10 most beautiful villages in Luberon (with our photos)

Perched on its limestone hills, amid vineyards, lavender fields, and cherry orchards, the Luberon boasts a remarkable concentration of stone villages.
In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon to add to your itinerary, complete with practical tips and a map.

The Most Beautiful Villages of the Luberon: Summary + Map

Map

The Luberon offers a wide variety of villages, all perched on hills and built of stone, but each with its own unique character.
Here’s the map with our top 10 places to visit:

Which villages in the Luberon should you visit? Quick response:

It’s really hard to give them orders because they all have very different personalities. In fact, they’re also on our list of the most beautiful villages in Provence. If you only need to visit 4, to get an overview of the different styles:

• Gordes
• Roussillon
• Saignon
• Saint-Saturnin-les-Pat
• On the other hand, all of these villages are on a slope. If you have a hard time getting around, Lourmarin is your best bet.

1. Saignon

Why visit?

We really fell in love with Saignon—no doubt because it’s less crowded than its better-known neighbors. From the parking lot at the entrance, you can already see the village and the surrounding hills. We recommend that you follow the natural order of the tour: the church, then Place de la Fontaine, one of the most beautiful squares in the Luberon, surrounded by old stone houses.

The narrow streets then wind their way up toward the Rocher Majeur, a promontory that overlooks the village and offers views of the tiled rooftops and the Apt plain. A map post at the other end of the rock helps you identify the surrounding peaks.

The must-dos

• The view from the road above the parking lot
• The church
• Fontaine Square
• The narrow streets and their old stone houses
• The Washhouses
• …

How to get there

• Near Apt, in the southern part of the mountain range
• From Apt = 10-minute drive
• From Avignon = 55-minute drive
• From Aix-en-Provence = 55-minute drive
• There is a parking lot at the entrance to the village

Practical Tips

• The streets are steep and the ground is uneven: be sure to wear sturdy shoes
• There are public restrooms in the village
• Allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the entire tour
• View accommodations in Saignon

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• There is a lot of demand, book it early.

See the cars

See our tips

2. Gordes

Why visit?

Gordes is undoubtedly the most photographed village in the Luberon, nestled on a hillside overlooking the valley. We understand why it’s so popular, even though it attracts large crowds. The castle, which overlooks the village, is home to the Pol Mara Museum, dedicated to the Belgian artist of the same name. The calades—the narrow cobblestone streets typical of the region—wind their way up between the stone houses to the remains of the medieval ramparts.

We also recommend walking down to the wash house, at the very bottom of the village at the back of the canyon: the water flows directly over the rocks there—a spot that many visitors miss because they stay in the center.

The must-dos

• Bel-Air Rock, a scenic overlook on Route D15
• The Castle of Gordes and the Pol Mara Museum
• Château Square and its fountain
• The cellars of the Palais Saint-Firmin, an underground network beneath the village
• Saint-Firmin Church
• The Panoramic Lookout in Gordes
• The cobblestone streets and the remains of the city walls
• The washhouse, at the very bottom of the village

Attractions to visit in combination with the village

• The village of Les Bories, a cluster of dry-stone huts
• Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey, surrounded by fields of lavender
• Lavender Museum, Olive Oil Museum

How to get there

• Northwest Luberon
• From Avignon = 40-minute drive
• From Apt = 20min drive
• From Aix-en-Provence = 55-minute drive
• There are several parking lots where you pay by half-day; the ones closest to the village fill up quickly

Practical advice

• This is a very touristy village—come early to enjoy the peace and quiet and find a spot
• The village is on a slope, and the terrain can be challenging
• Allow 1 hour to walk around the town center, or half a day to a full day if you include the castle, the wine cellars, and the abbey.
• The castle and cellars of the Palais Saint-Firmin close at midday
• There are public restrooms across from the post office
• Plan an extra day for the surrounding sites—Reservations are required to visit Sénanque
• View accommodations in Gordes —the colors at sunset are well worth it

3. Roussillon

Why visit?

Roussillon is known for its facades in shades of ochre, ranging from pale yellow to deep red—a color gradient that stems from the ochre deposits once mined around the village. We were particularly taken with this play of colors, which is visible as soon as you enter the historic district.

From the belfry and the orientation table, the view stretches across the Monts de Vaucluse and Mont Ventoux. Right behind Saint-Michel Church, there’s another viewpoint worth checking out. We recommend extending your visit by taking the Ochre Trail, which starts right in the village and allows you to see these formations up close.

