Luberon, France Travel Guide

Discover Luberon, a stunning region in Provence, France, known for its charming villages, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

Nestled in the heart of Provence, the Luberon region in France is a captivating blend of picturesque villages, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and lavender fields, Luberon offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Each village has its own unique charm, from the ochre cliffs of Roussillon to the medieval streets of Gordes. The Luberon is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With numerous hiking and biking trails, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the region at their own pace. The Luberon Regional Nature Park is a must-visit, offering a diverse range of flora and fauna. For those interested in culture, the region is home to many historic sites, including ancient abbeys, castles, and Roman ruins. Gastronomy is another highlight of the Luberon. The local markets brim with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and fine wines. Enjoy a leisurely meal at a traditional bistro or indulge in gourmet dining at one of the region's Michelin-starred restaurants. The Luberon truly offers a rich tapestry of experiences, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Luberon.

Visit the local markets early in the morning for the freshest produce and best selection.
Rent a bike to explore the scenic trails and vineyards at your own pace.
Plan your visit during the lavender season, typically from late June to early August, for breathtaking views.
Stay in a local bed and breakfast for an authentic experience and warm hospitality.
Don't miss the sunset views from the hilltop village of Gordes; they are truly spectacular.

Explore Luberon: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Luberon

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Le Café Van Gogh

Experience the artistic charm of Le Café Van Gogh in Arles, where delectable French cuisine meets the legacy of Vincent van Gogh.

2.9

La Chartreuse-Centre national des écritures du spectacle

Discover the artistic heart of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon at La Chartreuse, where history and modern creativity converge in a stunning cultural landmark.

4.5

Ôkhra - Écomusée De L'ocre Roussillon

Discover the vibrant world of ochre at Ôkhra, where art, culture, and nature converge in the heart of Roussillon, Provence.

4.7

Château Fortia Sarl

Explore Château Fortia, a premier winery in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where tradition meets exceptional wine tasting in the beautiful Rhône Valley.

4.9

Best landmarks in Luberon

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Le Sentier des Ocres

Explore Le Sentier des Ocres, a stunning hiking area in Roussillon, where vibrant ochre cliffs meet rich history and diverse wildlife in a picturesque setting.

4.5

Parc naturel régional du Luberon

Discover the enchanting beauty of Parc naturel régional du Luberon, a haven for nature lovers and a cultural gem in the heart of Provence.

4.5

The Provençal Colorado

Explore the stunning ochre cliffs and vibrant landscapes of the Provençale Colorado, a unique hiking area rich in history and natural beauty.

4.4

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

Experience the serenity and historical significance of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a must-visit Cistercian abbey set amidst breathtaking lavender fields.

4.5

Best restaurants in Luberon

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Bistrot le 5

Experience authentic French cuisine at Bistrot le 5 in Ménerbes – where every meal is a celebration of local flavors and beautiful surroundings.

4.0

LA BERGERIE

Discover La Bergerie: A charming French restaurant in Maubec offering authentic cuisine and breathtaking views.

4.3

La Trinquette

Experience authentic French and Mediterranean cuisine amidst stunning views in picturesque Gordes at La Trinquette.

4.6

Café de la Poste

Experience authentic French cuisine at Café de la Poste in Goult - a charming culinary gem nestled in the heart of Provence.

4.0

Best bars in Luberon

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Bistrot le 5

Experience the essence of Provence at Bistrot le 5, where authentic French cuisine meets a charming atmosphere in the heart of Ménerbes.

4.0

Le Cercle Républicain

Discover Le Cercle Républicain in Gordes, a delightful bar and café offering stunning views, local flavors, and a charming atmosphere in the heart of Provence.

4.2

Brasserie St André

Experience the essence of Provence at Brasserie St André, where authentic French cuisine meets stunning Luberon views.

4.1

Café du Progrès

Experience the heart of Provençal culture at Café du Progrès, a charming bistro in Ménerbes offering delicious local cuisine and warm hospitality.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Luberon

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Bistrot le 5

Experience the flavors of Ménerbes at Bistrot le 5, where traditional cuisine meets a charming atmosphere.

4.0

L'Esclave

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Avignon at L'Esclave, where music, dancing, and unforgettable memories await.

