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Discovering the Most Beautiful Villages of the Luberon

/ Discovering the Most Beautiful Villages of the Luberon

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Discovering the Most Beautiful Villages of the Luberon

The Luberon is the perfect destination for holidays that combine nature, heritage and the Provençal way of life. With its spectacular landscapes, characterful villages and lavender fields, this region offers the ideal backdrop for a stay at the heart of Provence’s heritage.  Do you want to discover the most beautiful villages in the Luberon but don’t know where to start? This article will guide you through them. Between listed villages, hidden gems and practical tips, everything you need is here to make the most of your holiday.

The Listed Villages of the Luberon

Our region is proud to count five  villages among the Most Beautiful Villages  of France. All situated in the Vaucluse department, they offer visitors an enchanting escape in a postcard-perfect setting. They are also living witnesses of a past still told in history books. Here is everything you need to know before setting off to discover the five  most beautiful villages of the Luberon.

Gordes : the Village with an Artistic Spirit

Perched on a rocky outcrop with its emblematic silhouette, Gordes is simply awe-inspiring. This jewel of the Luberon embodies the Provençal soul,  with its dry-stone  walls, golden light and deep-rooted traditions. Its houses, clinging to the hillside, seem to float above the valley – a setting as striking as it is authentic.

Must-Sees in Gordes

The village is so rich in heritage that you’ll need at least a full day to visit Gordes  . Take time to wander through its alleys and let yourself be charmed by its timeless atmosphere. Make sure to stop at :

  • The 11th-century château, overlooking the village. Listed as a historic monument, it combines medieval and Renaissance architecture. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions and cultural events, while outside you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the Calavon valley.
  • The cellars of the Palais Saint-Firmin, a restored troglodytic underground network, offering a unique insight into the village’s artisanal past.
  • The Abbey of Sénanque, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery still inhabited by monks.
  • The Village des Bories, those famous dry-stone huts built without mortar, an outstanding testimony to Provençal know-how, set amidst the garrigue and listed as a historic monument.

And if you’d like to capture Gordes in a photo, head to the Bel-Air Rock, the ideal spot for sunsets.

Gordes : a Village for Art Lovers

Beyond its architecture, Gordes shines through its artistic and cultural spirit. From the 1950s  onwards, artists such as André  Lhote, Marc  Chagall and Willy  Ronis settled here, drawn by the light and unique setting. The  château  and its museums keep this tradition alive with remarkable exhibitions. Numerous galleries and studios – ceramicists, painters, sculptors – also bring the arts to life throughout the village.

Hiking from Gordes

It would be a pity to visit the Luberon without enjoying its favourite activity : hiking. Several trails start from or pass by Gordes. We recommend :

  • The path to the Abbey of Sénanque, through pine forests and lavender fields.
  • The Col de Gordes hike, which takes you past the village’s main sites.
  • The Bories trail, for a walk through timeless landscapes.

Lourmarin : Pure Provence

Exploring Lourmarin means immersing yourself in a truly Provençal atmosphere, where every cobbled alley breathes authenticity. With its colourful houses, art galleries and  a Renaissance château   proudly overlooking the landscape, Lourmarin is a treasure for heritage lovers. Add in local artisans and the flavours of the terroir savoured on a sunny terrace, and you have the very essence of Provence.

Must-Sees in Lourmarin

Allow at least half a day to stroll leisurely through the village streets.  You can even visit the cemetery where Alber t Camus and Henri  Bosco  rest. Don’t miss :

  • The château, the first Renaissance-style château in Provence.
  • The Church of Saint-André-et-Saint-Trophime, built in the 11th century and enlarged over time, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles.
  • The Protestant temple, witness to the village’s religious history.
  • The squares and fountains so typical of Provençal villages.

Hiking around Lourmarin

The walking trails around Lourmarin  are a wonderful way to discover the southern Luberon. Recommended routes include :

  • The Combe des Cavaliers and Pelat de Buoux hike (20 km, for experienced walkers).
  • The Lourmarin to Cadenet hike, easier and more accessible.

Ansouis : The Medieval Village

Ansouis (remember to pronounce the  final “s” ) is an absolute must during your stay in Provence. While renowned for its picturesque charm, it is equally famous for its heritage and even its cinematic reputation – scenes from  Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources  were filmed here. In Ansouis, don’t miss :

  • The 13th-century fortified château, with its central keep and four towers.
  • The Maison des Consuls, seat of the city council in the 15th and 16th centuries.
  • The workshop of Daniel Galli, master santon-maker and winner of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2004.
  • The Wine and Crafts Museum at Château Turcan.

Roussillon : The Unique Village of Ochre Quarries

No holiday in the Luberon would be complete without a visit to Roussillon. Unlike other Provençal villages, it dazzles  with flamboyant façades  in shades of yellow, orange and red. Roussillon sits at the heart of the world’s largest ochre deposit , making it truly one of a kind.

