Top Places to Visit in the Luberon Valley of Provence

Provence is home to the beautiful region of Luberon, where there are countless charming towns and villages to visit. If you're trying to decide which places to visit, here are some suggestions:

Gordes

Beautiful stone architecture of the historic Gordes village perched on a hill at golden hour in Provence
Gordes Village

This beautiful hilltop village is one of the most picturesque in the region, with narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful stone houses, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Be sure to visit the castle, the Saint-Firmin Palace, and the nearby Abbey of Sénanque, known for its beautiful lavender fields.

When visiting Gordes, make sure to stop by Senanque Abbey, also known as the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. This is a Cistercian abbey located in the heart of the Luberon region in Provence, France. The abbey was founded in 1148 by a group of Cistercian monks, who were looking for a peaceful place to live and pray. The abbey is known for its beautiful Romanesque architecture and lavender fields. Today, the abbey is still home to a small community of Cistercian monks, who follow a simple and austere way of life, centred around prayer, work, and study. The monks welcome visitors to the abbey, who can attend Mass and visit the church and cloister. The abbey is also known for its lavender fields, which bloom in the summer months and are a popular attraction for visitors to the region.

Detail of Romanesque stone arches and columns in the serene cloister garden of Sénanque Abbey Provence Elegant carved stone columns and arches bathed in sunlight within the Sénanque Abbey cloister in Provence Classic stone arches of a historic cloister looking out onto a manicured garden in Provence Serene cloister garden with manicured hedges and stone arches at historic Sénanque Abbey Provence Iconic Sénanque Abbey rising above vibrant purple lavender fields under a clear blue Provence sky A long row of ancient stone columns and arches in the atmospheric cloister of Sénanque Abbey Provence Detailed view of ancient carved stone columns inside a historic cloister in Provence Luberon Valley Detailed view of intricately carved stone columns and arches in the ancient cloister of Sénanque Abbey Beautiful sunny cloister garden with stone arches and columns at the historic Sénanque Abbey Provence Wide view of the historic Romanesque cloister and garden with hydrangeas at Sénanque Abbey Provence Iconic Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey towering over fragrant lavender fields in the Luberon Valley Provence

Roussillon

Roussillon is one of the most visually striking villages in Provence. Perched on a hilltop and surrounded by pine forests and vineyards, it is famous for its rich ochre tones that glow under the southern French sun.

Unlike other stone villages in the region, Roussillon feels warm and vibrant. Its façades range from soft peach to deep burnt orange, a result of the natural ochre deposits in the surrounding cliffs. Even the shutters and doors seem chosen to complement the earthy palette. As you wan`der through the narrow lanes, every turn offers a new contrast of colour and texture.

Historic orange building with green shutters and flags in Roussillon village, Luberon Valley, Provence Vibrant ochre building in Roussillon Provence with light blue shutters and balcony flowers displaying French flags Charming artisan shop entrance on a narrow ochre street in Roussillon village Luberon Valley Provence Old stone house covered in lush green vines with vibrant red shutters in a Roussillon village street A happy couple walks hand-in-hand through a charming ochre archway in Roussillon village Provence Happy young couple embracing on a colorful village street in Roussillon Luberon Valley Provence Happy young woman tourist smiling in a historic stone archway in Roussillon the Ochre Village of Provence Picturesque Roussillon hilltop village with ochre buildings and a church spire framed by purple lavender in Provence Inviting shop entrance adorned with potted plants and crafts in Roussillon Provence Young woman smiling while sitting on the steps of a colorful artisan shop in Roussillon village Provence Atmospheric narrow ochre street lined with traditional buildings and shops in Roussillon village Provence Bright red and yellow ochre buildings with green shutters and parked bicycles in a picturesque Roussillon street Scenic aerial view of Roussillon village terracotta rooftops nestled among pine trees and ochre cliffs Luberon Purple lavender-like flowers in focus with blurred orange village rooftops from Provence's Luberon Valley Roussillon hilltop village with terracotta roofs and bell tower, framed by purple lavender fields in Provence Charming narrow street with traditional ochre stone buildings and old trees in Roussillon, Luberon village Panoramic view of green pine forests and red ochre cliffs in the scenic Luberon Valley, Provence Panoramic view of Roussillon village houses nestled among pine forests and red ochre cliffs in Provence

Le Sentier des Ocres

If you are visiting Roussillon in Provence, you must make time for Le Sentier des Ocres.

Roussillon is known for its warm terracotta façades and glowing cliffs, but it is on Le Sentier des Ocres where you truly understand why. The former ochre quarries have carved the landscape into dramatic shapes, with tones ranging from soft apricot to deep rust red.

