre quarries, the real star of the show.
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