Located in the heart of Provence, between the Vaucluse and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, the Luberon is a destination that delights with its varied landscapes, exceptional heritage and typical Provençal atmosphere. Easily accessible from Aix-en-Provence, Avignon or Marseille, the Luberon is ideal for an extended weekend break or a short getaway, whether travelling as a couple, with family or among friends.
A stay of 3 days in the Luberon is perfect, especially as summer approaches. Read on to discover more about one of the most beautiful regions in France and plan your upcoming getaway!
Three-day itinerary to discover the highlights of the Luberon
To make the most of your stay, we recommend planning your itinerary to combine heritage, nature and gastronomy. Here is a sample itinerary that you can tailor to your own wishes:
- Day 1: spend your first day exploring Lourmarin, often considered the gateway to the southern Luberon. Start with a stroll through its cobbled lanes before visiting its magnificent Renaissance chateau. On Friday mornings, the Provençal market fills the village centre, offering local produce to sample. In the afternoon, head towards Bonnieux, where steep lanes afford sweeping views across the surrounding valleys.
- Day 2: the second day is ideal for exploring the most famous villages of the Luberon. Begin in Gordes, perched on its rocky outcrop and listed among The Most Beautiful Villages of France. Continue to Sénanque Abbey, famous for its lavender fields in summer. In the afternoon, visit Roussillon to walk the famous Ochre Trail, where red, orange and yellow cliffs create landscapes unique in Europe.
- Day 3: dedicate your third day to nature. A walk in the Luberon Cedar Forest or along the ridge trails allows you to admire views over the Durance Valley, Mount Ventoux and the Alpilles. If you prefer a quieter day, take time to visit local wine estates, olive mills or lavender farms that welcome visitors.
The most beautiful hilltop villages to visit in the Luberon
If you are considering spending 3 days in the Luberon, it serves as the ideal starting point for exploring some of the finest villages in Provence. Here are several we recommend visiting around Lourmarin:
- Gordes: around thirty kilometres away, Gordes impresses with its dry-stone houses clinging to the hillside. Listed among The Most Beautiful Villages of France, it offers outstanding panoramic views and houses numerous art galleries.
- Roussillon: renowned for its ochre cliffs and colourful houses, Roussillon is famous for its Ochre Trail, a site showcasing unique landscapes in France where shades of red, orange and yellow evoke scenery reminiscent of the American West.
- Bonnieux: featuring unique medieval heritage, Bonnieux charms visitors with its steep alleys, views over the Petit Luberon and proximity to the cedar forest, perfect for a walk in nature.
- Ménerbes: this charming village is known for its winemaking heritage and peaceful atmosphere, offering an elevated vantage point over the surrounding valleys.
In addition to these villages, others such as Lacoste, dominated by the Marquis de Sade’s castle, or the quieter Oppède-le-Vieux, complement any Luberon itinerary wonderfully.
The finest walks and natural sites in the Luberon
The Luberon Regional Natural Park is a genuine haven for walking enthusiasts and lovers of open spaces. Among the essential routes in the region is the Cedar Forest walk: suitable for various fitness levels, it winds through a beautiful forest planted in the 19th century and offers several view points across Provence. In short, a wonderful spot to enjoy breathtaking scenery.
The Roussillon Ochre Trail is another essential stop: this easy, accessible walk lets you discover impressive cliffs of vibrant colour, shaped by centuries of ochre mining. For keener walkers, you can hike to the summit of Mourre Nègre, the highest point of the massif at over 1,100 metres altitude. On a clear day, views extend from Mount Ventoux to the Alps, and sometimes as far as the Mediterranean!
If you wish to learn all about walking in the Luberon, we offer a complete guide here featuring the best walks in the region!
Discover Provençal gastronomy and the Luberon markets
No trip to the Luberon is complete without tasting its gastronomy: the region is renowned for the quality of its produce and Provençal specialities. Local markets are true cultural institutions. For instance, Lourmarin market on Friday mornings attracts numerous producers offering olive oil, tapenades, seasonal fruits, lavender honey, goat’s cheese and AOC Luberon wines.
The Apt market, one of the oldest and largest in Provence, is also well worth a visit. Its colourful stalls highlight local delicacies, aromatic herbs, artisan cured meats and the famous candied fruits for which the town is renowned.
Fancy a fine glass of wine? The Luberon wine estates regularly welcome visitors for tastings. The red, white and rosé wines of the appellation pair wonderfully with regional specialities like Provençal lamb, provençal stew (daube), olive fougasse or stuffed vegetables.
Practical advice for a successful stay in the Luberon
You may be wondering about the best time for spending 3 days in the Luberon; spring and early autumn are generally the finest periods to visit the region. Temperatures are pleasant, the countryside is verdant, and visitor numbers are lower than during peak summer.
If you visit during summer, between June and July, you can also admire lavender fields in bloom across several areas of the Luberon, while enjoying local summer festivals and evening markets.
Regarding footwear, pack comfortable shoes for walking along cobbled streets and hilltop villages, alongside a reusable water bottle if you plan a walk or sightseeing in full summer sun. Finally, take time to explore beyond the best-known routes. Quiet Luberon backroads often hold wonderful surprises: a local vineyard, a secluded chapel, a field of poppies or a striking viewpoint over the Provençal hills.
The Luberon, a destination that invites you back with every visit
The Luberon embodies everything that makes Provence so enchanting: remarkable heritage, preserved nature, generous gastronomy and a relaxed pace of life that encourages taking your time. Whether you love history, enjoy walking, feel curious to explore hilltop villages or simply seek an authentic getaway, 3 days in the Luberon makes for an ideal short break.
Start planning your trip to the Luberon today and book your accommodation with us before letting yourself be captivated by one of the finest corners of Provence!