The must-dos

• St. Michael’s Church
• The heart of the village and its ochre-colored facades
• The Belfry
• The view of the rocks from the bridge
• The view behind the church, overlooking the Monts de Vaucluse and Mont Ventoux
• The Ochre Trail, accessible directly from the village
• The View of the Naiads

Attractions to visit in combination with the village

• The Ochre Ecomuseum

How to get there

• Heart of the Luberon
• From Apt = 15min drive
• From Avignon = 45min drive
• From Aix-en-Provence = 1-hour drive

Practical advice

• A village on a gentle slope, with terrain of moderate difficulty
• The Ochre Trail has a few flights of stairs; allow 40 minutes to 1 hour for the full loop
• There are restrooms located between the village and the Ochre Trail
• The Roussillon market is held on Thursday mornings, which severely limits parking
• View accommodations in Roussillon

WHERE TO STAY IN Lubéron

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Our favorites:

In Gordes, a truly exceptional village:
Mas des Romarins Hotel – check photos and availability

Around Mane and Forcalquier:
Couvent des Minimes Hotel – check photos and availability

Around Menerbes, in the heart of the villages:
Bastine de Marie Hotel – check photos and availability

See our selection: Where to Stay in the Luberon

View the top-rated accommodations directly >

4. Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt

Why visit?

Although less well-known than its neighbors Gordes and Roussillon, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt is still worth a visit. We enjoyed the loop trail that starts at the mill—a natural starting point for the tour—and winds through the village before climbing up to the ruins of the medieval castle.

The climb is quite steep and the ground is uneven, but the views of the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse make the effort worthwhile. The village also preserves two 17th-century windmills, a 19th-century dam, and several 18th-century ornamental gates—all of which bear witness to its agricultural and defensive history.

The must-dos

• The ruins of the medieval castle
• 17th-Century Windmills
• The Ayguier Gate and the City Walls
• Saint-Étienne Church
• The 19th-century dam
• The Fountains and Place de la Fontaine
• Ornamental Doors from the 18th Century
• The view of the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse

How to get there

• Just a few minutes from Apt
• From Apt = 10-minute drive
• From Avignon = 50-minute drive
• From Aix-en-Provence = 1-hour drive
• There are several small parking lots around the village; the most convenient one is near the mill

Practical advice

• Allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the entire loop
• The path up to the ruins is steep and the ground is uneven: be sure to wear sturdy shoes
• The weekly market is held on Tuesday mornings
• View accommodations in Saint-Saturnin

5. Ansouis

Why visit?

Ansouis is one of the villages listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” and you can tell as soon as you arrive on the Allée aux Platanes, which offers a beautiful view of the village. We then explored its narrow streets, which were quieter than those in Gordes or Roussillon, passing through the small gate and the belfry.
What stands out most about the village is its greenery. It really is a combination of old stone and plants.

The must-dos

• The Plane Tree Alley and its view of the village
• St. Martin’s Church and Its Remaining Paintings
• The village lanes
• The Little Gate
• The Belfry and the Brotherhood House
• The Watchtower
• The wash house

How to get there

• Southern Luberon
• From Aix-en-Provence = 30-minute drive
• From Avignon = 55-minute drive
• From Apt = 30min drive

Practical advice

• A village on a slope, with uneven ground and steps in some places
• The Museum of Curiosities is only open in the afternoon: be sure to factor this into your schedule
• The castle is private property and is not open to the public.
• View accommodations in Bonnieux

ACTIVITIES IN THE Luberon

• Hot-air balloon
• Via ferrata
• Truffle Hunting
• Winery Tour

6. Bonnieux

Why visit?

Bonnieux is spread out across a hill, between the old village below and the church atop the hill, at the very top of a staircase with more than 80 steps. We found it a little harder to find our way around this village than others, due to a lack of clear signage, but that also adds to the fun of exploring.

The Saint-Denis Church, also known as the Église Haute, towers over the landscape; however, please note that it is sometimes closed for renovations, so be sure to check before you visit. The buildings aren’t as well-renovated as in some villages, but this place feels more lively and less touristy. We liked the atmosphere there.

The must-dos

• The Upper Church (Saint-Denis), also known as the Old Church
• The Bakery Museum
• The Garden of the She-Wolf
• Remains of the ramparts
• The orientation table
• The Bonnieux Market (Tuesday morning)
• The nearby Julien Bridge

How to get there

• Heart of the Luberon
• From Apt = 15min drive
• From Avignon = 50-minute drive
• From Aix-en-Provence = 50-minute drive

Practical advice

• The village is very steep, with moderately challenging terrain
• Signage is limited: be sure to pick up a map before you go
• Check in advance to see if the Upper Church is open, as renovation work is sometimes underway
• View accommodations in Bonnieux

7. Lourmarin

Why visit?

