The Luberon in Provence

15/02/2024

Van Gogh's iconic paintings of almond blossom were inspired by the trees of Provence. Flowering as early as February, their billowy white blossom marks the arrival of spring and a new cycle of life. From now until the olive harvest of winter the fields of the Luberon region of Provence will be busy; one stunning display after another, as the markets fill with their produce.

We have been operating in this area for more than 20 years, and have plenty of info on our website to help you plan, from when the lavender flowers to when the markets are open. And if you're looking for somewhere to stay, we have a collection of the finest holiday rental homes in the region, carefully selected and described in detail: https://www.theluberon.com/

11/02/2024

Past guests describe Villa Provence as “surpassing all expectations…peaceful, private and quiet”
https://www.theluberon.com/properties/villa-provence

Sitting in gorgeous countryside near the iconic Luberon village of Gordes, this house sleeps 14 in six bedrooms and has every modern comfort with air-conditioning throughout and high-speed WiFi.

Set in extensive private land with heated infinity pool and overlooking a lavender field it has shady terraces, boules and ping pong.

We have just four weeks left to rent in high summer 2024, so head on over to our website to take a closer look - we pride ourselves on giving all the detail you might need, plus photographs of every single room: https://www.theluberon.com/properties/villa-provence

23/01/2024

The Tarte Tropézienne must be the Provencal cake with the most glamorous history. While filming in St Tropez way back in 1955, Brigitte Bardot discovered it in a local patisserie. The heavenly creation was inspired by a hand-me-down recipe from the pastry chef's grandmother. It became a firm favourite on set and Brigitte suggested the name which has stuck to this day.

Legend has it that the original handwritten recipe (actually patented in 1973!) is locked away in a safe. Despite the secrecy, you can enjoy the Tarte Tropézienne across Provence - it’s a light-as-air brioche filled with delicious vanilla cream and topped with crunchy sugar.

🇫🇷 What’s the difference between a boulangerie and patisserie? Head to the boulangerie first thing for fresh bread and croissants, and the pâtisserie later on to pick up delicate pastries and tarts. A day well spent!

We know the Luberon region of Provence very well, our website has lots of information to help you plan a perfect stay, as well as our carefully curated selection of the best holiday rental homes in the area: https://www.theluberon.com/

21/10/2022

8 reasons to visit the Luberon in the autumn:
https://www.theluberon.com/journal/the-luberon-in-autumn/

What's not to love: the crowds have gone, the temperatures are milder, the light and colours of autumn fill your heart...for those in the know, autumn is the best time to come to the Luberon.

8 reasons why the autumns is a superb time to visit the Luberon in Provence: fewer people, lower prices, easy temps, and it's wine time!

31/08/2022

Painted in shades of pink, orange and red, Roussillon is a village like no other. Sitting on what was once one of the world's most significant ochre deposits, it is always a blaze of colour, whatever the season.

We have plenty of info on this extraordinary village, from the ancient (and very romantic) myth surrounding the source of its colouring to a more pragmatic and scientific reason: https://www.theluberon.com/villages/roussillon

Head over to our website to find out more and, if you'd like to see it for yourself and want to stay nearby, come and browse our collection of gorgeous holiday homes in the region. We have five in and around Roussillon itself and plenty more within easy striking distance: https://www.theluberon.com/rentals/?view=panels&s-village=roussillon

30/08/2022

The tiny village that ticks all the boxes

The ancient Luberon village of Maubec is one of our favourites. Off the main track and nestled against the Luberon mountain it's a miniature version of some of the better-known villages.

Park by the church at the bottom and walk the short but steep cobbled road to the top, with views across vineyards and to the bordering pine forest of the Luberon mountain itself. A gentle circular walk starts from these steps and follows along one the prettiest of paths before dropping down to circle back alongside vines and cherry orchards.

As with a handful of other Luberon villages, the more recent additions of grocery, cafe, bakery are set apart from the original hill-top village, leaving it sitting up high, in absolute peace.

