CIRCUIT 1 – PROVENçal Villages
The Luberon is a mountainous landscape with lush vegetation and exceptional wildlife, what earned it the call of Natural Regional Park. This area kept its authenticity. There are several wonderful villages with scenic little streets, castles and vineyards. The mountainous landscape extends over 60km from east to west with a peak at 1125m. This tour will explore the south of the Luberon.
Ansouis
A small provencal village on a hill, classified as « One of the most beautiful villages in France ». Its small streets and charming squares will not leave you insensitive.
An imposing building dominates the village : a 10th century fortress transformed into a castle in the 17th century, and then transformed again in the mid-18th century. It is classified as a historical monument since 1948 for its architectural quality.
The new owners who have been living in the castle since 2008, have restored it to its former glory with quality restoration and 18th century furniture. (Submitted to a fee, guided by the owner only on reservation.
Cucuron
Then let’s go for a ride in the South Luberon countryside with its scenic views, to go in the charming typical village of Cucuron. We will discover this old village with its little streets, laundries, churches, beautiful houses, oil mills and many more wonders including the basin of the pond. At the beginning, it was a simple pond fed by springs, it allowed the operation of a flour mill. Structured as a basin in the 19th century, it’s today a place of gathering and celebration : market on Tuesday mornings, several bars, restaurants, shaded terraces and majestic bicentenary plane trees. Classified site since 1954.
The current village dates back to 1004, in the 13th century, it expanded to reach 3000 inhabitants in 1719. Unfortunately, the plague of 1720 decimated a third of the population, the rural exodus and the war of 1914 depopulated the village. It was only in the 1960’s that the village attracted new inhabitants for its quality of life.
On the road to Lourmarin, we will stop to taste « La Cavale » wine, in an exceptional area of 500m2. You will also find many local products of Provence.
Bonnieux
Pretty small Provencal village perched on a hillside. It is accessed through the « combe de Lourmarin », which is the only passage that crosses the Luberon and separates it in two. The village is dominated by its old church of the 12th century combining Romanesque and Gothic elements. The houses date for the most part from the 16th century and are high up because at that time men and animals lived together in a Mediterranean tradition, the extension of habitats could only be done high up. On the ground floor there is a stable for animals, a dwelling on one or two floors and an attic. You will enjoy the superb panoramic view of the plain.
Lourmarin
The village is famous for its castle classified as historical monument in 1973, but also for some celebrities who lived there such as Albert Camus (writer). It will be partially burned and destroyed in 1545, but gradually rebuilt to have its current profile.
Classified as « One of the most beautiful villages in France », it is very attractive for tourists. You will walk through the many narrow streets that lead you from small squares to fountains, dotted with art galleries, bars, restaurants and beautiful shops that highlight the beautiful typical houses. In addition to its beauty, the village is animated all year round with festivals, concerts and large and wonderful market on Friday mornings.
The castle was the first Renaissance style castle built in Provence, its construction began in 1480, in a medieval style and then in 1526, the superb Renaissance facade was added to the castle. From the 17th century it was abandoned, to be saved from ruins in 1920 by a wealthy industrialist (subject to a fee).