Nestled in the heart of Provence, France lies a tranquil region that exudes an air of timeless elegance and beauty. Picturesque Luberon hill towns dot the rolling landscape interspersed with fragrant lavender fields, sun-drenched olive groves, and vibrant vineyards. It’s a captivating region that has enchanted travellers for centuries.
After two visits to the Luberon and its hill towns, I can assure you that the very essence of this French countryside will make unforgettable travel memories.
1. Where Is Luberon France?
When researching and planning a trip to Provence, there are certain names that you will keep coming across such as Vaucluse and Var. Here is an explanation!
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: In 2016, France reorganized its administrative regions into 13 large ones that still stand today. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is an administrative region in Southeastern France.
Departments of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur:
The region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is divided into 6 departments. These are Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, and Vaucluse.
Where does Luberon France fit into the picture?
Luberon: Le Luberon France it turns out, is part of the Vaucluse department. It is an area of about 232 square miles (600 sq kilometres) in the heart of Provence. Much of the Luberon France is a national park made up of a massif. A massif is a group of mountains and le Luberon has 3 ranges: the Lesser Luberon (le Petit Luberon), the Greater Luberon (le Grand Luberon) and the Eastern Luberon (le Luberon Oriental).
Many of the unspoiled medieval villages in Provence are clustered in and around the valleys and plateaus of Luberon France.
Read More | Kayak the Gorges du Verdon, also in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côted’Azur.
2. Travel Planning For The Luberon Hill Towns
Getting To The Luberon France: By Train
The TGV (high-speed) trains in France will easily get you close to le Lubéron. Search train times, for example, to Avignon or Aix-en-Provence. Book My Train Ticket to Provence
Getting To Luberon Hill Towns: By Car
You definitely need a car to independently explore the Luberon hill towns.
If you choose to stay in Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, the TGV stations (both new and beautiful) are located outside of the city center. Book your rental car well in advance and pick up your car as you exit the train station. Book My Rental Car
Getting To Luberon Hill Towns: By Plane
Airports at both Marseilles and Nimes have direct flights from Europe and the UK. Check Flights Schedules Here
Getting To Luberon Hill Towns: By Guided Tour
If you are not up for renting a car and driving in France, take a guided tour to experience the best of the Luberon hill towns.
From Avignon: This full-day guided tour gets great reviews (4.8/5), and this full-day tour lets you wander through four Luberon hill towns. Feeling energetic? This E-bike tour is sure to be spectacular.
From Aix-en-Provence: This full-day guided tour gets great reviews (4.7/5) and includes four Luberon hill towns. This ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>market tour adapts its tours based on market day in 4 different Luberon hill towns.
From Marseille: A full-day tour including Luberon hilltowns and a market!
Luberon Wine Tasting Tours: From Aix-en-Provence and including Luberon hill towns, from Marseille, this full-day tour includes three different Luberon vineyards, from Avignon, ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>this tour includes Luberon hill
3. Where To Stay In The Lubéron France
Whether you’re seeking a luxurious hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast, there’s no shortage of options in this stunning part of France. I have used both Aix-en-Provence and Avignon as a base to explore the Luberon hill towns.
Aix-en-Provence: This 5* hotel is located in an elegant Provençal-style house. Check out Le Pigonnet! Alternatively, enjoy the terrace and air-conditioned rooms at the boutique hotel, Hotel Cézanne.
Avignon: Looking for a deluxe stay, right by the Palais des Papes? Try La Divine Comédie with its exceptional reviews and location. Also exceptional, you’ll find La Mirande right across from the Palais des Papes.
Luberon Hill Towns: A great idea is to stay in the country or in one of the Luberon hill towns. Try this 18th-century hotel surrounded by vineyards or this hotel set in the Luberon hills close to Gordes.
Read More About Provence | Follow this 7 days in Provence itinerary that includes kayaking, lavender fields, the Calanques and Luberon hill towns.