We know this area well, and have plenty more info on all aspects of the Luberon, alongside our carefully curated collection of gorgeous holiday homes to rent: https://www.theluberon.com

04/08/2022

Past guests describe Les Cyprès as "paradise, sublime, spectacular..." https://www.theluberon.com/properties/les-cypres/

A short walk from the iconic Provencal village of Menerbes, it sleeps 8 in 5 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, and is set in a large, immaculate and classically Provencal garden that borders olive groves and vineyards.

Cosy and traditional inside, with original stone floors and fireplaces, it is beautifully styled. To ensure no stress whatsoever, Les Cyprès can also organise airport pick-ups, babysitting, yoga and more.

Menerbes is a gem of a village, ancient yet elegant and with all you need from bakery, grocery and chemist to bar, restaurants and even a couple of boutiques.

Now taking bookings from late September onwards: https://www.theluberon.com/properties/les-cypres/

26/07/2022

Who needs air-conditioning when you've got shutters and the shade of a lime tree?

Nothing quite says Provence like a sun-bleached shutter, but they're practical as well as good-looking. Close them as the sun hits the windows and they'll keep the heat of the day out, open wide at night to let the cool air flow back in.

Most refurbished farmhouses in Provence now have air-conditioning, and if you're after that little extra modern comfort, you can filter your search of our villas accordingly: https://www.theluberon.com/rentals/?c-aircon=1&view=panels

22/07/2022

Need to cool off?

When it gets hot, we head for the River Sorgue - an icy river that tumbles from the rocks at Fontaine de Vaucluse - crystal clear and permanently set to a refreshing 13C/55F.

Whether you dip just a big toe, or go for a tingling full immersion, spending a few hours on this emerald beauty is guaranteed to cool you down.

We have plenty of detailed advice on organising kayak trips in the Luberon: https://www.theluberon.com/things-to-do/canoe-kayak-in-the-luberon alongside our collection of stunning holiday homes to rent in the area.

20/07/2022

Rosé 101

🍇 Provence rosé is made with red grapes

🍇 Grape skin is left in contact with the juice for just a few hours to delicately tint the juice

🍇 If the grapes ripen too fast, a small percentage of white grapes are added

🍇 To keep temperatures low and stable, grapes are often picked in the early hours

🍇 It's a delicate operation and highly technical!

We list our favourite Luberon vineyards on our website along with contacts for wine-tasting and tours: https://www.theluberon.com/things-to-do/luberon-food-and-wine/luberon-wine

14/07/2022

We're giving away the GPS coordinates of some of the best lavender shots in the Luberon region of Provence! https://www.theluberon.com/journal/where-to-find-lavender-in-the-luberon/

Our latest blog post on lavender is an invaluable shortcut on where to go to find those heavenly views of Provence lavender fields.

And if you're really determined to surround yourself with lavender 24/7 we also list the eleven gorgeous rental properties in our collection that have their own lavender field or a view of one.

13/07/2022

Splashing the Cash

The good years of a Provence village can be counted in its fountains - when things were going well the water went on show. Every village will have at least one, the simplest found at the edge of the village and usually connected to the original Roman well.

This beauty is the Fontaine des Dauphins in the gorgeous Luberon village of Bonnieux, named for its two carved dolphins.
Also carved in stone is ‘eau non potable’ - this water is not for drinking!

We know this area well and have plenty more info, advice and tips to help you plan your dream holiday, as well as our collection of stunning rental properties: https://www.theluberon.com

12/07/2022

Newly available 16-23 July (and you won't get another look in until mid-September!) https://www.theluberon.com/properties/garrigue-de-menerbes-2

"An absolutely amazing place is how past guests describe this contemporary holiday rental with 2 air-conditioned bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Set up high among pine trees, it's just a 3-minute stroll down to the iconic Provence village of Menerbes, where you can find everything you need: bakery, grocery, pharmacist, cafes and restaurants.

Walk through a planted garden to the pool, set up on a higher level with extraordinary views across the valley to the Luberon mountain.

