The Luberon
Designated as a Regional Natural Park in 1977, the Luberon is typified by mountainous and rocky landscapes and an expansive green plain of luxuriant vegetation and exceptional fauna, thriving in the mild Mediterranean climate.
Over the centuries, the regions cultural heritage and natural environment have co-existed, evolving into its current unique character. The villages, with their ancient, archetypal architecture and historical monuments are the soul of the Luberon, their existence stemmed from their role as strategic sentinels, sometimes to protect their inhabitants, but most often to exploit natural resources.
The Luberon valley has hardly been touched by industry, instead it is a region where the resources of the earth still play a vital economic and cultural role: fruits, vegetables, lavender and truffle are produced in abundance, as is the vine for a famous local label, for mostly red and rosé wine. It is also rich in handicrafts which have been refined and passed on over the centuries and visible in the many pottery and ceramics workshops, for example.
From mid-June to August, you will have the chance to appreciate the fields of lavender in bloom and make unforgettable photos.
Recommended villages to visit include:
- Lourmarin and its castle.
- Bonnieux and its steep streets.
- Roussillon and its ochre quarry.
- Menerbes and Lacoste, ancient hilltop villages with panoramic views of the Luberon valley.
- Gordes , the dry stones village and the Senanque Abbey.
- L’Isle sur la Sorgue and the antique / decoration dealers.
Your driver will advise you on traditional markets that are worthy of a visit, depending on the day of your tour, art galleries or artisan shops, local museums or natural sites, as well as wineries to sample the local production.
Yourchauffeur will also recommend an appropriate place for lunch, whether for a gourmet treat or a lighter meal in a traditional restaurant or bistro, according to your wishes and expectations, please rely on our expertise and our knowledge of the region.
Some suggested links you may want to peruse in advance to inform your choices:
- The Ochre trail in Roussillon www.otroussillon.pagesperso-orange.fr/ang_sentier.html
- The Lavender museum in Coustellet www.museedelalavande.com/
- The Senanque Abbey in Gordes www.senanque.fr/en/
- Chateau La Canorgue winery in Bonnieux www.chateaulacanorgue.com/gb/gb/
- Château Fontvert winery in Lourmarin www.fontvert.com/?lang=en
- La Cavale winery in Cucuron www.domaine-lacavale.com/en/
- The Antique dealers in L’Isle sur la Sorgue www.oti-delasorgue.co.uk/en-ot-delasorgue/art-antiques/antique-dealers-lisle-sur-la-sorgue
- Ceramic and pottery in Bonnieux www.christine-denniel.fr/denniel-ceramics/index.php
