As your holidays approach, you’re probably wondering where to spend them; if you love nature and culture, the Luberon is for you! Located in Provence, this mountain range, classified as a Regional Natural Park, is full of picturesque villages, breathtaking landscapes, and a wide variety of activities perfect for nature, history, and gastronomy lovers.
In this blog post, Provence Plaisirs offers you a detailed guide to must-do activities to know where to go during your stay in this magnificent Provençal region.
The Must-See Villages to Visit in the Luberon
When you visit the Luberon, you will find splendid, unique, and typical villages, most of which date back to the Middle Ages. Very often, they are built on high ground, which allowed the inhabitants and lords of the surroundings to anticipate potential enemy attacks. Some are also fortified, which gives them an undeniable charm. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most famous villages in the Luberon:
- Bonnieux: with its spectacular view of the valley, Bonnieux is a village that charms travelers with its imposing church, its ramparts, and its 12th-century remains. The proximity of the Cedar Forest also makes it a popular spot for hiking.
- Roussillon: renowned for its ochre-colored cliffs, Roussillon is a colorful village in the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park. Its warm-toned facades and the Ochre Trail make it a must-see destination that you can visit, whether alone or with family.
- Ménerbes: this small village with picturesque charm is entirely integrated into a calm and wild natural space where life is good. Due to its authenticity and simplicity, Ménerbes is the perfect village for those seeking serenity and nature.
- Lourmarin: this lively village is famous for its Renaissance-style castle, classified as a historic monument, as well as for its lively streets in summer. Lourmarin is also known for its Provençal markets and its friendly atmosphere.
- Gordes: located on a hill, the village of Gordes is renowned for its dry stone houses, its majestic castle, and its authentic streets. The village also charms travelers with its breathtaking view of the Luberon valley, an area also renowned in the region for the hikes you can do.
Hiking and Natural Sites in the Heart of the Luberon
The Luberon charms due to its size; indeed, the region is a vast territory where nature lovers will discover natural spaces by taking numerous small paths, suitable for both leisurely strolls and strenuous hikes!
If you’re staying near Roussillon, you cannot miss the Ochre Trail, a rather easy trail that allows visitors and families to walk peacefully through an extraordinary landscape similar to Western movies! With its setting of a thousand and one hues, this place offers an unforgettable experience while providing two routes, allowing visitors to walk for 30 to 45 minutes depending on their pace.
Not far from Bonnieux is the Luberon Cedar Forest, an ideal place for hiking in the shade of the region’s typical ancient trees! Indeed, hikers can explore it and discover typical Southern French flora and fauna while connecting the communes of Bonnieux, Lacoste, and Ménerbes on foot; it’s also a popular spot for athletes of all kinds: whether you’re mountain biking or trail running, various marked trails will allow you to discover this unique place!
To learn more about the hikes to do in the Luberon, we have a guide for you to read, right here!
Tasting Local Products
If you love cuisine and want to discover another side of the Luberon, head to a typical regional restaurant, sit down, and discover all that Provençal cuisine has to offer! Besides the Mediterranean dishes you’ll find on the menus, such as fougasse, andouillette, or Provençal tripe, the Luberon is renowned for its wines; regarding red wines, which account for a little over 50% of the production, you can taste grape varieties like Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Mourvèdre, wines that offer fruity and woody aromas. For those who prefer white wines, we recommend trying wines based on Grenache Blanc, Rolle, or Clairette, grape varieties that will surprise you with their aromatic freshness!
Furthermore, if you wish to return home with beautiful souvenirs and/or gifts for the whole family, we recommend visiting the markets in Provence, such as the one in Gordes, where you will find the most popular products from traditional Southern French markets, or the one in Roussillon, which offers colorful stalls where you can taste and buy local products.
Typical Accommodations and Tips in the Luberon
To discover the Luberon massif, it is best to stay in one of the region’s typical villages to soak up its Southern atmosphere and surrounding nature.
To make things easier for you, we offer accommodations in these villages on our website, as well as in others: all you have to do is click and compare based on what you wish to discover in the Luberon massif.
Vacation rental Luberon CABRIERES D'AVIGNON LS2-2
From 79.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool GARGAS LS2-15
From 128.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool MAUBEC LS2-188
From 96.00€ per night
Vacation rental house with pool MERINDOL LS2-153
From 108.00€ per night
What is the Best Time to Discover the Luberon?
With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, the Luberon is a top destination for travelers. Each season is unique, revealing itself to those who decide to visit the region.
Firstly, spring is surprising because it is during this season that nature is reborn: almond and cherry trees whiten the Luberon landscape one after another; in summer, the Luberon lives up to its promise of sunshine, with hot days and activities galore. Autumn brings with it a gentler pace, where flamboyant landscapes reward cyclists and hikers; finally, winter is synonymous with a soothing atmosphere and cooler days, ideal for tasting local products by the fireplace.
As you can see, the Luberon pleases travelers in all seasons, regardless of the weather!
Set out to Explore Authentic Provence in the Luberon!
The Luberon massif is a magnificent destination that will delight nature lovers as well as heritage and gastronomy enthusiasts. Whether you are with friends or family, a hiking enthusiast, passionate about fine wines, or seeking charming villages, you will certainly find what you’re looking for during your holidays. A getaway to this Provençal region promises you a memorable experience, lulled by the song of cicadas and the fragrances of lavender.
To optimize your stay in the Luberon massif and know where to go, we offer a selection of accommodations suited to your needs, and it’s just a click away!