This is the last week available until mid-September, for all the details and to book: https://www.theluberon.com/properties/garrigue-de-menerbes-2

07/07/2022

🍓 The Authentic Provencal Strawberry!

Like wine, 'terroir' is crucial to a strawberry's status in Provence, and while La Fraise de Carpentras is the strawberry of Provence it is not a variety, but a sign of authenticity.

Strawberries have been cultivated here in numbers since the 19th century though a history harvesting wild strawberries goes back much, much further.

The season starts at the end of March and April sees the colourful Fête de la Fraise!

Look out for the sweet and abundant La Cléry, the more acidic La Gariguette and our favourite La Mara des Bois - the closest to a wild strawberry.

🇫🇷 la fraise - strawberry

🇫🇷 le terroir - a catch-all word to describe the growing conditions of a particular area

🇫🇷 la terre - the ground, the earth

05/07/2022

Newly available 9-23 July!

(Otherwise fully booked until the end of August)

"A perfect gem", "outstanding" and "absolutely beautiful" is how past guests describe this 2-bedroom house, Belle de Goult: https://www.theluberon.com/properties/belle-de-goult

Just one-minute walk from the cafes and shops of Goult, the house couldn't be better located to explore this extraordinary part of Provence. Goult is one of our favourite villages, a little more peaceful than some of the better known ones and yet with a lively cafe, restaurants and all the amenities you need.

The house sleeps 4 in two equal double bedrooms (both air-conditioned) with 2 bathrooms. Living areas open out on to the terrace and garden facing south to the incredible views.

To see all the details and to book: https://www.theluberon.com/properties/belle-de-goult

05/07/2022

It's Peak Lavender!

Peak lavender in the Luberon region of Provence is generally early July, but the exact timing depends on where you are and on the levels of rainfall the previous year. The entire season runs from around the end of June to the beginning of August.

If you don't make it here for flowering, there are still plenty of distilleries and farms to visit, and of course the Museum of Lavender for the real enthusiast!

We have lots of info on where to find the best lavender fields, uses for lavender and a list of lavender farms: https://www.theluberon.com/things-to-do/lavender-in-the-luberon

04/07/2022

For a dose of pure south of France colour on canvas, head to the Hôtel de Caumont in Aix to see a major exhibition of the eternally popular Raoul Dufy. His paintings, ceramics and illustrations fill this fantastic exhibition centre up until 18th September 2022.

One room is also permanently dedicated to a rolling video of another artist - local boy Cézanne - giving a fabulous introduction to his life here in Provence.

The Hôtel de Caumont is a wonderful place to visit in itself - an 18th century mansion with a colourful past that has been immaculately restored. Breakfast, lunch and tea are served on an elegant terrace overlooking the formal garden.

Aix (pronounced simply 'X') is the perfect day trip from the Luberon region of Provence. Check out our guide to this gorgeous city: https://www.theluberon.com/things-to-do/provence-towns/aix-en-provence

01/07/2022

Provence is travel in the slow lane. And at its heart is the Luberon. Pull up, take your foot off the gas, stay a while.

The Luberon region is what you think of when you think of Provence. Ancient hill-top villages look down over rolling fields of lavender, olive and vines.

We know this area well, and have plenty of advice and info as well as a carefully curated collection of the best holiday homes in the region. Come and browse! https://www.theluberon.com

30/06/2022

"An absolute delight" is how past guests described Mas des Sources https://www.theluberon.com/properties/mas-des-sources

Perfect for a couple of families with plenty of kids, it has 4 bedrooms, one of which sleeps 6 in bunk beds, allowing up to 12 guests in total. With huge gardens, pool, boules court and ping pong there's really no need to leave. A chef can even be organised so you don't need to leave the glorious views for one moment.

Located in Joucas, a lovely village which despite having a grocery, cafe, restaurants and public tennis courts, is quieter than most, offering you peace away from the more touristy areas.

Head on over to the website for more photos and all the info you need including prices and availability for Mas des Sources.

We know Provence well and also have lots of advice and ideas to help you plan your stay.

28/06/2022

The start of grape things!

