Why you should include a visit to Lourmarin and the Luberon on a trip to Provence
Lourmarin is a tiny, medieval village huddled under the southern Luberon’s gently folded landscape.
Resplendent with vineyards, olive groves, abundant fruit trees, timeless perched villages and in the summer, endless fields of sunflowers and fragrant lavender.
A magical place of meandering, cobbled streets lined with crumbling clay tiled, golden stone buildings, watch the video here.
Lourmarin is full of vibrant cafes and restaurants, a handful of chic boutiques and enticing art galleries.
Every Friday it is host to a bustling market, colourful stores packed with locally grown produce.
Table cloths flap in the gentle breeze alongside baskets and all the treasures of a Provencal marché
A tour round Lourmarin’s mystical 15th century château should not be missed nor an evening at one of its’ lavish music concerts.
The nearby enchanting perched villages are well worth exploring, especially Bonnieux, Goult, Ménerbes, Lacoste, Oppède-le-Vieux, Roussillon and Gordes & despite Lourmarin itself not being ‘perched’ its’ mesmerizing beauty has won it the honor of being one of ‘les plus beaux villages de France.’ Watch the video tour of the Luberon villages here
Every Sunday there is an incredible antiques market and Provencal market at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a pretty 30 minute drive along the Luberon Valley. Get there before 9.30am as the parking can be very busy!
Just 68km to the north lies the stunning wall city of Avignon, watch the video tour here
37km to the south is the vibrant university town, Aix-en-Provence.
A short drive further the coastal towns of Bandol and Cassis and the sparkling Cote d’Azur.
It is no surprise that living near Lourmarin inspired Peter Mayle to write; (‘A Year in Provence’, ‘A Good Year’) for the region’s timeless beauty reaches into the soul, it is utterly captivating.
How to get to Lourmarin
The nearest major airport is Marseilles (MRS), a 45 minute drive from Lourmarin. There are numerous international connections to Paris, London, Frankfurt, Munich & other major European cities. If driving, Lourmarin is about 20km from the A7 autoroute traveling north and the A51 to the A8 is 20km to the south.
What to see and do in Lourmarin
Lourmarin is in the Luberon Valley in the Vaucluse department of Provence, in south eastern France. A small enchanting area of sprawling vineyards, olive trees, sunflowers, shuttered, limestone buildings and medieval villages. Stunningly beautiful, people come to stay in Lourmarin to just ‘be’; to spend long, lazy days under cornflower blue skies, lavender perfuming the air and crickets chattering through the night. It’s intoxicating, a place of artists and authors, a place to dream about and yearn for when you are far away
A part of Lourmarin since the 12th century, it now hosts many wonderful performances and exhibitions and every summer is home to artists, writers and musicians.
Every Friday 8.30am -1.00pm the streets are bursting with a vibrant collection of wonderful local produce & all things Provencal. Unlike some, The Lourmarin market operates year round.
Other Luberon Markets: (NB: some are seasonal)
Monday: Cadenet, Cavaillon, Lauris
Tuesday: Cucuron, Gordes. Lacoste
Wednesday: Merindol, Pertuis, Salt,
Thursday: Goult, Menerbes Rousillon
Friday: Lourmarin, Bonnieux
Saturday: Apt
Sunday: L’Isle sue La Sorgue
Where to stay in Lourmarin
RENTING A PROPERTY
You can rent my house, Maison des Cerises, right in the middle village!
Completely renovated (December 2017) it has air-conditioning, two double bedrooms – both with en-suites bathrooms – a terrace, separate laundry (washer and drier) Wifi, Smart TV and American style fridge freezer. Do contact me if you are interested!
Renting a house provides a tiny snapshot of what it is like to actually live here; having more space to relax and shop in the local stores and markets to cook at home. If my house is unavailable or doesn’t suit, Nikki at Rent Our Home offers a charming selection of other properties.
HOTELS & BED & BREAKFASTS
Rue du Temple, 84160 Lourmarin +33 (0)4 90 68 06 69 Price: €150 -€450 per night (breakfast buffet €18.00 per person) Closed: mid January – February. A boutique hotel set within an old olive mill located in the center of the village.
HOTEL BASTIDE DE LOURMARIN Route de Cucuron, 84160 Lourmarin +33 (0)4 90 07 00 70 Price from €140 great central location with pool, spa and restaurant.
