The Luberon, or Luberon Massif, is a region in southern France within the popular tourist destination of Provence. Consisting of three small mountain ranges – the Little Luberon, the Big Luberon the Oriental or Eastern Luberon – it is an area that has long held a fascination for visitors and settlers looking to find some kind of rural ideal. In fact, the popular book “A Year in Provence” was set in Menerbes, one of the most popular villages in the Luberon. Home to a selection of pretty towns and villages, either perched on hilltops or nestling in lush valleys, the region is also a great holiday destination for those who enjoy getting outdoors. Easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, there are lots of forests, mountain lakes and stunning views to enjoy, and all within a few hour’s drive of the bustling city of Marseille.
Most of the Luberon is full of charming villages and picturesque natural scenery, but there is one area that is celebrated among others and, therefore, most visited by tourists to the area; the Golden Triangle. The triangle is made up of the Little Luberon mountains along the bottom, with the village of Gordes creating the top point. Home to a 16th century castle and a Romanesque Abbey, Gordes is probably more famous for the unusual round stone houses that make up the “village of borries”; borries being a local name for these ancient dwellings, many of which are still in use today, even if they are only storage for local farms.
Bonnieux is one of the many hilltop villages that dot this mountainous region, and it stands opposite the biggest Luberon mountain of them all, Mont Ventoux. Famous for its role in the Tour de France cycling race over the years, Mont Ventoux has become something of a pilgrimage for cyclists from all over the world, who want to try and tackle the steep, windswept slopes. Bonnieux itself is topped by a 12th century church, with the buildings generally getting older as you head down the slope. Not only is it worthwhile making the climb to the top for the church, but also for the spectacular view of Mont Ventoux and the other Luberon peaks.
Menerbes is probably the most famous destination in the Golden Triangle, thanks to the book “A Year in Provence” and the movie “A Good Year” which were both set here. Of course, thousands of fans make their way here every summer, so it can be difficult to enjoy the beauty of the village in peace in the summer months. It is worth putting up with the crowds for the chance to visit the 16th century fortress and the more luxurious chateau du Castellet, where the expressionist artist Nicolas de Stael once lived.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Luberon? Then below is a selection of gites in Luberon and villas in Luberon that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
