rent villas in the Luberon in sunny Provence from owners direct holiday rentals

The Beauty of the Luberon

Bordered at the western limit by Avignon and on the eastern side by Manosque (headquarters for the well known "L'Occitaine), it is a beautiful, lively region with markets in different villages and towns each day of the week. The area includes the departments of the 'Vaucluse' on the western end of the region and the 'Alpes de Haut Provence' on the eastern end, stretching some 75km end-to-end.

A large part of the valley is in the Luberon National Park which is a protected area with many hiking trails (the 'grand randonnes' and the 'petites randonnes'), forests, rafting streams, cliffs for scaling and lookouts for viewing the natural beauty.

Nestled between two mountain ranges, the "Monts du Vaucluse" to the north (with Mont Ventoux as the noticeable beacon) and the "Petit-" and "Grand-Luberon" Mountains on the south, the Luberon valley has a natural abundance of riches for which it is famous. The mineral ochre can be seen in many areas as cliffs have eroded. Artists for centuries have used its rich colors for fine arts, crafts and more commercial uses. It is the many variations of this color that permeate so much of the Luberon.

With the abundant sunshine, fertile soil and temperate climate, the Luberon produces many wines but is probably best known for its varieties of rosé. Numerous varieties of goat cheese are also a special source of pride in the Luberon, perhaps best known from the town of Banon on the northern, "Monts du Vaucluse" side of the Luberon. Fruits, olives and olive oil and, of course, its famous lavender are all in abundance under these ideal conditions.

The terrain of a valley between two facing mountain ranges was also ideal for defenders to construct "perched villages" to guard against any unexpected attacks from bellicose visitors to the region.

Some of the better known "perched" villages in the Vaucluse region include the quaint Roussillon which has a wonderful promontory for viewing the panorama of the region. There is a not-to-be-missed self-guided tour of the ochre cliffs that are prominent in Roussillon and indeed in many parts of the Luberon in general.

Near Roussillon, the road leading to Gordes rounds a bend in the hilly terrain and provides a breathtaking full view of the famous village which appears to be clinging to the rock on which it sits. It reminds one of a mini-Mont St. Michel in the way it reaches for the sky. There are many quaint shops, restaurants and streets to amble through while there.

Remains of the Via Domita, the 3rd century 'Pont Julien' (Julien bridge) crosses the Cavallion River and heads to the southern mountain range of the Luberon. There are numerous picturesque villages along the way, such as Lacoste where the Marquis de Sade had a chateau that is still lit dramatically on the hillside at night but is mostly in ruins. One can see Bonnieux across the ravine from the plateau of the Marquis' chateau. Bonnieux affords a wonderful view of the valley looking back towards Mont Ventoux and has a fascinating church and quarters to explore at the very top of the village.

About 5 km east of these lovely villages lays the largest town in the area known as Apt. It is the center of commerce and activity for the area. It has a wonderful system of pedestrian streets that have been blocked to traffic so that one can peacefully amble through endless shops and restaurants from very modest to fine dining. There are many fetes in Apt and a large market every Saturday morning that is definitely worth the time to visit.

Just east of Apt is the ancient hilltop village of Saignon that is a delight to spend an afternoon exploring. Again at the very top is a spectacular church and lookout of the whole region. At the center of the village is a lovely fountain, platane trees (which are ubiquitous) and a restaurant that services dishes to match the beautiful setting.

Farther to the east is the quaint little town of Cereste which is situated in a breathtaking part of the valley. For such a small town, it has numerous good restaurants and shops. It is the last town of any size before reaching the eastern most end of the valley at Manosque.

You will not tire of the natural beauty nor lack for activities in the Luberon region in the Vaucluse and the Alpes du Haute Provence.

The other, south side of the Luberon Mountains has bountiful sites and villages to explore as well such as Lourmarin, Ansouis, Cucuron, and La Tour d'Aigue. About 45 minutes south of this area is Aix-en-Provence which merits at least a day or two of exploration.

Within an hour to an hour ˝ driving distance, there are beaches, large towns, the historical Avignon which not only has such must-see sites as the "Palais des Papes" but also a TGV train station which makes Paris only 2 ˝ hours away. The Marseille airport is about 1 ˝ hours by car from Vaucluse.

towns in Provence

villas Provence

Apt (2)

A comfortable flat for 2 in the Luberon hills.
apartment for rent Apt sleeps 2
apartment in Apt for rent 3364

19th c. stone house in heart of Luberon, beautiful views, peaceful, close to famous hilltop villages
country house for rent Apt sleeps 4-8
country house in Apt for rent 4158

Artignosc/Verdon (1)

Very attractive architect-designed house
villa apartment for rent Artignosc/Verdon sleeps 8
villa apartment in Artignosc/Verdon for rent 3301

Cereste (1)

Luxury restored villa in Luberon (Provence) with private pool and garden and stunning views of the Alps.
villa for rent Cereste sleeps 6
villa in Cereste for rent 3779

Reillanne (1)

A haven of peace in the heart of the Luberon. Beautifully restored stone farmhouse with magnificent pool and spectacular views Sleeps 2-6 in Provence
farmhouse for rent Reillanne sleeps 2-6
farmhouse in Reillanne for rent 3921