The 15 things to do in the Luberon

Visiting the Luberon is discovering natural wonders, heavenly places and breathtaking landscapes!

Nestled in the heart of Provence, the Luberon promises a total change! Halfway between the Alps and the Mediterranean, its lush fauna and flora erected it as the Regional Natural Park in 1977. Visiting the Luberon is discovering colorful landscapes where the mauve de lavande intertwines with the red cliffs that itself blends with the golden shades of the picturesque villages of the region.

To discover at best this authentic Provençal painting, Wanderlix has concocted for you this guide of the 15 essential things to do in the Luberon!

1. Les Mines de Bruoux

Marked by the exploitation of the ochre in the 19th century, the Mines de Bruoux bear witness to the underground life of minors. These impressive cliffs are actually a huge maze of underground galleries that highlight the hard work of man.

This underground journey introduces you to the geological, historical and industrial riches in a unique setting. So, what do you expect to visit the Luberon atypically?

2. The Colorado Provençal of Rustrel

The Colorado Provençal de Rustrel offers magnificent unusual landscapes. Sculpted by erosion, cliffs, pitons, ravines and caves dyed with red, orange and golden intertwine with the impressive crystalline water cascades.

3. The villages

• Lourmarin: its Renaissance Castle, its green setting, as well as its many shops, make it an essential step to visit the Luberon.
• Cucuron: This other picturesque village is known for its famous street art festivals.
• Bonnieux: surrounded by ramparts, this village has kept all its charm of ancient times.
• Roussillon : visit the Luberon without visiting one of the “Best Beautiful Villages of France” is unthinkable. Nestled in the Luberon Regional Natural Park, this picturesque village stands out by its amazing palette of flamboyant colours.
• Mergers : ranked also among the " More beautiful villages in France "it is built on a rocky sparrow and seems to emerge from the limestone of the massif.
• Gordes: built on the cliff side, Gordes is known for its beauty, but also for its history, architecture and heritage.

4. The Mother Nègre

Visiting the Luberon by climbing the Mourre Nègre promises many surprises. As a highlight of the Luberon mountain, from its summit you can admire the vastness and beauty of Provence.

This hike allows you to observe both the Préalpes of Digne and the pond of Berre, the plateau of Vaucluse and Mont Ventoux.

5. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

nicknamed “the little Venice Provencal”, L’ Isle-sur-la-Sorgue invites you to the stroll. Lively streets, flavors and smells of Provence, Mediterranean climate, good living and welcoming inhabitants... characterize this charming commune.

Visiting the Luberon is succumb to the picturesque charms of these hamlets, towns or villages scattered throughout the region.

6. The Abbey of Senanque

Located in Gordes, in one of the most beautiful villages in France, the Cistercian building rises above the lavender fields. If you come to visit the Luberon, do not miss visiting this magnificent treasure of the Vaucluse.

7. The Regional Natural Park of the Luberon

Isolated between the massifs of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Vaucluse, the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon is a natural space with exceptional fauna and flora. The site is perfect for an outdoor excursion in order to forget the daily snacks.

Visiting the Luberon is also knowing this cut of the world to enjoy the present moment.

8. The vineyards and cellars

Enjoy your stay in Provence to visit the Luberon through the many vineyards of the region. By visiting the wine cellars and vineyards, you will discover the unique and authentic know-how of the vineyards of the Luberon and the process of making wine.

This visit will please both French heritage lovers and wine lovers.

9. Museums

• The Lavender Museum – Luberon: A true conservatory of Lavande de Provence, you will discover in its midst a unique know-how as well as the uses and benefits of this typical Luberon flower.
• The Musée des arts et des métiers du vin : Located in the Château Turcan, this museum presents the work of the vine at the service of wine, passing through the laboratory of oenologist, tonic and glassware.
• La Maison de la Truffe et du Vin : Visiting the Luberon is above all discovering the riches of local gastronomy. Located in Ménerbes, this restaurant, both museum, cellar and shop, offers an introduction to the region's flagship product: truffle. If you have water in your mouth, don’t hesitate to succumb to a few specialties such as the foie gras pie with black truffle or the caramel apple with black truffle.