Vines send out first green shoots in early Spring and by June tiny clusters of future grapes begin to appear among a flush of vibrant green growth.

August sees the grapes getting plump, turning red and sweeter until harvest time which in the Luberon region of Provence is usually September. If the days are still very hot, you’ll see the harvesting take place early in the morning, sometimes even at night - which helps keep the grapes stable as they’re brought inside.

🇫🇷 les raisins (pronounced rayzan) - grapes
🇫🇷 les raisins secs - raisins (dried grapes)
🇫🇷 raisins à table - eating grapes
🇫🇷 les vignes (pronounced veen) - the vines

We know this area well and have plenty of info on places to visit and things to do (including wine tasting), as well as our collection of stunning holiday homes to rent : https://www.theluberon.com

24/06/2022

Three weeks still free in July and August!

The cutest 2-bedroom cottage with private pool: https://www.theluberon.com/properties/fontcaudette/

Tucked away in a peaceful hamlet within a gorgeous walled garden, Fontcaudette is just 3 miles from much-loved Gordes and within striking distance of all the Luberon's beautiful hill-top villages.

We know every property (and every owner) on our books. When you book through us, you book direct with the owner, so you can be sure of the lowest price.

We have just three weeks of availability at Fontcaudette left across July and August, to see all the details and check the dates: https://www.theluberon.com/properties/fontcaudette/

23/06/2022

The fruit that may bring on a siesta!

If you're lucky you'll catch a punnet of these at a farmers' market in Provence.

With a short harvest and an unpredictable manner (game over if there's a frost during flowering), the fruit of the néflier tree is somewhere between an apricot and a lemon. Inside are stones smooth as pebbles.

Good for tarts, salads or just to add a little tang along the way, though we like them best straight off the tree. Watch out though, too many are said to act as a natural sedative!

🇫🇷 nèflier du japon - loquat tree (or japanese medlar)
🇫🇷 nèfle - the fruit of the tree

21/06/2022

The Menerbes House https://www.theluberon.com/properties/the-menerbes-house

On the hillside of the iconic Luberon village of Menerbes, with far-reaching views across to the Mont Ventoux, this beautifully renovated house is new to our collection, with some availability still left for August and September.

With the modern comforts of air-conditioning, a heated pool and gated parking, the house sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms.

Located just a short 2-minute stroll into the centre of Menerbes, it couldn't be better positioned for exploring the stunning Luberon region of Provence, that's if you want to leave the village at all - for Menerbes has all you need.

Officially one of France's most beautiful villages, you'll find all the basics here: bakery, cafe, grocery, restaurant, pharmacy and even a couple of boutiques. Thursday sees a weekly market in the main square.

In addition the elegant House of Wine and Truffles (Maison de la Truffe et du Vin) offers dining in a magical garden while the Maison Dora Marr offers a look back at the time Dora Marr, artist and muse to Picasso spent in the village.

To find out more about the house and to check availability: https://www.theluberon.com/properties/the-menerbes-house

17/06/2022

Heartbreak or Geology - which version do you prefer?

The stunning backdrop to the Luberon village of Roussillon has two potential causes: one is to do with geology and the Luberon's watery past, the other is a tale of heartbreak, literally.

Legend has it that the Lord of Roussillon served up the heart of his wife's lover for supper, only telling her when - you guessed it - she'd cleaned her plate. In horror she threw herself from the top of the village and to this day the earth runs red with her blood.

We know this area well and have plenty of advice and info plus our collection of stunning holiday homes to rent, including 6 in and around Roussillon itself: https://www.theluberon.com/rentals/?s-village=roussillon&view=panels

15/06/2022

Hill-top villages are alive to the sound of music!

July and August is festival time in the stunning Luberon region of Provence, with small, intimate concerts held in some of the most beautiful venues, from quarries to ancient churches.

Pick up a copy of the free local paper Le Journal du Luberon for all listings, or go online to plan your stay around these magical events:

Festival de Lacoste - held in the extraordinary quarry at the castle of the infamous Marquis de Sade - a combination of lecture, music and film, boasting big names Isabelle Adjani and Gérard Depardieu.