MAISON COLLONGUE 44 Chemin de Collongue 84160 Lourmarin + 33 (0)4 90 77 44 69 Price: From €150 per room Closed beginning of the year 5 luxurious modern bedrooms, within a Provencal Mas.Breakfast included, brunch on request €27. On Tuesdays, a fabulous dinner is served in the garden, €75 per person Lovely pool and gardens to relax in, on site massages can be arranged.
COTE LOURMARIN Impasse du Pont du Temple, 84420 Lourmarin +33 (0)6 09 16 9180 Price: €170- 250. A beautiful, historic mansion offering accommodation in 2 elegant rooms. Decorated with exquisite taste by your charming hostess, for whom nothing is too much trouble. Breakfast included, brunch available on request €18.
MAS DE LA LOMBARDE Puyvert BP 32 84160 Lourmarin + 33 (0)4 90 09 97 40 Price: from €160 Closed November – March, check website.An exceptional place offering varied options; stay within the honied walls of an old Mas or at the neighbouring old domaine, both minutes from Lourmarin. Rent the newly renovated chic, apartment in the village. Enjoy the pool and the gardens from the shade of the old truffle oaks, it will be hard to tear yourself away!
HOTEL AUBERGE DE LA FENIÈRE Route de Lourmarin [ D943 ] 84160 Cadenet +33 (0)4 90 68 11 79 Price: €150 enquire from website (breakfast buffet €18.00 per person) Closed: mid January – February. Hotel Auberge de La Fenière is a 4 star boutique hotel just 2 miles from Lourmarin. One gourmet restaurant (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)and a more casual Bistro offering a gluten free menu. (closed Wednesday and Thursday)
LAURIS
DOMAINE DE FONTENILLE Route de Roquefraiche, 84360 Lauris +33 4 13 98 00 00 Price: from €170
A luxury spa retreat just 10 minutes from Lourmarin set within beautiful grounds adjacent to its wine domaine, with two good restaurants: Le Champ des Lunes, & La Cuisine d’Amélie, gorgeous!
BONNIEUX
There are several excellent choices in this pretty perched village, which seemingly hangs on the hillside, just 20 minutes from Lourmarin
DOMAINE DE CAPELONGUE Chemin des Cabanes, Les Claparèdes, 84480 Bonnieux + 33 (0)4 90 75 89 78 Price: from €180 enquire from website
Set above the village of Bonnieux a luxurious boutique Relais & Château hotel with a gastronomic, restaurant. For more casual dining La Bergerie is opposite, where it is also possible to stay in the old sheep fold with magnificent views across its sweeping gardens. Open 7 days a week, year round.
LES TROIS SOURCES Chemin de la Chaîne – 84480 Bonnieux +33 (0)4 90 75 95 58
Price: €80-140 and 1 suite for 4 people €140-200 all with en-suites and internet access, breakfast included. 3 charming spacious rooms the property is set within 8 acres of rolling cherry orchards and vineyards just below the village of Bonnieux. A great location for exploring the Luberon Valley.
LE PUY-SAINTE REPARADE
THE VILLA AT CHATEAU LA COSTE ~ at Château La Coste 2750 Route De La Cride, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade +33 (0)4 42 61 92 92 Price:From €550. A really luxurious boutique hotel on an incredible 800 hectare wine estate featuring an amazing outdoor art collection. Leave time to take the 2 hour walking tour and dine in at least one of the domaine’s restaurants.
CHATEAU DE FONSCOLOMBE Route de Saint-Canadet. 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade +33 (0)4 42 211 313 Price: from €190.00. Gorgeous 5 star luxury Relais Château hotel and wine estate with pool spa and wonderful dining set on a stunning 18th century estate
Where to eat in Lourmarin
There are many delicious choices in Lourmarin and the nearby area, here are our favorites.
LA LOUCHE A BEURRE
Route Apt, 84160 Lourmarin Tel:+33 (0)4 90 68 00 33 Price: Lunch and dinner (same menu) mains €12.00 – €30.00. One of our favourite spots in Lourmarin for a delicious, thinly sliced steak smothered in a roquefort, mustard or shallot sauce, the most wonderful ‘frites’ & a crisp salad. On a cold winter’s night, sitting by the central open fire, eating by candlelight, what could be more perfect? Also serves scrumptious crêpes and offers good daily specials.
