Dedicating a day to the exploration of Luberon’s charming villages offered me a profound insight into the idyllic essence that instantly comes to mind when picturing France’s Provence. This escapade turned out to be one of the most cherished experiences throughout my journey in the southern part of France.
When You Daydream of France’s Provence, You See Luberon
I arranged this trip through the local tourist office in Marseille. On our way, we made a stop in Aix-en-Provence to pick up additional tourists. A car is essential for this journey, and the tour guide handles everything from parking to navigating traffic, making the experience incredibly convenient. I highly recommend opting for this guided tour. During our adventure, we had the pleasure of visiting Lourmarin, Roussillon, Gordes, and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse – a wonderful selection that I am excited to share with you in this article.
First Things First: Lavender
My visit took place in May, which unfortunately meant that the lavender fields were not yet in full bloom. In the Luberon, the lavender typically blooms from the last week of June to the beginning of August, coinciding with the harvest. The exact timing varies based on the previous year’s rainfall. However, the peak of vibrant colors occurs in early July. While the lavender color remains present in late July, it’s slightly faded compared to the early July splendor. If you plan to visit in July or August, be prepared for crowds.
The concentration of lavender fields can be found on the high plateaux around Sault, at the base of Mont Ventoux, and scattered around Apt and Gordes. One of the most iconic lavender scenes in Provence is the field in front of Senanque Abbey near Gordes. Capturing a memorable photo here is almost impossible to resist. The optimal time to arrive is early in the morning when the light is perfect, and the crowds are thinner – as many people aim to capture this shot.
Oh, So French: Markets
Another captivating aspect of Luberon is its vibrant markets. There’s more than one village market in Luberon every day of the week. Market days are not merely about purchasing necessities; they also provide a glimpse into the quintessentially French ritual, where certain stereotypes come to life. These markets are equally beloved by locals and tourists alike, and most operate year-round, infusing even the coldest of days with color and vitality. During the summer, markets tend to be larger, and a fantastic way to spend a portion of your day is by combining a morning market visit with a leisurely lunch at a favorite restaurant.
Market hours generally span from early morning until around 12-1pm, giving you the perfect window to explore and engage in this charming tradition.
Lourmarin: Cobblestone Charms
Lourmarin, a village that embodies the soul of Provence, welcomes you with its cobbled streets that wind around charming houses and inviting cafes. With an array of restaurants and cafes to choose from, you’ll experience the full spectrum of Provençal cuisine, from simple pleasures to Michelin-starred gourmet feasts.
As you explore, the village’s streets lead you past fountains and houses, ultimately converging around the striking belfry, a remnant of the medieval moated castle that once stood here. The chateau, known as the Villa Medicis de Provence, adds an artistic touch to the village, hosting concerts and exhibitions, as well as guided tours that unveil its captivating history.
Roussillon: A Tapestry of Ochre
Roussillon, a village that seems to have sprung from an artist’s imagination, is a captivating canvas of ochre hues. The ochre, a natural pigment used in paints, has a fascinating history rooted in the geology of the region. The village boasts 17 shades of ochre painted across its houses, derived from the nearby ochre quarry’s palette. As you stroll through the winding streets, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant reds, yellows, oranges, and pinks that harmonize with the blue sky and green pine trees.
As we headed towards Roussillon, we took a pause at the poppy field. It turned out to be an absolutely stunning spot for capturing photos!
Gordes: The Parthenon of Provence
Gordes, often referred to as the Parthenon of Provence, stands as an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Luberon. Its stone façade and graceful layout have earned it a place among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.” The view of Gordes as you approach is awe-inspiring, and the village’s labyrinthine alleyways and arcades beg to be explored.
During our tour, the guide made a stop on our way to Gordes, an ideal spot for capturing photographs. Gordes’ appeal goes beyond its exterior beauty, as its internal charm radiates through its cobblestone pathways and remarkable architecture.
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse: Where Every Girl Feels Like a Princess
Nestled at the end of a narrow valley, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse takes its name from a captivating spring that remains shrouded in mystery. The spring’s crystal-clear waters give birth to the emerald-hued Sorgue river, a sight that defines the town’s beauty. The enchanting river and spring have made Fontaine-de-Vaucluse a must-visit, with souvenir stalls leading the way to the spring’s source.
For a deeper connection to the town’s heritage, visit the Moulin a Papier Vallis Clausa, a paper museum where ancient water-wheels once pounded pulp to create exquisite paper. The museum provides a glimpse into the region’s industrial past, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of paper-making techniques.
The Luberon, sometimes spelled Lubéron, is a massif located in central Provence in Southern France, forming part of the French Prealps. Nestled between its valleys are charming towns, villages, and farmlands. It is a favourite destination for French high society and British and American visitors. In recent years, it gained international recognition, particularly through books by British author Peter Mayle. Easily accessible as a day trip from Marseille or Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon also offers the opportunity to explore the picturesque Calanques if you’re already in the area. Visit also Saint-Tropez and Nice when in French Riviera.
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