Lourmarin is actually more of a small town than a village, but it has preserved an old town center at its heart, around which it has built its reputation. The main attraction remains its Renaissance castle, which features a richly carved spiral staircase and a remarkable fireplace in the reception hall. We enjoyed the castle and its views of the village.

We have mixed feelings about this village. We love how easy it is to explore, some of the narrow streets, and its castle. But we find that it has less character than the others, perhaps because it’s flatter and therefore much more touristy.

The must-dos

• Lourmarin Castle and Its Spiral Staircase
• The château’s olive grove (free admission)
• The alleys in the city center
• The village church
• Albert Camus’s grave, at the cemetery
• The view of the village, near the cemetery

How to get there

• Southern Luberon
• From Aix-en-Provence = 35-minute drive
• From Avignon = 55-minute drive
• From Apt = 25-minute drive
• Free parking is available all around the village, in every direction

Practical advice

• The terrain varies from street to street; some are easier than others
• Part of the village is closed on Friday mornings for the market
• The castle has many staircases with high steps: it is not very accessible to people with limited mobility
• A very busy village with many restaurants
• View accommodations in Lourmarin

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8. Ménerbes

Why visit?

Ménerbes stretches out along the hillside, with views that frequently open up onto the surrounding Luberon. We found that the village had slightly fewer charming narrow streets than other villages in the mountain range, and the Saint-Luc Church was closed during our visit; we therefore recommend that you check its hours in advance.
Its real highlight is the almost constant views of the natural surroundings around the village. We really enjoyed our stay there.

The must-dos

• The medieval village and its narrow streets
• Le Castelet (private castle)
• St. Luke’s Church
• The House of Truffles and Wine
• Dora Maar’s House (exterior view)
• Renaissance Mansions
• The belfry and its bell tower
• The Saint-Blaise Chapel
• Views of the Luberon

Attractions to visit in combination with the village

• The Corkscrew Museum
• Saint-Hilaire Abbey
• The Domaine de la Citadelle: Winery and Museum

How to get there

• Western Luberon
• From Apt = 20min drive
• From Avignon = 45min drive
• From Aix-en-Provence = 50-minute drive
• Paid parking at the village entrance

Practical advice

• The slope is relatively gentle compared to other villages in the Luberon
• The entrance to the village is wheelchair-accessible, though the ground becomes more uneven as you approach the church
• View accommodations in Ménerbes

9. Simiane-la-Rotonde

Why visit?

Simiane-la-Rotonde is located on the edge of the Luberon, geographically closer to the Forcalquier Plateau, but is often included in the region’s tourist itineraries. We loved the peaceful atmosphere of the village, with its narrow streets lined with unplastered stone houses overgrown with plants.

The Rotunda, a one-of-a-kind circular hall at the top of the castle, is the site’s main attraction. We also recommend the Saint-Pierre Church and the panoramic view from the top of the village. In late June and early July, the lavender fields at the foot of the village add an extra touch of color to the visit.

The must-dos

• The Château de Simiane-la-Rotonde and its Rotunda
• The old medieval village and its narrow streets
• St. Peter’s Church
• The panoramic view from the village
• Lavender fields (in season)
• The Fragrant Plants Cooperative

Attractions to visit in combination with the village

• The garden at Valsaintes Abbey, about a 10-minute drive away

How to get there

• On the eastern edge of the Luberon, near the Forcalquier Plateau
• From Apt = 30min drive
• From Forcalquier = 20-minute drive
• From Aix-en-Provence = 55-minute drive
• Parking at the top of the village, or halfway up (smaller lot)

Practical advice

• Allow 1.5 to 2 hours, including the tour of the castle
• The ground is actually pretty good compared to other hilltop villages in the region, despite the slope
• There are few shops and restaurants in the area
• Public restrooms are available
• The local farmers’ market is held on Thursday mornings
• An international early music festival is held in the summer
• View accommodations in Simiane

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10. Mane

Why visit?

Mane is located on the eastern border of the Luberon, on the slope facing the Forcalquier plateau. We found the village itself to be very steep, with terrain that was sometimes difficult, so you’ll need good shoes. The church, the narrow streets, and the citadel’s rampart tower—which is privately owned—make up the historic center.

