The perfect apero: where to go in the Luberon: our favourite Wine Bars and Bistros

The apero, or a pre-dinner drink, is one of te nicest traditions in France, and it's a real way of life in Provence. Traditionally a pastis, and now more often than not a glass of rosé or an Aperol Spritz, it is a lovely evening ritual.

Sometimes it can be hard to find a restaurant that will just serve a drink, particularly as meal times approach and they are already set up for the dinner service, but these adresses are perfect apero spots.

L'Auberge du Presbytère, Saignon

A lovely little terrace, under the shade of a big Ash tree, in the main square of Saignon. Such a beautiful setting, right next to the iconic Saignon fountain, and opposite the village lavoir, where families did their washing, in years gone by. A favourite of ours in the evening, as it is often a little cooler up in Saignon than elsewhere in the region.

Friendly service, small scale, a bar full of locals, which is always a good sign!

Local artisan beer, organinc gin, rosé...

Mazette, Apt

A very relaxed little bar, hidden in the back streets of Apt. With friendly service, colourful decor, and music playing, this bar is almost entirely an outdoor establishment. Mazette offers cheese and charcturie platters and other nibbles, and reasonably priced drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, in a shadey village square. We love their freshly squeezed fruit juices and their interesting vintage decor. We consider this our local!

Les Belles Lurettes, Céreste

One of our favourite spots, worth driving a little bit further. Les Belles Lurettes is a bistro-brocante, where litterally everything from your plate to the table you are sitting at, is for sale. Half bistro, half Vintage shop, this place has oodles of personality. A friendly and relaxed vibe, foccaccia, salads, cheese and charcuterie platters at any time from 9am-9pm. Nicolas and Aurelie will welcome you to their family run bar loke old friends.

Vin te Voilà, Apt

A little wine bar with a big wine list of primarily regional wines. This bar has a large terrace, hidden in the back streets of Apt old town, right on a public square under the shade of the the trees.

They also have a tapas menu, ranging from chicken scewers to cheese and charcuterie boards.

Le Tonneau, Lourmarin

Lourmarin is a great place to go for an aperative, a coffee, lunch or dinner or just a stroll through the streets and a browse in the shops.

Le Tonneau is one of my favourite places for a drink. Right on the corner, perched up on bar stools, you are in the ideal spot for a bit of people watching in this quaint little village. Le Tonneau also serve charcuterie boards if you fancy something to eat with your apero.