10. The mills

• The Mill of Jerusalem: overlooking Goult, the Moulin de Jerusalem consists of a laying tower at two levels. This is a typical Provencal architecture.
• Le Moulin de Salignan : visit the Luberon without seeing this mill would be a shame. Indeed, although it does not have wings or conical roof, it is the emblem of a region! In addition, the latter houses a permanent geological exposure.
• Rustrel oil mill : In the heart of Colorado Provençal, visit the Rustrel Oil Mill promises a discovery of the region and its gastronomy through olive oil.

11. The Gorges du Regalon

At the gates of the commune of Cheval-Blanc, this 2h30 hike takes you on a 6 km course inside two large cavities. So what are you waiting to visit the Luberon as you have never seen?

12. The Triglodytic Houses of Cadenet

Would you like to visit the Luberon in an unusual and original way? Then jump into the village of Cadenet! Its uncommon architecture, composed of troglodyte houses, will leave you without a voice.

The caves carved in the stone, the spiral staircases, the dug cliffs are the witnesses of ancient Celto-Lures tribes like the Caudellenses.

13. Bories of Gordes

Like Cadenet, the village of Bories de Gordes also has an atypical architecture. This hamlet is composed of dry stone houses similar to small huts nicknamed Cabanes. Pittoresque and charming, these cases were seasonally inhabited for agricultural work.

This village of neolithic structure then plunges you into a universe where past and imagination blend.

14. The castles

• Gordes Castle: located in the heart of the village, the castle combines with medieval and Renaissance architecture.
• Lacoste Castle: classified as Historic Monument, it dominates the village of Lacoste and originally served its defence. Known as “Sade Marquis Castle”, he belonged to several large families, such as the Varac-Farald, the seigneury of Agoult, and the seigneury of Simiane.
• Château d’Ansouis: it is part of the must-see in Luberon. Classified Historic Monument in 1948, during the visit you can admire the Hermitage, the garden suspended from the French, as well as the magnificent 18th century gypseries.
• Lourmarin Castle: This Renaissance castle has been classified as Historical Monument since 1973. During the visit you can admire its architecture, but also the period furniture, art objects, musical instruments and engravings.

15. Les 7 Lacs Beaumont de Pertuis

Nature reserve classified as Natura 2000, the 7 lakes form a unique area with an incredible fauna and flora. Within the ranges of pebbles and marshes, you may have the chance to observe a purple heron, a black stork or a large cormoran. Indeed, the reserve is an important migration landmark for these large birds.

In addition to wildlife and flora, it is also possible to hike, swim and fish at the 7 Beaumont Lakes of Pertuis.

How do I go to the Luberon?

Access to the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon is quite simple because the place, located in the PACA region, is close to large cities like Avignon and d Aix-en Provence . To go to the Luberon, here are the two solutions to be preferred:

• Car: it remains the best solution to get there because you are free to travel and have no time constraints. The journey from Paris takes about 7h. You will have to take the A7 motorway towards Avignon, then the RN 7 towards Apt or Cavaillon and finally the RD 900 towards Apt.
• Train: Once you arrive at TGV station in Avignon or Aix-en-Provence, you can easily rent a car to carry out the remaining kilometres.

Where to stay in the Luberon?

Located in the heart of the department of Vaucluse and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the Luberon is a very touristic place. Delimited by four major cities: Cavaillon to the west, Manosque to the east, Pertuis to the south and Apt to the north, you will have no difficulty finding accommodation, whether it is a hotel, a lodging or a lodging. Airbnb . However, to help one another a hotel comparison will help you target the right offer.

However, if you are attracted to the small perched villages of the Luberon, we recommend sleeping in Mergers , Roussillon or Gordes that will charm you by their typical architecture and the surrounding landscape.

So, what do you expect to visit the Luberon?