Located within the Provence of southern France, Luberon region is a stunningly beautiful area full of culture and history.
Here’s your guide to exploring this incredible corner of the world! Get ready to learn about Luberon’s picturesque villages, fascinating landmarks and exquisite cuisine as we take you through everything this region has to offer.
What is the Luberon Region?
The Luberon Region is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southeastern France. It extends from the Rhône River valley in the west to the Mediterranean Sea in the east, and encompasses an area of approximately 1,500 square kilometers. The region is renowned for its scenic beauty, mild climate, and traditional Provencal way of life. Luberon’s main town is Apt, which serves as a gateway to the region’s many attractions.
Among the most popular tourist destinations in the Luberon Region are the towns of Gordes and Roussillon, both of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Gordes is also home to a number of well-preserved medieval buildings, including the Château de Gordes and the Église Notre-Dame des Pompiers. Roussillon, meanwhile, is known for its ochre quarries and picturesque hilltop villages. Other popular attractions in the region include the lavender fields of Sault, the Venetian bridge at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct.
Why Visit Luberon
There are many reasons to consider a trip to Luberon, located in southeastern France. This region is renowned for its lavender fields (the best time to see them is from late June to early August), picturesque villages, and stunning natural scenery. Luberon is also relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists, meaning that visitors can enjoy a more authentic experience.
Whether you’re looking to relax in the countryside or explore some of France’s hidden gems, Luberon is the perfect destination. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should visit this beautiful region:
1. To see the lavender fields in bloom
2.To explore charming villages like Gordes and Roussillon
3. To hike or bike through Provence’s stunning landscapes
4. To enjoy the region’s delicious food and wine
5. To experience French culture away from the hustle and bustle of major cities
Where are the best attractions?
The Luberon region is home to many beautiful and interesting attractions. Some of the best include the following:
* The Gorges du Verdon – The Verdon Gorge is one of the most impressive canyons in Europe. It is located in the southern part of the region and offers amazing views.
* Roussillon – Roussillon is a lovely village located in the heart of the Luberon. It is known for its ochre cliffs and pretty streets lined with flowers.
* Ménerbes – Ménerbes is a picturesque hilltop village with great views over the valley below. Its narrow streets are lined with traditional stone houses and there are several excellent restaurants.
* Bonnieux – Bonnieux is another village worth visiting, especially for its views over the Mont Ventoux mountain. There are also some interesting churches and Roman ruins in Bonnieux.
Where to stay and eat
There are countless charming villages and towns to stay in while visiting the Luberon. Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, and Ménerbes are just a few of the standout places to stay. To get a true sense of Provence, consider staying in an authentic gîte or mas (Provencal farmhouse).
When it comes to dining in the Luberon, there is no shortage of excellent restaurants serving up traditional Provençal cuisine. Some of our favorites include La Fontaine de Vaucluse in Gordes, La Maison du Savon in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Le Bistrot du Paradou in Ménerbes.
How to get there
There are numerous ways to get to Luberon, depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation.
By Plane: The closest airport is Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), which is served by a variety of domestic and international airlines. From the airport, you can either rent a car or take a bus or train to Avignon, then transfer to another bus or train for the short journey to Luberon.
By Train: If you’re coming from another city in France, you can take the TGV high-speed train to Avignon TGV Station. From there, you can connect to a regional train or bus line that will take you the rest of the way to Luberon.
By Bus: There are several long-distance bus companies that operate routes to and from Luberon. Alternatively, if you’ll be starting your journey in Avignon, you can take one of the many local buses that run between the two cities.
Regardless of how you choose to travel, getting to Luberon is easy and straightforward. Once you arrive in this beautiful region of France, you’ll be able to start exploring all it has to offer!
Getting around
There are a few different ways to get around the Luberon. You can either drive, take public transportation, or rent a bike.
If you choose to drive, keep in mind that the roads can be narrow and winding. Be sure to allow extra time to get to your destination. Parking can also be difficult to find in the villages, so it is best to park outside of the village center and walk in.
Public transportation in the Luberon is limited. There is a bus that runs between Apt and Cavaillon, but it only runs a few times per day. There are also a few trains that run through the region, but they do not stop at all of the villages. If you are planning on taking public transportation, be sure to check the schedule ahead of time.
Renting a bike is a great way to see the countryside and get some exercise at the same time! There are many companies that offer bike rentals, and most of them will deliver the bikes right to your door.
What is there to do in Luberon?
Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, Luberon is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The area is renowned for its picturesque Provencal villages, lavender fields, and olive groves. It’s no wonder that the region has been a popular destination for writers and artists over the years.
In addition to its natural beauty, there are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. Here are some ideas for things to do in Luberon:
- Visit one of the many quaint villages, such as Gordes or Roussillon
- Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Gorges du Verdon
- Hike or bike through Vaucluse Mountain Park
- Take a wine-tasting tour of local wineries
- Sample delicious regional cuisine at one of the many restaurants or markets
- Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the rivers, canals, and lakes of the area
- Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise on Lake Lignon
- Go hot-air ballooning for spectacular views of the region
- Visit one of the many lavender fields in full bloom during summer months
Transportation in and around the Area
The Luberon is a beautiful and largely unspoiled area of Provence in the south of France. There are no high-speed highways or airports, but the area is well served by a good network of roads and there are several regional airports within an hour or so’s drive.
The best way to get around the Luberon is by car. This allows you to stop when and where you want, and really explore the backroads and small villages that make this region so special. There are, however, some drawbacks to driving in Provence. Traffic can be heavy in summer, and parking can be difficult to find in popular towns and villages.