What to See in Roussillon   ? Naturally, most attractions are linked to ochre, but not exclusively:

  • The Ochre Trail, with two circuits winding through striking ochre cliffs.
  • The Ochre Ecomuseum, set in a former factory, with workshops and exhibits.
  • The viewpoint at the top of the village, offering vistas of the Vaucluse mountains and Mont Ventoux.
  • The Fountain of the Naiads, once the village washhouse.

For the best view of the ochre cliffs, stop at the entrance to the village coming from Apt.

Ménerbes : The Food Lovers’ Village

Perched on a rocky spur, Ménerbes offers a serene and elegant escape, steeped in history and overlooking breathtaking Luberon scenery. Its cobbled lanes,  ramparts and religious history (marked by the Wars of Religion) make it a village of rich heritage. From above, the panoramic view stretches across vineyards, lavender fields and neighbouring villages  – a living painting that changes with the seasons.

Highlights in Ménerbes

If we had to recommend four  sites :

  • The House of Dora Maar.
  • The Abbey of Saint-Hilaire, a troglodytic monument used for spiritual retreats.
  • The Dolmen de la Pitchoune, the only Neolithic funerary monument in the Vaucluse.
  • The Saint-Sauveur Gate, a remnant of the village’s medieval fortifications.

For Gourmets

Ménerbes is a paradise for food and wine lovers :

  • The Maison de la Truffe et du Vin, in the Hôtel d’Astier de Montfaucon.
  • The Corkscrew Museum, with over 2,000 items.
  • Numerous surrounding vineyards and wine estates.

If these first hiking trails have tempted you, take a look at our full article on the best hikes in the Luberon.

Other Must-See Villages in the Luberon

Restricting yourself to the listed villages would be a shame – the Luberon abounds with other places worth a visit.

Apt : The Capital of the Luberon

Apt, home to our campsite, is not a “Most Beautiful Village of France” but is recognised as a Site Remarquable du Goût (Remarkable Site of Taste). Apt is the world capital of candied fruit, a Provençal delicacy, and also famous for its Saturday market, a true regional institution.

During your stay, you can also visit: 

  • Sainte-Anne Cathedral.
  • The Luberon Regional Park Visitor Centre.
  • The village squares.
  • The old Salignan windmill.

Gargas and Rustrel : More Ochre Villages

Roussillon isn’t the only village celebrating ochre Gargas and Rustrel also highlight this natural treasure.  

Gargas is the last village in Europe where ochre is still mined. The settling basins of the  Société des Ocres de  France  are visible from the road, and nearby you can visit the Bruoux Mines, former quarries steeped in industrial history.

Rustrel is home to the Provençal Colorado, a network of open-air ochre quarries reminiscent of the American West. A complete change of scenery in the heart of  Provence.

Other Iconic Villages

Among lavender fields, vineyards and olive groves, other gems await discovery.

Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, a hilltop village with many traces of its medieval past and panoramic views over the Alpilles, Luberon and  Vaucluse mountains. Don’t miss  :  

  • its flour mills
  • the castral chapel,
  • and the aiguiers (rock-carved water reservoirs).

Lacoste, once home to the Marquis de Sade and today known for its Savannah College of Art and Design, which hosts acclaimed exhibitions.Saignon, visible from our campsite’s swimming pool, offers a spectacular panorama from the Bellevue Rock. A footpath leads directly from our campsite to the viewpoint in about 45 minutes. You can also extend the walk through Caseneuve and Saint-Martin-de-Castillon for a full immersion in the Luberon.

📌 Don’t want to miss local events during your stay? Check out the Apt-Luberon Tourist Office website regularly.

The Perfect Campsite to Visit the Most Beautiful Villages of the Luberon

Wondering where to stay in the Luberon? Pausado offers a peaceful campsite at the heart of the Regional Natural Park. Located in Apt, the central point of the area, it’s the perfect base for your Provençal holiday.

Pausado’s Values

Camping in the Luberon attracts more and more visitors seeking authenticity – even more so when the campsite embraces strong values. At Pausado, our campsites blend harmoniously into nature and bring happiness to all. They are more than just places to stay: they are spaces for sharing and connection. Hospitality here is genuine and caring. And because tourism can also be meaningful, we focus on recycling, local produce and craftsmanship, creating a more responsible model.

Why You’ll Love Our Le Luberon Campsite

At Pausado, comfort always goes hand in hand with pleasure. At Le Luberon, you’ll find well-maintained pitches, quality accommodation, and facilities (pool, sports equipment) to make the most of your stay. For convenience, enjoy the “Chez Titi” restaurant, bar and bakery service. Above all, choosing Le Luberon means enjoying a stay in a nature-filled campsite where peace and tranquillity reign.

If you’re looking for a livelier atmosphere, opt for another of our campsites: Les Chênes Blancs. And here’s the best part – guests of Le Luberon can still join the festive evenings (karaoke, dances, etc.) at Les Chênes Blancs, before returning to the calm of their own holidays.

You now know all about the most beautiful villages in the Luberon – enough to plan a holiday programme full of highlights. All that’s left is to book your stay at our campsite!