3.7

Cherry's Club & Restaurant Avignon

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Cherry's Club & Restaurant in Sorgues, where dining meets dancing in an unforgettable atmosphere.

3.3

La Maison Café

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean at La Maison Café, a cozy bar and lounge in the heart of Lourmarin.

4.5

Best shops in Luberon

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Le Potager Du Chateau

Experience the authentic taste of Provence at Le Potager Du Chateau, a charming store in Gordes offering fresh pasta, fruits, and exquisite local wines.

4.8

Ladurée

Discover the elegance of French pastry at Ladurée, a gourmet cake shop in Gordes, known for its exquisite macarons and delightful teas.

4.2

Charlotte Boutik

Explore Charlotte Boutik in Gordes for exquisite gifts, unique costume jewelry, and charming home goods that embody the spirit of Provence.

3.4

Eclectic-Art

Explore a unique antique store in Cavaillon offering art restoration, collectibles, and handmade crafts for the discerning traveler.

5.0

Explore Luberon on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Luberon, mapped for you.

Luberon Essentials

Luberon is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. The nearest international airport is Marseille Provence Airport, approximately 80 kilometers away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transport to reach Luberon. The region is also accessible by train; the nearest major train station is in Avignon, which is well-connected to Paris and other major cities via the TGV high-speed rail service. From Avignon, you can rent a car or take a regional bus to reach various towns and villages in Luberon.
While renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Luberon, public transportation options are also available. Regional buses connect the main towns and villages, but service can be infrequent. Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer journeys. Biking is a popular option for exploring the scenic countryside, and bike rentals are widely available. Walking is also feasible within individual towns and villages, given their compact size.
The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in most towns and villages in Luberon. It is recommended to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.
Luberon is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, especially in parked cars. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is wise to stay vigilant, particularly in crowded markets and tourist spots.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. There are local police stations and medical facilities in the main towns. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in most towns, where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. For minor health issues, pharmacists can often provide advice and treatment options.
Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Bonjour' and a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks if you know them well. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and wines. Don't rush meals; savor the experience as the French do.
To experience Luberon like a local, visit the weekly markets in towns like Apt and Lourmarin, where you can buy fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss hiking the scenic trails in the Luberon Regional Natural Park or visiting the picturesque villages of Gordes and Roussillon, known for their stunning landscapes and unique architecture.

When is the best time to visit Luberon?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Luberon

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Luberon. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah/day-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh muh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!À l'aide!
  [ah layd]
- Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo ahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shuh-tay]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd juhst]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohn-byen sah coot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr ay teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demi
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [kat-ruh]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [sept]
- 8Huit
  [wheet]
- 9Neuf
  [nuff]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh troov]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Luberon

The history of Luberon dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human habitation found in various caves and rock shelters in the region. The area was later inhabited by the Ligurians, a tribe known for their hilltop settlements and advanced metalworking skills.
During the Roman era, Luberon became an important part of the Provincia Romana, now known as Provence. The Romans left a significant mark on the region, constructing roads, aqueducts, and villas. Notable remnants of this period include the Pont Julien, a well-preserved Roman bridge across the Calavon River.
The Middle Ages saw the construction of numerous fortresses and castles in Luberon, many of which still stand today. Villages such as Gordes and Lacoste feature impressive medieval architecture, with stone ramparts and narrow, winding streets that transport visitors back in time.
The Renaissance brought a period of cultural and architectural revival to Luberon. The Château de Lourmarin is a prime example, blending Gothic and Renaissance styles. The region also played a role in the religious conflicts of the Reformation, with many Huguenots seeking refuge in its remote villages.
Luberon, like much of France, was affected by the tumultuous events of the French Revolution. The region saw the rise of local revolutionary committees and the decline of feudal privileges. Many of the aristocratic estates were confiscated and redistributed to the people.
During World War II, Luberon was a hub of activity for the French Resistance. The region's rugged terrain and secluded villages provided ideal hiding places for resistance fighters. Notable figures, such as Jean Moulin, used the area as a base for organizing efforts against the German occupation.
After World War II, Luberon experienced a period of revival. The picturesque villages and landscapes attracted artists, writers, and intellectuals, contributing to a cultural renaissance. Today, Luberon is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, charming villages, and rich historical heritage, drawing visitors from around the world.