L’INSOLITE
Place de la Fontaine, 84160 Lourmarin +33 4 90 68 02 03 Price: from €17.00 Delicious local food open all year 7 days a week, we love dining on the pretty rear terrace or on the street at the front outside
PIZZERIA NONI
2 Rue Albert Camus 84160 Lourmarin Tel:+33 (0)4 90 68 23 33
Price: From €12.00 Best pizzas in Lourmarin, cooked to perfect in the ‘feu de bois’, also available for take away. Serves other delicious Italian dishes, booking required as it’s always packed!
GINA’S CAFÉ CUISINE
Le Clos de la Treille, Rte d’Apt, 84160 Lourmarin + 33 (0)4 90 79 12 82 Price: from €10.00 A great coffee & lunchtime spot with scrumptious, homemade Italian food & excellent takeaway service from talented owner & chef Nanou.
CAFÉ GABY
Place Ormeau, 84160 Lourmarin +33 (0)4 90 68 38 42 Price: from €7.00 Always open, breakfast, coffee, a rosé or beer with simple, delicious food. THE place in Lourmarin to watch the world go by, its hardworking owner Marco is a treasure.
LA MAISON CAFÉ
2 montée du Galinier, 84160 Lourmarin +33 (0)4 86 78 48 16 Serving light snacks and drinks. Open most evenings all summer. We love to sip a cocktail on the upstairs terrace here, a very special spot
RAVI
Place Henri Barthélémy, 84160 Lourmarin +33 (0)4 90 79 21 92. The ice cream spot in Lourmarin, delicious homemade ices made from fresh fruit with no additives, also wonderful homemade citrus cakes and desserts.
BOUCHON
9 Rue du Grand Pré, 84160 Lourmarin 04 90 68 17 29 Price:from €17.00 per person
A buzzing Tapas Bar right on the street where we live!
BAMBOO THAI
Le Paradu 21 Rte d’Apt, 84160 Lourmarin +33 (0)4 90 68 8815 Takeaway: +33 (0)6 09 51 32 98 Price: from €25.00Wonderful, authentic Thai food, closed Mondays.
Route de Lourmarin [ D943 ] 84160 Cadenet +33 (0)4 90 68 11 79 Price: Restaurant, approx: €80.00 Bistro, mains from €35.00 Closed: mid January – February A gourmet restaurant (closed Mondays & Tuesdays) & Bistro offering a gluten free menu (closed Wednesday & Thursday) 2 miles from Lourmarin, 4 star boutique hotel, booking advisable.
DINING IN OTHER LUBERON VILLAGES
CUCURON ~MATCHA
Mnt du Château vieux, 84160 Cucuron +33 (0)4 86 78 55 96 Price from €25.00 5 miles from Lourmarin, delicious food never disappoints. Open Monday – Wednesday 8h30-17h Thursday – Friday 8h30-14h et 19h30-21h Reservations essential also offers take away email for either: matcha.restaurant@gmail.com
LAURIS ~ DOMAINE DE FONTINELLE
Route de Roquefraiche, 84360 Lauris Tel: +33 4 13 98 00 00 Choose from Michelin-starred Le Champ des Lunes (from 58 euros), & La Cuisine d’Amélie creative small plates, (14-20 euros) on the terrace
ANSOUIS ~ LA CLOSERIE
Boulevard des Platanes, 84240 Ansouis Tel: +33 (0)4 90 09 90 54
Price: Set menus from €28.00 -€65.00, also À la carte. Situated in the tiny, quaint, village of Ansouis, 15 minutes from Lourmarin, La Closerie is an elegant, restaurant with contemporary decor and pretty terrace. Really wonderful food, so booking, essential!
MERINDOL ~LE BASTIDE DU GRAND TILLEUL
1 Avenue des Bruillères, 84360 Mérindol Tel: +33 (0)4 32 50 20 82
Only open April -October. Price: Mains from €25.00 20 minutes drive from Lourmarin, imaginatively cooked cuisine with local produce, a very pretty garden for lunch. People hesitate to write a review as they want to keep it a secret!