Tip

Wear dark-coloured clothing carefully. The dust stains easily and the fine ochre powder gets everywhere, especially on shoes.

Panoramic view of Roussillon the stunning ochre village nestled among green trees under a blue sky Striking red and yellow ochre cliffs of Roussillon's Ochre Trail with vibrant pine trees in Provence Majestic ochre cliff face with tall pine trees reaching towards a brilliant blue sky in Roussillon Dramatic orange ochre cliffs with green trees under a blue sky in Roussillon Provence Panoramic view of Roussillon village from an ochre trail viewpoint in the Luberon Valley Provence Expansive view of vibrant ochre cliffs overlooking a green forest in the Luberon Valley Provence Red ochre formations and a sandy path winding through pine trees in Roussillon Luberon Valley Towering ochre cliff face covered with lush trees under a bright blue sky in Roussillon Provence Vibrant red and yellow ochre cliffs with green trees and a cypress against a blue sky Provence

Ménerbes

This charming village is perched on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Be sure to visit the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin, a museum dedicated to the local truffle and wine industries, and the nearby Fort de Buoux, a historic fortress with impressive views.

Woman standing by an old stone building with La Vie Est Belle sign in a Gordes village street Charming cobblestone street winding through ancient stone buildings in the picturesque Gordes village, Provence Rustic stone house covered in green vines and flowers with blue shutters in Gordes village, Provence Historic stone building with ornate balcony, turret, and cypress tree in the beautiful Gordes village Ancient stone archway with vibrant green ivy leading to a village path in the Luberon Valley

Bonnieux

This hilltop village is known for its elegant architecture, beautiful views, and charming shops and cafes. Be sure to visit the Vieil Oppidum, an ancient Roman site that offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside.

Picturesque hilltop village of Bonnieux in Provence, nestled among green trees and rolling hills Woman standing in front of a traditional Provence house with striking lavender purple window shutters Scenic aerial view of a picturesque French village and church in the Luberon Valley Provence landscape Scenic view of a church bell tower and terracotta roofs overlooking the expansive Luberon Valley Provence Panoramic view of a hilltop village with stone houses and a church in the beautiful Luberon landscape Woman in a white dress walking through a vibrant lavender field with a historic village and castle in Provence Woman in a straw hat walking through a fragrant lavender field with a medieval village in Provence

Lourmarin

Charming narrow street lined with traditional stone buildings and local shops in Roussillon Luberon Historic building covered in climbing green ivy with an outdoor cafe in a picturesque Luberon village Picturesque village square featuring traditional buildings a clock tower and bustling outdoor cafe in Provence Cobblestone street with outdoor restaurant seating and historic stone buildings in a medieval Luberon village Traditional stone building covered in green ivy with a closed outdoor cafe in a charming Luberon village Charming traditional house in Provence covered in lush green ivy and flowering vines in the Luberon Valley Historic corner building with Le Tonneau shop and blue shutters in a charming Luberon village street Picturesque narrow street lined with traditional stone buildings and charming boutiques in a Provence village Bustling outdoor cafe Le Tonneau on a sunny street corner in a picturesque Luberon village in Provence Elegant stone angel statue surrounded by pink roses in a beautiful village square in Provence

This picturesque village is known for its beautiful castle, charming streets, and excellent restaurants. Be sure to visit the Château de Lourmarin, a historic fortress that now houses a cultural centre and hosts regular exhibitions and concerts.

Panoramic view of a picturesque hilltop village surrounded by green trees and mountains in Luberon Valley
Lourmarin Village

Gorges du Verdon

This is another place that’s near Luberon that’s worth a visit. Gorges du Verdon is a spectacular natural canyon that’s approximately 25 kilometres long and up to 700 metres deep, with towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters that flow through it. It was formed over millions of years by the Verdon River, which has carved its way through the rocks to create this breathtaking landscape.

Scenic view of the Gorges du Verdon turquoise river winding through mountains with multiple small boats

Joucas

Joucas feels worlds away from the busier Provençal villages. Just a short drive from Roussillon, it offers a completely different atmosphere: calm less frequented.

Joucas is a small village, built from pale local stone that blends into the surrounding hills. There are no crowds flowing through the streets, no rows of souvenir shops. Instead, you find quiet streets, carefully restored houses, and wide open views stretching across vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees.

