A day in the Southern Luberon
A day in the South Luberon
A Day in the South Luberon: Charming Villages and Authentic Discoveries
Sud Luberon is a picturesque region of Provence, dotted with hilltop villages, historic châteaux and renowned vineyards. In just one day, you can explore several of these gems, each offering its own charm and treasures to discover. Here's an itinerary for a memorable day in the South Luberon.
Morning: Villages and heritage
Departure for Lourmarin
Start your day in Lourmarin, one of France's most beautiful villages. Stroll through its narrow streets lined with ancient houses and visit the Château de Lourmarin, a magnificent Renaissance building that hosts art exhibitions. Don't miss the Provencal market if you're there on a Friday morning, to discover the local produce.
If you choose to go on a Friday for the market, leave early as it's very busy and parking spaces are scarce.
Visit Vaugines
Next, head for Vaugines, an authentic little village that served as the setting for the film "Jean de Florette". Stroll through its quiet streets and admire the church of Saint-Barthélemy, a fine example of Romanesque architecture.
Discover Cucuron
Continue your morning in Cucuron, famous for its large pool surrounded by century-old plane trees. Visit the Notre-Dame-de-Beaulieu church and climb up to the Saint-Michel keep for a panoramic view of the village and surrounding area.
Lunch: Saveurs du Terroir
For lunch, choose a restaurant in Cucuron or Ansouis, where you can sample typical regional dishes such as daube provençale or tian de légumes, accompanied by a local wine.
Afternoon: Castles and vineyards
Exploring Ansouis
After lunch, head to Ansouis, another village ranked among the most beautiful in France. Visit the Château d'Ansouis, a beautifully restored medieval fortress, and stroll through the formal gardens. Don't miss the Art Glacier ice cream parlour just outside the village, surrounded by vineyards.
Wine tasting in a vineyard
Sud Luberon is renowned for its wines, so don't miss the opportunity to visit a vineyard. Take part in a tasting to discover AOC Luberon wines, distinguished by their freshness and elegance. Many estates offer guided tours of their cellars and vineyards.
Visit Lauris
Continue your afternoon in Lauris, a hilltop village with breathtaking views over the Durance valley. Visit the terraces of the château, home to the Jardin Conservatoire des Plantes Tinctoriales, the only one of its kind in Europe.
Discover Cadenet
Finish your day in Cadenet, a lively village with a rich historical heritage. Explore the ruins of the medieval castle and enjoy the view over the valley. Weather permitting, visit a local craftsman's workshop to discover traditional skills.
Sud Luberon is a picturesque region of Provence, dotted with hilltop villages, historic châteaux and renowned vineyards. In just one day, you can explore several of these gems, each offering its own charm and treasures to discover. Here's an itinerary for a memorable day in the South Luberon.
Morning: Villages and heritage
Departure for Lourmarin
Start your day in Lourmarin, one of France's most beautiful villages. Stroll through its narrow streets lined with ancient houses and visit the Château de Lourmarin, a magnificent Renaissance building that hosts art exhibitions. Don't miss the Provencal market if you're there on a Friday morning, to discover the local produce.
If you choose to go on a Friday for the market, leave early as it's very busy and parking spaces are scarce.
Visit Vaugines
Next, head for Vaugines, an authentic little village that served as the setting for the film "Jean de Florette". Stroll through its quiet streets and admire the church of Saint-Barthélemy, a fine example of Romanesque architecture.
Discover Cucuron
Continue your morning in Cucuron, famous for its large pool surrounded by century-old plane trees. Visit the Notre-Dame-de-Beaulieu church and climb up to the Saint-Michel keep for a panoramic view of the village and surrounding area.
Lunch: Saveurs du Terroir
For lunch, choose a restaurant in Cucuron or Ansouis, where you can sample typical regional dishes such as daube provençale or tian de légumes, accompanied by a local wine.
Afternoon: Castles and vineyards
Exploring Ansouis
After lunch, head to Ansouis, another village ranked among the most beautiful in France. Visit the Château d'Ansouis, a beautifully restored medieval fortress, and stroll through the formal gardens. Don't miss the Art Glacier ice cream parlour just outside the village, surrounded by vineyards.
Wine tasting in a vineyard
Sud Luberon is renowned for its wines, so don't miss the opportunity to visit a vineyard. Take part in a tasting to discover AOC Luberon wines, distinguished by their freshness and elegance. Many estates offer guided tours of their cellars and vineyards.
Visit Lauris
Continue your afternoon in Lauris, a hilltop village with breathtaking views over the Durance valley. Visit the terraces of the château, home to the Jardin Conservatoire des Plantes Tinctoriales, the only one of its kind in Europe.
Discover Cadenet
Finish your day in Cadenet, a lively village with a rich historical heritage. Explore the ruins of the medieval castle and enjoy the view over the valley. Weather permitting, visit a local craftsman's workshop to discover traditional skills.