But our favorite spot is still the Salagon Priory, just outside the village: this site features ethnobotanical gardens and a museum with a high-quality interactive exhibit. We recommend that you allow 1 to 2 hours for your visit, depending on your interest in the gardens. The Château de Sauvan and the Hôtel du Couvent des Minimes, which houses a fine-dining restaurant and a bistro, are also worth a visit.

The must-dos

• The church
• The alleys
• The tower on the citadel’s ramparts (privately owned)
• The Local Products Store
• The Caramel Factory
• The Priory of Salagon and Its Ethnobotanical Gardens
• The Roman bridge, accessible via a staircase from an unpaved parking lot above the Hôtel du Couvent des Minimes
• Sauvan Castle

How to get there

• On the eastern border of the Luberon, near Forcalquier
• From Forcalquier = 5-minute drive
• From Apt = 45-minute drive
• From Aix-en-Provence = 50-minute drive
• From Avignon = 1 hour and 20 minutes by car
• Park at the Maison des Produits Locaux

Practical advice

• The village is very steep, and the terrain is rough: be sure to wear sturdy shoes
• Allow 1 to 2 hours for the Salagon Priory, depending on your interest in the gardens
• The priory is easy to explore, with seating available along part of the route (grass and dirt paths)
• Restrooms are located in the priory’s reception building
• View accommodations in Mane

Other villages in the Luberon to explore

And if you still have some time to spare in the Luberon, here are some other villages that are also worth visiting.

11. Lacoste

Lacoste is built around the former castle of the Marquis de Sade, whose silhouette towers over the entire village. The cobblestone alleys, the Portail des Chèvres, and the belfry form a well-preserved medieval ensemble. The SCAD FASH Museum, dedicated to fashion and film, is housed in several buildings scattered throughout the village and also hosts artists-in-residence. From the heights, the view stretches across the Luberon and Mont Ventoux.
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours if you don’t visit the castle, and up to 2.5 hours if you include it in your itinerary.

12. Lauris

Lauris overlooks the Durance Valley in the southern Luberon. Although the castle is privately owned and not open to the public, its terraced gardens and the view of the valley remain accessible.

13. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse owes its fame to its spring, one of the most powerful in France, which feeds the Sorgue River. The village is home to several old mills and a museum dedicated to the poet Petrarch, who once lived there.

14. Oppède-le-Vieux

Oppède-le-Vieux, perched on its rocky outcrop, lay abandoned for a long time before undergoing partial restoration beginning in the mid-20th century. The ruins of the castle and the church, at the summit, offer views of the Luberon.

15. Robion

Robion, on the edge of the mountain range, remains less crowded than the hilltop villages in the center of the Luberon. Its market and lively village atmosphere make it a convenient stop between two sightseeing trips.

16. Les Taillades

Les Taillades is known for its old stone quarries, which have now been converted into a park, and for the Carpentras Canal, which runs through the town.

Must-See Towns in the Luberon

Please note that in some lists of the most beautiful villages, you may sometimes see other entries. They’re actually cities, but it’s true that their historic centers have a bit of a village feel to them.

Apt

Apt, the capital of the Luberon, may seem uninviting when you drive through it. But if you take the time to stop and look around, the old town center and its narrow streets have a great atmosphere. We strolled around St. Anne’s Cathedral and the Roman ruins, including an ancient amphitheater. The markets in Apt (Saturday morning) and the farmers’ market (Tuesday morning) are well-known throughout the region.

Manosque

Manosque, on the eastern border of the Luberon, still has a medieval town center with several of its old city gates. The old town has a lot of charm. And you’ll find a few interesting art museums there.

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue serves as the gateway to the Luberon from Avignon. With its canals, waterwheels, and Sunday antique market, it’s a destination like no other—more focused on water than on stone.

Cavaillon

Cavaillon, at the foot of Saint-Jacques Hill, is best known for its melons and its Provençal market. It’s a good starting point for visiting the villages in western Luberon, including Gordes and Roussillon.

Forcalquier

Forcalquier, the former capital of Haute-Provence, is located on the eastern border of the Luberon. Its Monday morning market and its citadel—which is within walking distance of the city center—make it a great place to visit. And in the city, you’ll also find a surprising old cathedral.

EXPLORE the Luberon

• Top Attractions in the Luberon
• Best Villages
• Where to stay

• Gordes: Attractions – Hotels
• Roussillon
• Provençal Colorado

SHE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE Claire