I think I am not the only one suffering from the lack of travel in the past few months. I want to get out of the imposed daily routine, I want to get away from it all…And, even if I already do a whole lot of activities to live a maximum…I wanted to to tell you about my last vacation in the Lubéron. As usual, I shared my itinerary and program with you on the blog but today, I wanted to make you my selection of the most beautiful villages in Provence !
Most beautiful villages in Provence
When you go to explore Provence, there is no lack of small villages. Many are worth a visit…However, they are sometimes taken by storm !
If you can go more at the start or end of the season or go at 6am like me (yes, I am a little crazy sometimes – but you know me !).
In any case, the advice I can give you : always have a pair of walking shoes (sneakers or others) because it climbs, it slips… in short, have spare socks and shoes in your car !
Obviously, the four villages I mention are by no means exhaustive. Many other places are worth to visit. These are nevertheless essential when you go to the Lubéron. If you have time, don’t hesitate to stop where you are inspired !
Gordes
Perched on a rock, the town contributes to the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association for its rich and varied heritage : two abbeys, a castle, many old hamlets, and several hundred dry stone or bories huts, several mills water and wind, fountains, washhouses, etc.
Gordes is located between the biosphere reserve of the Lubéron Regional Natural Park and that of Mont Ventoux.
Roussillon
Another village classified in the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Roussillon is famous for its ochres. The site is nicknamed the “French Colorado”. Large quarries have been exploited since the end of the 18th century and employed a thousand people until 1930. Today, in order to slow down the degradation of the site, it is forbidden to collect it under penalty of a fine.
You can nevertheless, enjoy the walk on the Ocher trail.
Lacoste
Exposed to the sun, protected from the mistral and near an important spring with perennial waters.
The village owes its reputation in part to the exceptional quality of the soft and clear limestone extracted from its quarries and which, along with agriculture, generated economic activity conducive to the development of the community.
Lacoste is best known for its castle (of course, in runes) which was that of the Marquis de Sade from 1766. In 2001, Pierre Cardin bought the castle and undertook a great job of consolidating and securing the site. Since then, the courtyard of the Château and its adjoining quarries have hosted a music and theater festival every year. In summer (July and August), you can now visit the apartments of the Marquis de Sade and discover furniture from Pierre Cardin’s private collection, contemporary works of art selected by the couturier and admire superb views from the terraces of the Castle in the Calavon valley.
Bonnieux
Bonnieux is one of the most beautiful hilltop villages on the northern slope of the Luberon. Some call it “Mont Saint-Michel en Provence”.
It is part of the Gordes – Roussillon – Bonnieux golden triangle but, unlike its two accolytes, the latter is not as “polished” or as frequented, which makes it gain in authenticity.
The village is characterized by its two churches, its ramparts, its old town hall: the Hôtel de Rouvil, its remarkable streets and many old buildings, all giving Bonnieux a unique character.
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