Bonnieux, a Fascinating Hilltop Village in the Luberon

This week, we invite you to discover the small Provençal village of Bonnieux! It stands on the northern slope of the Luberon, between Apt and Ménerbes. It is one of the most characteristic villages of this mountain range. Rising from the agricultural plains to the cedar forest on the Luberon ridge, it is breathtakingly beautiful, with its tall, ancient houses winding around successive rows of medieval ramparts.

BONNIEUX, A WALK FULL OF HISTORY BETWEEN BUILT AND NATURAL HERITAGE

You park at the foot of the first church, located at the bottom of the village, for a walking tour that takes you through steep alleys. These lead from rampart gates to covered passages, culminating in a grand flight of ancient stairs. Discovering Bonnieux is earned; you must climb, pass the beautiful house that houses the town hall, and take a moment to catch your breath on a terrace with a magnificent viewpoint. Then, continue on, ascending the final steps that lead to the Romanesque church, sheltered by immense, century-old Lebanese cedars.

As you descend through a steep street near the Tourist Office, an antique shop invites you to take another pause. The vaulted rooms from the 12th century shelter an even older floor, and in a small room, the passionate local owner shares scenes of southern life through dozens of santons and a magnificent setting that recreates the various aspects of Provence, from the Camargue to the olive groves of the Alpilles and the Luberon.

BONNIEUX, THE CEDAR FOREST... ON THE RIDGE OF THE LUBERON!

You need to take the car and head towards Lourmarin to discover this forest, inhabited by birds, as well as insects of all kinds—huge ants hiding in the trunks of cut trees, grasshoppers, and cicadas.

In spring, daffodils, orchids, thyme, and rosemary flowers compete in vibrant colours. This is one of the most protected areas of the Regional Natural Park, a Natura 2000 site, and a biosphere reserve. This is why a parking lot is located at the edge of the cedar forest—motor vehicles are strictly prohibited!

However, cyclists can continue along the ridge road that leads to Cheval-Blanc, and hikers can follow the marked trail that will take them through the valley and its garrigue, as well as among the majestic 150-year-old cedars!

BONNIEUX, A ROAD WITH A THOUSAND LANDSCAPES!

On the road leading to the forest, take the time to admire the stunning view of both sides of the Luberon: on one side, the ochres of Roussillon, the Monts de Vaucluse, and Mont Ventoux, and on the other, the Sainte-Victoire and the plains of Aix-en-Provence…

DID YOU KNOW?

The novel “Hôtel Pastis” by Peter Mayle takes place in Bonnieux. However, the author changed the name of Bonnieux to Brassière-les 2 Églises: the initial “B” for Bonnieux and “2 churches” because the village is so stretched in height that two churches were built there—one at the bottom of the village and the other at the top!

Plaisirs et Maisons de Provence offers you the chance to stay in one of its holiday rentals to discover Bonnieux.

If you wish to explore this beautiful Provençal village, we invite you to contact us by clicking on this link.