Gordes en Musique - a mix of formal concerts and live music in this most photogenic of villages.

Les Musicals du Luberon - a well-established festival held across the iconic villages of Bonnieux, Menerbes, Lacoste, Les Taillades and the elegant town of Apt.

And of course if you're looking for somewhere to stay, as well as more info and advice on holidaying in this beautiful part of Provence, take a look around our website, we have all you need: https://www.theluberon.com

Photo by our talented friend over

14/06/2022

Sneaking up on Oppede-le-Vieux

Walk past fresh vines and elegant olive terraces before taking the back way - and a way less travelled - by following the ancient cobbled lane that slowly climbs to this most mysterious of hill-top villages in the Luberon region of Provence.

Its high, impenetrable walls are just glimpsed here, rising up against the Luberon mountain itself.

We know this area well, and have plenty of advice to help you get the best out of your stay here, whether you're on foot, bike, or travelling by car: https://www.theluberon.com

11/06/2022

Life is a Bucket of Cherries!

Provence is full to the brim of cherries right now, from darkest red to yellow-orange. A general rule of thumb is the lighter the colour, the more likely it is to be used in jam, syrup or crystallised fruit.

Buy a punnet fresh from the market, then head over to the lovely Provencal city of Apt to find out what alternative ending a cherry might have - Apt is the world capital of crystallised fruit - it even has status as 'Site Remarquable du Goût' (place of remarkable taste)

🇫🇷 du goût - taste, flavour
🇫🇷 fruits confits - crystallised fruit

We know the Luberon region of Provence well, and have a collection of gorgeous rental homes there, as well as plenty of advice and info. Plan and book with us at: https://www.theluberon.com

09/06/2022

Summer Availability!

A traditional but luxurious farmhouse with extensive private gardens of lavender, olive, vines, oak and cherry trees - it doesn't get more Provencal than that!

Sleeping 8 in 4 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms, Maison Cucuron (https://www.theluberon.com/properties/maison-de-cucuron ) has a long, shady terrace, gorgeous pool, the comfort of air-conditioning and plenty of outdoor seating and dining areas.

Situated just a couple of miles from two of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon - Cucuron - whose good looks make it a favourite for film directors, and Ansouis - officially one of France's most beautiful villages, you couldn't be better placed to explore the heart of Provence.

When you book through us, you get the lowest price. Maison Cucuron is new to our collection and currently has summer availability. HIgh season rates at Maison Cucuron are €3,900 a week (€70 per person, per night).

We know every property and every ownder, so you can book with confidence.

08/06/2022

An unusual but perfect way to discover Arles

The 40 exhibitions that make up the world-renowned Rencontres Arles festival of photography are held in chapels, cloisters, historic monuments and industrial buildings across the city. It's a perfect way to explore - you just need a festival map and comfy shoes!

Our guide to the 5 must-see Provence towns: https://www.theluberon.com/things-to-do__trashed/provence-towns/

Arles is known for its incredible roman ruins, with the extraordinary Roman ampitheatre the star of the show. Built around the first century, in the time of Augustus, today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The 53rd Rencontres Arles opens on 4th July 2022.

07/06/2022

Planning a wedding in Provence?

There are things you need to know! We have the info you need, from the legal ins and outs to trusted local contacts for hair & make-up, flowers, photography and overall planning: https://www.theluberon.com/plan-your-trip/provence-weddings/

Our collection of houses (including some where weddings may be held) includes the most beautiful properties in the sought after Luberon region of Provence. This heavenly lunch spot is in the garden of the romantic Domaine St Jacques: https://www.theluberon.com/properties/domaine-st-jacques

Provence has the ideal climate - the air is dry and the evenings warm - so you can sit out long into the night (while skin and hair remain picture perfect!)

The Luberon region of Provence is truly romantic, with its lavender fields, vineyards, ancient hilltop villages and fabled golden evening light.

We know this area well, plan with us: https://www.theluberon.com/plan-your-trip/provence-weddings/