The Ultimate Guide to the Luberon Valley & Its Hilltop Villages

When it comes to visiting the Luberon, this is one of the best regions to explore in Provence. After several trips there, I’m going to share the Luberon Valley villages you can’t miss while visiting.

The Luberon Valley is a vast region located in the heart of central Provence. As a quintessential part of the South of France, it’s the iconic region most visitors want to visit. Think Peter Mayle’s “A Year in Provence” and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking bout. It’s an area full of charming hilltop towns, incredible landscapes, gastronomy, and historic sites. As one of my favorite places to stay, I always recommend my 7-day itinerary to Provence to explore the Luberon.

So What is the Luberon Regional Natural Park?

The three mountain ranges, Petit Luberon, the Grand Luberon, and the Luberon Oriental make up the regional natural park that is the Luberon Regional Natural Park. It’s nearly 500 square miles of Provincial landscapes dotted with the most idyllic villages, farmers markets, and sights.

This is where you’ll get to discover a handful of ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’ also known as “The Most Beautiful Villages of France.” As one of the 7 regional natural parks of Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, it means you’re in the footsteps of the entire region and it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Global Geopark.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in the Luberon:

1. Domaine Les Petit Vaines, the best private boutique hotel (Goult)
2. La Bastide du Mourre, for the best nearby countryside affordable stay (Oppède)
3. Capelongue, for the best nearby design stay (Bonnieux)
4. La Bastide de Marie, for the best luxury countryside stay (Ménerbes)
5. Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, for the best luxury hotel in town (Gordes)
6. Hôtel Les Bories & Spa, for the best spa stay (Gordes)
7. Hôtel Le Jas de Gordes, for the best countryside stay (Gordes)

For more on where to base yourself in Provence, don’t miss my in-depth Provence guide, where to stay in Provence guide, my 7-day itinerary to Provence, and my recommendations for the best markets in Provence!

Travel Tip: The best way to explore the Luberon is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

The Ultimate Guide to the Villages of the Luberon Valley

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Things to Know About Visiting in the Luberon, France

Where is the Luberon Region?

Nestled in the heart of Provence, the Luberon is a picturesque region in southeastern France. This enchanting area, part of the larger Luberon Regional Nature Park, boasts rolling hills adorned with vineyards, lavender fields, and olive groves. The Luberon is often divided into two main ranges: the Petit Luberon to the west and the Grand Luberon to the east.

How Do I Get to the Luberon?

The closest international airport would be Marseille Airport, about 1.5 hours into the Luberon. For arriving by train, the easiest access train stations would be either Avignon (direct trains from Paris), Nîmes/Arles, or Aix-en-Provence. My preference is to either fly into Marseille and get a car, or train to Avignon and get a car.

How Do I Get Around the Luberon?

By car! You might be able to piece together some bus routes, but to explore the region a rental car is necessary. I’ve driven many times in Provence and it’s quite easy. Signage is good, parking is always available, and a car provides great access.

Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

Where is the Best Place to Stay in the Luberon?

The best place to stay in the Luberon in Provence (in my opinion) is somewhere between Gordes and Goult. I have this entire guide on where to stay in Provence and those villages are my favorite to be based in. A few standout hotels in this area are:

1. Domaine Les Petit Vaines, the best private boutique hotel (Goult)
2. La Bastide du Mourre, for the best nearby countryside affordable stay (Oppède)
3. Capelongue, for the best nearby design stay (Bonnieux)
4. La Bastide de Marie, for the best luxury countryside stay (Ménerbes)
5. Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, for the best luxury hotel in town (Gordes)
6. Hôtel Les Bories & Spa, for the best spa stay (Gordes)
7. Hôtel Le Jas de Gordes, for the best countryside stay (Gordes)

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Visit the Iconic Luberon Villages

Gordes

Perched on a hilltop, Gordes is a stunning village that epitomizes the charm of the Luberon. Its stone buildings, built from local limestone, radiate under the Provençal sun. You can wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, boutiques, and quaint cafés. Visit the iconic Château de Gordes which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley. One of my favorite restaurants in Luberon is here called La Trinquette, and be sure to stop by Le Cercle Républicain for an apero on the terrace!

Rousillon

Famed for its striking ochre cliffs, Roussillon is a village that glows in shades of red, yellow, and orange. This unique coloration comes from the local ochre deposits, which have been harvested for centuries. The village’s charming streets are adorned with colorful houses, and you only really need about an hour or two to see it. Roussillon is also home to the Conservatoire des Ocres, where visitors can learn about the region’s rich history of ochre mining, and be sure to walk Le Sentier des Ocres to see the red and yellow cliffs.