GRAMBOIS ~ L’AUBERGE DES TILLEULS
Moulin du Pas, 84240 Grambois Tel: +33 (0)4 90 77 93 11
Price: Set menus from €34.00 – €58.00, lunch €26.00 also a la carte. Wonderful, family run restaurant in a lovely traditional setting. After the meandering 25 minute country drive from Lourmarin this is a special place to enjoy a long, lazy lunch in the pretty garden in charming Grambois, booking essential!
BONNIEUX ~ LA BASTIDE at DOMAINE DE CAPELONGUE
Chemin des Cabanes, Les Claparèdes, 84480 Bonnieux Tel: + 33 (0)4 90 75 89 78
Michelin Star Restaurant Price: Menus €120.00 – €170.00. 11 course menu €190.00. Set within the luxurious, boutique Relais and Château hotel of the same name, just a mile above the perched village of Bonnieux. More casual dining at La Ferme de Capelongue, opposite, where it is also possible to stay in LA BERGERIE an old sheep fold with magnificent views across its sweeping gardens. Open 7 days a week, year round, for lunch or dinner. Booking advisable.
BONNIEUX ~ L’ AROME BONNIEUX
2 Rue Lucien Blanc, 84480 Bonnieux Tel: +33 (0)4 90 75 88 62
Closed Wed and Thurs closed Mon and Tues lunchtime. One Michelin star offering fabulous cuisine, combining flavours from across the globe, cooked with freshest of local ingredients
MENERBES ~BISTRO LE 5
5 Place Albert Roure 84560 Menerbes Tel: +(33) 04 90 72 31 84 Open year round and one of our favourites for lunch. Everything is delicious and the view breathtaking!!
GOULT: ~ LA TERRASSE
Rue de la République, 84220 Goult Tel: +33 (0)4 90 72 20 20
Price: From €24.00 for 3 courses Goult, is a pretty 30 minute drive from Lourmarin, La Terrasse is well worth the trip! Each course here is more scrumptious than the last, home cooked food at its best with delightful service! Great place to plan to eat whilst touring the beautiful villages of the Luberon.
LE PUY-SAINTE-REPARADE
2750 Route De La Cride, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, +33 4 42 61 92 92 Five incredible restaurants, we especially love La Terrasse for lunch outside.
CHATEAU FONSCOLOMBE
Route de Saint-Canedet 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade +33 (0)4 42 211 313 Price from $35 euros. Dine on a stunning 18th century estate in this gorgeous 5 star luxury Relais Château hotel and wine estate with pool and spa.
LOCAL WINERIES
Sample the vintages & renowned local rosés from the many terrific local wineries. These are just a few of our favourites:
Domaine de Fontenille Route de Roquefraiche, 84360 Lauris, +33 04 13 98 00 00
La Cavale 3017 Route de Lourmarin, 84160 Cucuron, Tel: +33 4 90 08 31 92
Château La Coste 2750 Route De La Cride, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, +33 4 42 61 92 92
Château Constantin D139 Route du Jas de Puyvert 84160 Lourmarin Tel: 04 90 68 38 99
Château Canorgue the Route du Pont Julien 84480 Bonnieux Tel: 04 90 75 81 01 (Famous for being Chateau La Siroque in ‘A Good Year’)
Château Fontvert Path Pierrouret 84160 Lourmarin Tel: 04 90 68 35 83
Château la Verrerie 84360 Puget-sur-Durance Tel: 04 90 08 32 98
Domaine de La Citadelle, Cavaillon Road, 84560 Ménerbes, Tel: 04 90 72 41 58
Domaine de Marie 400 chemin des Peirelles, 84560 Ménerbes Tel : +33 (0)4 90 72 54 23
There are many great wine tours we loved the one offered by Avignon Wine Tour, read about it here
What to do near Lourmarin
Sights to visit and things to do in the surrounding Luberon Valley and elsewhere in Provence.
THE LUBERON VALLEY
Resplendent with orchards, vineyards & olive groves where the scent of lavender fills the air and enchantment fills your soul……(click here for a video tour of the Luberon villages)
BONNIEUX
Bonnieux (10km north of Lourmarin) is the closest perched village to Lourmarin. Visit its two churches, The Bread Museum and Chateau Canorgue (Chateau Sirroque in the movie ‘A Good Year’)
GORDES
Gordes (30km north) is perhaps the most well known of the Luberon’s perched villages, stop for a photo shoot as you approach, market day is Tuesday!
and don’t miss a visit to Abbaye de Sénanque.