Quaint cobbled street with ancient stone buildings adorned with blue shutters in Gordes village Provence Serene winding street with traditional stone buildings and blue shutters in a picturesque Luberon village Historic stone archway over a cobbled path with lush greenery in the beautiful Gordes village Provence Traditional stone house with terracotta roof tiles nestled among green foliage in a scenic Luberon village

Oppède-le-Vieux

Oppède-le-Vieux feels like a village suspended between past and present. Unlike the more polished Provençal towns, it has a raw, weathered beauty: stone walls softened by moss, narrow alleys that open onto unexpected terraces, and ruins that hint at centuries of history. From the highest points, the views stretch across the valley, revealing vineyards, olive groves, and the distant Luberon ridges.

Quaint stone village street winding through the Luberon Valley with lush mountains in Provence France Historic stone houses and blooming flowers line a charming village street leading to a castle in Provence Luberon Panoramic view of a charming Provençal village with terracotta roofs nestled in the lush Luberon Valley landscape Ancient stone clock tower and archway marking the entrance to a historic village in the Luberon Valley Provence Ancient stone castle wall with a round turret and battlements in a historic village of Provence Luberon Valley Historic stone bell tower beside a cypress tree overlooking a picturesque valley in the Luberon Valley Provence Woman walking up a scenic cobblestone path towards a historic stone bell tower in a charming Luberon village Ancient cobblestone path leading to a historic stone bell tower and cross in a serene Luberon village Charming narrow stone street in an ancient Luberon village, surrounded by green foliage and pink flowers Historic stone building with a bell tower and archways, nestled in a charming Luberon Provence village

Saignon

Saignon is small but full of character. It’s the kind of place to wander without a plan, linger on a terrace with a view, and take in the golden light that makes the Luberon so memorable. It’s less touristy than nearby hilltop villages, offering a more genuine slice of Provençal life.

Charming ivy-covered stone house with pink shutters and wooden door on a cobblestone street in Provence Quaint village square with a stone fountain and ivy-covered buildings under sunlight in the Luberon Valley A young couple walks hand-in-hand past an ivy-covered building with pink shutters in a charming Luberon village An old stone fountain with statues stands in a charming cobblestone street in a historic Luberon village Golden light illuminates an ancient stone fountain and ivy-covered building in a charming Luberon village square A stone fountain with statues in a picturesque Luberon village square with soft lavender blooms in the foreground An ornate stone fountain stands before an ivy-clad building with red flowers in a sunny Luberon village Ancient stone arches and an ivy-covered building with a historic street lamp in a charming Luberon village A narrow cobblestone street winds through old ivy-covered buildings with colorful shutters in a Luberon village A tall historic building draped in green ivy with pink shutters in a charming Luberon Valley village Rows of vibrant lavender fields stretch towards a beautiful hilltop village in the stunning Luberon Valley Provence

Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt

Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt is quieter than some of the more famous Luberon villages, offering a sense of calm and space to explore. It’s ideal for wandering slowly, enjoying the local architecture, and soaking in the natural beauty that frames the village.

Sunny street scene in a picturesque Luberon village with vibrant buildings and blue shutters of Provence Bright street lined with colorful buildings and cafe in a charming Luberon Valley village of Provence Historic street in a beautiful Luberon Valley village of Provence leading to a towering church steeple Grand stone church steeple with a clock tower stands tall in a historic Luberon Valley village Provence Panoramic view of a picturesque Luberon Valley village in Provence with a church steeple and rolling hills Colorful houses line a charming street with blooming flowers in a vibrant Luberon Valley village Provence

Lavender Fields in June & July

Don’t forget to stop by the lavender fields along the way! Here are some of our favourites around Rustrel, Saignon and Bonnioux.

Rows of blooming purple lavender fields stretching toward green hills and ochre cliffs in Luberon Provence Close-up of a bee gathering nectar from a vibrant purple lavender flower in Provence Luberon Close-up of purple lavender flowers backlit by warm sunset light, with a bee in Provence Luberon Rustic stone house with a tall cypress tree surrounded by blooming lavender fields at sunset in Luberon

Additional Towns to Visit

If you're looking to explore some lesser-known destinations in the Luberon, here are some suggestions:

  • Apt: It is known for its beautiful historic centre, local markets, and picturesque surroundings.
  • Rustrel: This small village is located near the town of Apt and is known for its colourful ochre quarries. Be sure to visit the Colorado Provençal, a stunning natural park with vibrant red and orange cliffs.
  • Cucuron: This village is known for its picturesque square, which is surrounded by a beautiful 16th-century church, an ancient fountain, and several cafés and restaurants.
  • Lauris: This village is located on the southern edge of the Luberon valley and is known for its beautiful castle and gardens. Be sure to visit the Jardin Conservatoire, a beautiful botanical garden that specializes in Mediterranean plants.

These are just a few of the many wonderful places to explore in the Luberon that are off the beaten path. Whether you're looking for quiet villages, scenic hikes, or cultural attractions, this special region has something for everyone.

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