Find out all about what to do in Aix-en-Provence and what not to miss in Arles.
Using Avignon as a base for exploring? Read about the best things to do in Avignon.
3. Luberon Hill Towns: Gordes
Approaching the Luberon village of Gordes, it’s hard to keep your eyes on the road. Picturesque is an understatement. The town cascades down a cliff surrounded by panoramic views. It’s been perched there for centuries.
Wander through Gordes’ maze of cobbled, impossibly narrow streets past ancient stone buildings.
Read More | If you love hilltop towns in France, why not consider a trip to Rocamadour, France, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Stop at a local restaurant and savour the ambience of this hilltop town in the Luberon region.
Find the outskirts of Gordes and admire the views over the countryside. This Luberon hill town is Provence at its best.
Market Day In Gordes: From 8:00 am to 12:30 on TUESDAYS. Be prepared for the crowds and the difficulty in finding a parking place, but the market in Gordes is totally worth it. The day we visited, the market in Gordes was lively and full of great stalls. You’ll find clothing, hats, beautiful Provençal linens, jewellery, and purses. The food stalls include vegetables and fruit, olives, and cheese. Although this is not the predominant focus of the market it is perfect to pick up a few items for a picnic. Loved the market day vibe in Gordes!
Gordes Pro Travel Tip: Have a coffee at Le Teston in the sun under an umbrella. Pick up some great baking next door at Le Fournil de Mamie Jeanne.
Don’t miss l’Abbaye de Sénanque just outside of Gordes. Read more about this 12th-century abbey tucked in a valley under Historical Sites in the Luberon.
Read More | Loving these Plus Beaux Villages (Most Beautiful Villages) of France? Here are 19 you don’t want to miss!
4. Luberon Villages: Roussillon
An astounding hilltop village in le Lubéron, Roussillon sits on the world’s largest known ochre deposit. With its warm shades of yellow, red and orange, Roussillon invites you to wander the maze of slender streets and enjoy cafés, art galleries and souvenir shops.
Read More | Where to find lavender fields in Provence. Lavender Fields, Provence: 7 Top Tips for Visiting
Wander away from the clock tower up to the summit and admire the splendid landscape of Luberon France.
Don’t miss the Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail) where two pathways lead through the ochre landscapes amongst groves of pine trees. This area was long quarried and finally returned back to nature.
In 2002 it was listed as a conservation area. The weathered cliffs are otherworldly. The two pathways, one a 30-minute walk and the other 50 minutes are guaranteed to ignite your imagination, because really – what planet did you land on?! White shoes? They might not be so white when you leave. Entry Fee: €3
Market Day In Roussillon: From 8:00 am to 12:30 on THURSDAYS.
5. Luberon Hill Towns: Goult
Goult’s narrow streets are lined with centuries-old stone houses and buildings, each one adorned with colourful shutters, overflowing flower boxes and pink Pierre de Ronsard roses framing doorways.
One of the lesser-visited Luberon hill towns, Goult is tiny and charming. Climb to the top of the hill for stunning views of the valley below, to see its 12th-century castle ruins and the windmill.
Wander down the main street and stop for a refreshment. The ambience is pure Provence – laid back and rustic.
Market Day In Goult: From 8:00 am to 12:30 on MONDAYS and THURSDAYS.
6. Luberon Hilltop Villages: Ménerbes
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Ménerbes had been on my radar for years, so I was thrilled to recently wander its winding streets.
Ménerbes, a charming hilltop village and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, provides stunning views over the Luberon Valley. With its picturesque cobblestone streets and traditional stone buildings, it’s no wonder that this enchanting town, dating back to the 10th century, has inspired so many writers and artists over the years.
Have you read “A Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle? The English author wrote several books about his experiences living in Ménerbes, Provence which brought international attention to this gorgeous region. Visitors flock to Ménerbes to experience its timeless beauty themselves. It is truly seductive. The ancient churches, the views, the sunshine, the boutiques. Be forewarned. You may find yourself plotting a move to Ménerbes!