ROUSILLION
Roussillon (22km north) is famous for its incredible red ochre earth which for centuries was mined for its rich pigments and still defines this pretty little town.
OPPEDE
Visit Oppède-le-Vieux, (28km north-west) the ancient abandoned Oppède-le-Vieux, on the hill with the newer Oppède lying on the Valley Floor.
FACTORY OCCITANE
Factory Occitane is just outside Manosque, (63km east) learn the fascinating story of this now world famous company & their impressive commitment to sustainability & ‘giving’.
MARSEILLE
Marseille (59km south) is Frances’ largest city after Paris. Rich in history, dating back to the Greeks who bought the first vines to Provence.
AIX EN PROVENCE
Aix-en-Provence (37km south) is Provence’s sun-drenched university city, serenely beautiful, a market to be found most days, a favourite of the artists; Cézanne, Gaugin & Van Gough.
BANDOL
Bandol (109km south), famed for it vines is a quaint little fishing town on the Mediterranean
CASSIS
(89km south) take a boat tour & discover its renowned finger like coastal inlets, Les Claques, then dine on its picturesque quayside.
SAINT REMY DE PROVENCE
Saint-Rémy (50km east) is a charming very Provencal town and once the home of Van Gogh, there is a wonderful self-guided Van Gogh walking tour. Saint-Rémy it is full of shops and restaurants, we like to visit on a Wednesday for it’s fantastic market and combine it with a trip to the nearby perched village of Les Baux-de-Provence.
LES BAUX DE PROVENCE
Les Baux de Provence (58km south east) is a truly stunning perched village. Tour the spectacular chateau ruins, and do NOT miss the Carrières de Lumières a lazer video projected onto the walls of one hundred foot high.
bauxite caves showing the art of the masters; Van Gough, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Gaugin and in 2016 Marc Chagall. Click here for a video vignette of Carrières de Lumières, it is utterly breathtaking!
Avignon (68km north) is a stunning medieval, walled city most famous for Les Palais des Papes – the home of the Popes for 100 years and the Pont D’Avignon, the tour of both is fascinating!
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE
Châteauneuf-du-Pape (85km north) is France’s first wine appellation, where the vines which produced the wines for the Popes were grown.
Uzès (130 km north west) is a gorgeous bastide town famous for its wonderful Saturday market held in its delightful square, Place-aux-Herbes, not to be missed! Download The Uzès Travel Guide PDF here:
FURTHER AWAY ~ NIMES, ARLES, AIGES MORTES NICE & COTE D’AZUR,
Download the printable Lourmarin Travel Guide (it might take 30 seconds)
Click here for a suggested itinerary for your Luberon stay
For further ideas visit Luberon Coeur De Provence
Do let my know your own recommendations AND please contact me if you would like additional help: hello@shuttersandsunflowers.com
Thank you so much. This is a wonderful guide. Let’s hope we can book a reservation soon.
Hi Mary Ann
So glad you like it and yes I hope we can all travel again and soon! Take care and stay safe Caroline
Love your post and totally agree with all you said about Lourmarin. We stayed for 10 days back in 2018 and we are dreaming of when we can travel back there again. Love reading your articles and congratulations on the safe arrival of your grandson. Keep well and safe.
Thank you so very much Andrea you keep safe and well too
Hello,
We are also lovers of Luberon & Provence for everything that the region has to offer. From the scenic beauty to the food and scents. We just finished renovating an 18th century townhouse in Luberon with the goal of welcoming travelers such are yourself and would love to welcome you. Please visit us at http://www.lamaisondebeaumont.com
Niki & Navid
Hi Niki and Navid Thank you for reaching out and sharing you stunning property with me, it looks heaven!! I will be sure to let my readers know about it and yes it would be lovely to come and meet you when we can finally return to the beuatiful Luberon
Thank you for your wonderful article !
We are also lovers of Luberon & Provence for everything that the region has to offer. From the scenic beauty to the food and scents. We just finished renovating an 18th century townhouse in Luberon with the goal of hosting travelers such as yourself and would love to welcome you at La Maison de Beaumont.
Please visit us at http://www.lamaisondebeaumont.com
Niki & Navid