If you’re not comfortable driving in Provence, or if you simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of having a car, there are other options for getting around. You can take the train from Avignon to major towns like Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, and Nice. Or you can use one of the many regional bus services that operate throughout Provence.
Top Activities in Luberon
There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained in Luberon. Here are some of the top things to do:
Visit a lavender farm: Lavender is one of the most iconic flowers of Provence and a visit to a lavender farm is a must-do activity while in Luberon. Many farms offer tours where you can learn about the history and production of lavender, and some even have shops where you can purchase lavender products.
Hike through Gorges du Verdon: The Gorges du Verdon is one of the most scenic areas in all of France and is well worth a visit. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, with breathtaking views at every turn.
Visit the village of Roussillon: Roussillon is a picturesque hilltop village that is known for its reddish ochre cliffs. Wander through the narrow streets and take in the views from the top of the village – it’s truly stunning.
Go wine tasting: Provence is well-known for its delicious wines and there are plenty of wineries to choose from in Luberon. Go on a tour, learn about the production process, and sample some of the region’s best wines.
Take a kayak or canoe tour: Explore the Aiguebrun River on a kayak or canoe tour for an afternoon of fun. You’ll pass by some of the most beautiful landscapes in Provence and discover hidden gems along the way.
Visit a market: Head to one of Luberon’s weekly markets to take in the local culture and pick up some fresh, locally-grown produce. The markets are bustling with activity and offer an authentic glimpse into life in this part of France.
Day Trips in Luberon
There are plenty of great day trips you can take from Luberon. Here are a few ideas:
1. Visit the nearby town of Gordes, which is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. Wander through the medieval streets and soak up the atmosphere.
2. Take a hike in the Luberon mountains and enjoy the stunning views. There are plenty of trails to suit all levels of fitness.
3. For something a bit different, head to the village of Roussillon where you can see ochre cliffs and learn about the local industry that produces this brightly coloured pigment.
4. Or how about a wine-tasting tour? The Luberon region is well-known for its wines, so make sure you try some while you’re here!
What to Pack?
When packing for a trip to the Luberon, be sure to pack comfortable shoes and clothes as you will be doing a lot of walking. The weather in the spring and summer is usually mild, so light clothing is all that is needed. However, if you are traveling in the winter, be sure to pack a sweater or jacket for the cooler evenings. Also, don’t forget to pack your bathing suit if you plan on spending any time at the pool or beach. Other essential items to pack include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect you from the sun.
Basilica of Sainte Chapelle d’Avignon
The Basilica of Sainte Chapelle d’Avignon is a 12th-century Romanesque church in the historic city of Avignon, France. The church was built by order of Pope Innocent IV as a shrine to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. It is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.
The exterior of the Basilica is relatively plain, compared to the lavish interior. The interior is divided into two levels: an upper chapel with 14 large windows and a lower chapel with 28 smaller windows. The upper chapel is where the relics are housed, and it is illuminated by natural light from the stained glass windows. The lower chapel was used as a place of worship for pilgrims and monks.
Today, the Basilica is open to visitors who can admire its beautiful architecture and learn about its history.
Fontaine de Vaucluse
The Fontaine de Vaucluse is one of the most popular attractions in the Luberon region. The spring is located in the village of Vaucluse, and is the source of the River Sorgue. Visitors can take a boat ride on the river, or hike up to the spring itself. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes in the village.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a small town in the Luberon region of Provence, in southeastern France. It is best known for its namesake wine, which has been produced since the 14th century. The town itself is quite pretty, with medieval architecture and cobbled streets. There are a few small museums, and a number of vineyards offering tours and tastings. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a great base for exploring the rest of the Luberon, as well as the nearby Côtes du Rhône wine region.
Abbey Vallée d’Ussé
The Abbey Vallée d’Ussé is a historic Benedictine monastery in the heart of the Luberon region of Provence. The Abbey was founded in the 10th century by monks from the nearby Abbey of Saint-Gilles, and was a prominent center of learning and culture for centuries. The Abbey fell into decline in the 18th century, and was abandoned during the French Revolution. Today, the Abbey is a ruin, but its beautiful setting and history make it a popular tourist destination.
The Cathedral at Apt
The Cathedral at Apt is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Luberon region. Located in the town of Apt, the cathedral is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. The cathedral was built in the 12th century and has been well-preserved over the centuries. Visitors can explore the interior of the cathedral and see its many beautiful features, such as the stained glass windows and the carved stone façade. The cathedral is also home to a number of valuable works of art, including a painting by Leonardo da Vinci.
The Regional Natural Park of Chaintré
The Regional Natural Park of Chaintré is located in the south of France and covers an area of 8,600 hectares. It was created in 1970 and is one of the largest natural parks in France. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species. There are also numerous walking and cycling trails through the park, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Annual Weather Forecast
The Luberon region of France has a typical Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cooler, wet winters. The best time to visit the area is from April to June or September to October, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.
The average temperature in the Luberon region in July is 27°C (81°F), and the average temperature in January is 8°C (46°F). The highest recorded temperature in the area was 40°C (104°F) in August 2003, and the lowest was -9°C (16°F) in February 1956.
Precipitation levels vary throughout the year, with an average of 724mm (28.5in) of rainfall per year. The wettest months are usually December and January, while the driest months are typically July and August.
The Luberon region is one of the most beautiful areas in France, and a great option for those looking to explore something different. It’s full of history, culture and natural beauty that can be explored by day trips or longer stays. Whether you’re visiting the picturesque villages, tasting local delicacies or wandering through the lavender fields, there are plenty of things to do here! We hope this travel guide has given you an insight into what life in Provence is like – Bon voyage!