Market Day In Ménerbes: From 8:00 am to 12:30 on THURSDAYS.
7. Historical Sites In The Luberon France
L’Abbaye de Sénanque
Only 4 km from Gordes is the 12th century l’Abbaye de Sénanque. A Cistercian monastery founded in 1148 the abbey sits in a stunning, secluded valley.
Wind your way down from Gordes on an impossibly narrow road hugging a rock cliff and you will be rewarded with a most peaceful vista. Sitting amongst fields of violet lavender, depending on the time of year, is the graceful silent monastery still inhabited by monks today. Does Luberon France get any better than this?
We arrived the third week in June and the lavender was only hinting at its purple hue. We arrived early in the morning well before the crowds of tourists who visit the Abbey.
Pro Travel Tip: How about following the hiking trail from Gordes to the Abbey?
The Julien Bridge: A Roman Bridge
This Roman bridge in the Luberon is worth a stop on your Luberon hill town itinerary. A bridge has stood in this exact spot since the year 3 BC. The original bridge which was built of wood and stone was most likely destroyed by the torrential waters of the river.
Pont Julien with its three graceful arches spanning the Calavon River still has some of the original stones at its base. Stroll across the top of the stone bridge and scramble down the path to admire it from the shore. This ancient Roman bridge is a testament to human ingenuity!
8. Luberon Lavender Fields
One of the highlights of visiting the Luberon is timing your visit while the lavender is in bloom. Read my full post on where to find lavender fields in Provence. Lavender Fields, Provence: 7 Top Tips for Visiting
If you’re not in the Luberon during lavender season, the markets have plenty of dried lavender from last season and the gorgeous scent is to die for!
9. Tasting Luberon Wines
If you’re planning a visit to the Luberon be sure not to miss out on tasting some truly remarkable wines.
One must-try wine from this region is the refreshing Rosé – perfect for sipping on a warm summer day while taking in the picturesque views of lavender fields.
The Luberon Valley is home to an array of grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan. These grapes thrive in the hot Mediterranean climate and are carefully harvested to produce bold, full-bodied reds. White wines from Luberon are equally impressive.
Once you’ve enjoyed Luberon wines, you’ll be a repeat customer!
I hope you enjoy your visit to the Luberon hill towns. I know I will be returning to visit more of these charming villages.
Until next time,
More Travel Info…
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These posts will help you plan your trip to the Luberon France and Provence…
The Calanques de Cassis: Wild yet Accessible – hike and visit the Calanques by boat. Then chill in the fishing village of Cassis.
Kayak the Gorges du Verdon – don’t miss the incredible teal water here.
Bormes les Mimosas: An enchanting hilltop town on the French Riviera.
St. Rémy de Provence: A charming town bursting with the Provençal vibe!
Lavender Fields of Provence: 7 Top Tips for Visiting – the purple fields will blow your mind!
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: Don’t Go Unless – tucked under cliffs, this is a wonderful place to stay.
This site, Luberon, The Heart of Provence all the information you could possibly need on the area.
Information on the Luberon Regional Natural Park and the activities it offers is here: Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon
Read up on some of the villages you will visit that have the designation of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
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We adore Provence and have had six weeks touring around all the hidden gems. Such a lovely reminder of our time there. Thanks for some lovely memories. kx
I would love to go back for a longer amount of time. It was my first time in Provence and really I just got to sample it and know I need to return!
Well, that explains why I’m having difficulty working out where I went back in 1989!! I love your description of Gordes ‘cascading down the mountain’ – the photo shows exactly that.
I know… I was quite confused by all the names!
Your photography showcases the area beautifully! Will not be driving in Provence when I get there ?
Thank you! Provence is beautiful. I think the tours available will get you to where you want to go!
What a gorgeous area to adventure around????
It is so beautiful and great fun to explore with a travel buddy!