Lourmarin

Lourmarin is a serene village further south that has a blend of history and art. Renowned for its Renaissance château, which is beautifully preserved, this village is one of my absolute favorites in the entire Provence region. Famous writers like Henri Bosco and Albert Camus lived here at one point. And the famous author Peter Mayle, who wrote the famous “A Year in Provence” spent time in Lourmarin too. The village is bustling with restaurants like Bacheto (a must-eat in my opinion), design shops, and quaint streets.

Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Known as the “Venice of Provence,” Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a picturesque town intersected by a network of canals and waterways. If you do one thing in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, it has to be the vibrant Sunday market which has antiques The charming riverside cafés and historic buildings create a romantic setting, ideal for strolls. I would try to time a Sunday morning here!

Joucas

A hidden gem, Joucas is a quaint village that sits in the northern part high above the surrounding landscape, offering breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with traditional stone houses, creating an intimate and peaceful atmosphere. The village is less frequented by tourists, allowing for a more authentic experience of Provençal life. Surrounding fields of lavender and vineyards add to the idyllic setting, while nearby hiking trails invite exploration.

Oppède le Vieux

One of the smaller of the villages to visit in the Luberon, Oppède le Vieux is a village steeped in history and charm set under the ruins of a medieval castle. Set on a rocky outcrop, it offers stunning vistas of the Luberon and the surrounding countryside. The village’s narrow streets lead visitors through ancient stone buildings. Prepare to do a bit of a walk to make it out to the village and up the castle!

Ménerbes

Ménerbes is one of my favorite villages that always has a lot of life going on. It’s small but the vistas from here are ever so grand. I would book in for dinner, come a little before to walk the charming streets, and catch the sunset from here. It’s one of those small villages but still worth the pitstop.

Bonnieux

With its striking position on a hillside, Bonnieux has a terraced layout and iconic church tower that offer stunning panoramic views of the Luberon landscape. The cobbled streets are lined with charming cafés and shops, inviting visitors to soak in the atmosphere.

Goult

I had the chance to spend a long week in the very tiny village of Goult. It’s often overlooked, but because so, it’s very quiet and doesn’t feel as touristy. There is a weekly market which does bring in visitors, but other than that, it’s a handful of restaurants and a lot of charming streets.

Lacoste

Famous for its historical connections to the Marquis de Sade, Lacoste is a village that blends history with artistic flair. The ruins of its medieval castle overlook the stunning Luberon landscape, offering a glimpse into its past. Cobblestone streets wind through the village, showcasing artisan shops and galleries that reflect its creative community. Lacoste hosts cultural events and festivals, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

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Where to Go After the Luberon

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a charming city located in the south of France, known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. It was founded by the Romans in 123 BC and has a wealth of historical sites, including the stunning Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and the ancient Roman thermal baths.

The city is famous for its picturesque streets, lined with cafés, boutiques, and art galleries. Aix-en-Provence also has a lively arts scene, celebrated for its connection to painter Paul Cézanne, who was born there. The city hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Aix-en-Provence Festival, which showcases opera and classical music. I would consider coming here for a few nights on its own.

South of France: French Riviera

The South of France’s French Riviera is one of the best add-ons to time in Provence. You can easily make the 3-hour drive to base yourself in Villefranche-sur-Mer or Nice. From there, do day trips from Nice, and visit towns like Eze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and Menton. This last summer we spent 2 weeks in the South of France before continuing to the Luberon.

Cassis

Every time I’ve been to Provence, I have spent some time in Cassis. Just outside of Marseille, this small seaside port town is incredibly beautiful. You’re close to calanques, you have fresh seafood, and it feels like a postcard.

Annecy

If you’re looking to get up into the mountains, Annecy is your next stop. Train to Lyon and grab a rental car or train all the way to Annecy. I’ve been several times and can never get enough of this destination in France. Annecy, often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps,” is a picturesque town in southeastern France, located on the shores of Lake Annecy and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Its charming canals, colorful buildings, and vibrant flowers make it a must-see.

Languedoc-Roussillon

Another hidden gem is to head south-west towards the Languedoc. Known for medieval towns like Carcassonne, great farmers, wine, and history, it’s a bit of an undiscovered part of France. It often gets overlooked for Provence, but don’t sit on the gems there.

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