In the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, a string of picturesque villages reveals a more understated side of Provence, amidst rolling hills, ancient stone buildings and landscapes bathed in light. From Bonnieux to Roussillon, a stay in a villa in Provence offers people a chance to discover this region where heritage, nature and the art of living blend together with elegance.
From Gordes and Lourmarin to Roussillon and Ménerbes, each little village in the Luberon exudes a timeless charm in this sun-drenched region that overlooks the Rhône Valley. West of the Valensole Plateau and bordered by the Durance River, the Luberon countryside is a picturesque postcard of lavender fields, vineyards, hilltop villages, and olive groves.
Nestled in the Luberon, Roussillon stands out for its ochre façades, ranging from deep red to bright yellow. These captivating hues accompany every stroll through the village’s colourful narrow streets, past bustling squares and the famous belfry of the Church of Saint-Michel, beneath the blue Provençal sky. They bear witness to the history of the Luberon, which is deeply intertwined with ochre mining.
The Sentier des Ocres extends this immersion, winding between cliffs and forests, offering a striking contrast to the rest of the Luberon. To delve deeper into this discovery, the Ôkhra eco-museum is worth a visit, providing people a better understanding of ochre production through guided tours and workshops.
Our favourite villas in Roussillon: L'Ambre de Roussillon and Villa L’Orée des Collines
Perched on the slopes of the Vaucluse mountains, Gordes overlooks the landscape at the foot of the Luberon hills and is one of the region’s most beautiful villages. Its cobbled streets, known as calades, and ancient stone huts (bories) reveal the area’s characteristic architecture, featuring vaulted ceilings, houses built of light-coloured stone and old mills. The village maintains a balance between heritage and landscape, which has inspired many artists.
At the summit, the 10th-century castle watches over the town and now houses the Pol Mara Museum. Below, the cellars of Saint-Firmin Church, listed as a historic monument, bear witness to the village’s artisanal past in the Middle Ages. Nearby, Sénanque Abbey and its lavender fields offer an iconic view of the Luberon.
Our selection of the most beautiful mas and villas in Gordes: Mas de la Citadelle and Villa Graciana
At the foot of the Luberon, Lourmarin charms visitors with its bustling narrow streets, markets and secluded terraces. The village is organised around lively squares, art galleries and the Protestant church, all of which bear witness to the diversity of its heritage.
Towering over the town, the belfry heralds the 15th-century Renaissance castle, which now hosts exhibitions and concerts. The surrounding area is the perfect setting for wine tasting, set against a landscape opening out onto the Luberon massif. Albert Camus chose to settle in Lourmarin after receiving the Nobel Prize for Literature, and is now laid to rest in the village.
Our magnificent Provençal farmhouse in Lourmarin: Le Galinier de Lourmarin
In the heart of the Luberon, Rustrel retains the charm of a medieval village, dominated by its 17th-century castle that is now converted into the town hall. As you wander through its narrow streets, you will discover a wealth of heritage, including Saint-Romain Church and an old 18th-century oil mill, both bearing witness to local life in days gone by.
A short walk away, the former ochre quarry, in operation between the 19th and 20th centuries, gave rise to the famous Provençal Colorado. The contrasting colours of these cliffs create a unique landscape criss-crossed by paths from which to observe different shades and geological formations.
Discover our villas in Rustrel: Villa Ninou and Villa Fantine
Perched on a rocky outcrop high in the Luberon, Ménerbes is one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’. This limestone village boasts a rich heritage, with churches, towers and ancient stone buildings bearing witness to its history. Once a strategic town on the Via Domitia, the Roman highway between Rome and southern Spain, the village stretches out in the shape of a ship and overlooks a magnificent landscape of garrigue. As you wander through its cobbled streets, you’ll discover a preserved atmosphere that has inspired many artists, including Nicolas de Staël, Picasso and Dora Maar. From the clock tower and the remarkable Domaine de la Citadelle garden, the viewpoints offer sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, Ménerbes is the perfect place for wine tasting. The Corkscrew Museum continues this tradition, whilst the market days are ideal for buying local crafts and locally grown food, with a special focus on black truffles in winter.
Our clients recommend these villas in Ménerbes: Villa Valériane and Villa Sylana
Perched on the slopes of the Luberon, Oppède-le-Vieux is an ancient medieval stronghold that has retained all its charm. Its cobbled streets wind their way through old stone buildings, ruins and greenery, leading up to the castle ruins and the hilltop church.
Less well-known, this village between the Vaucluse hills and the Luberon massif is the real deal, offering amazing views of the surrounding countryside in a peaceful and unspoilt atmosphere.
Stay in an exceptional villa with a pool in Oppède: Villa Inna and Villa Grenadine
Perched high above the Luberon massif, Bonnieux stretches along a steep hillside, offering sweeping views of the valley below. Its sloping, cobbled streets lead up to the Romanesque church at the top of the hill, offering a stunning panorama of the countryside below. With its secluded terraces and vineyards on the hilltop, Bonnieux embodies the balance between heritage and nature, in a setting typical of the beautiful hilltop villages of the Luberon.
The most beautiful villas and Provençal farmhouses in Bonnieux: Villa Stella and Mas Grenache
We offer a selection of villas in the Luberon designed for holidays with family or friends. With private swimming pools, spacious outdoor areas and shaded terraces, these rental homes are designed to help you make the most of every moment.
Our villas are situated in the heart of the Luberon’s most beautiful villages, near Gordes, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Bonnieux and Oppède, offering easy access to the Luberon massif’s stunning landscapes. Nearby, find other villas in some of the prettiest French villages like L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
To enhance your stay, our dedicated concierge service will help you plan your days exactly as you wish: wine tastings, cultural visits, children’s activities or excursions in the region. Always discreet, our team offers its expertise to help you explore the Luberon and its hilltop villages at your own pace, in the best possible conditions. For a memorable stay in one of the loveliest parts of France.
