An Ideal Day in the Luberon

The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary in Luberon France

Nestled in the heart of Provence, France, the picturesque region of Luberon is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its captivating history dating back centuries, Luberon boasts a rich tapestry of culture and natural beauty. In our travel guide, we invite you to embark on an unforgettable journey through the idyllic landscapes and charming villages that define this region. Join us as we unveil the perfect day itinerary, a carefully curated adventure that will lead you through rolling vineyards, gorgeous trails in a nearby village, and vibrant markets, ensuring you experience the very essence of Luberon.

In May of 2014 I was fortunate enough to stay at Le Mas de Gancel outside the small town of Vernègues in the South of France. While staying at this lovely villa, I was able to explore villages in the Luberon and the Alpilles, as well as spend some time in Aix-En-Provence. To say I enjoyed my time in Provence would be an understatement — I loved it. Every village felt like a profound discovery, and while I’m reluctant to play favorites, I’ve put together my recommendation for what I think makes a fantastic day in the Luberon.

Starting the Day in Roussillon

My ideal day in the Luberon starts in Roussillon, cited as one of the most beautiful villages in France. I love the way the morning sun hits the magnificent ochre cliffs; the yellows, reds and pinks of the ochre against the blue sky, contrasting with the vibrant green foliage — it’s simply captivating.

Ochre Trail

Explore the ochre trail (though don’t wear your whitest whites, or they will no longer be your whitest whites), noticing how the colors and vegetation change with the elevation, keeping every step and turn interesting. After, stroll through the village to enjoy the shops featuring local art, pottery, crafts and the colorful tablecloths so typical of the region. Be sure to then go to the top of the village for a wonderful overview of the landscape. Before heading on, take a moment to reflect with a café creme near the square, overlooking the ochre hills.

Visiting Goult

I then suggest you carry on to Goult, this tiny, innately walkable hilltop village is scenic shift from Roussillon. Park in the main square and head up the narrow road. You can follow the numbered path on the self-guided tour or simply meander along the quiet streets. Either way, you’ll enjoy the wonderful old buildings and homes, some carved out of stone. A picturesque ancient windmill greets you at the top of the village, where you’ll take in the gorgeous, panoramic views. Admire the hillside terraces as you head back for lunch in the village square. Café de la Poste is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The food is authentic and the atmosphere is lively. Sit outside, order the beef carpaccio salad and a glass of rosé, and you’ll feel like you could stay here forever.

Truffles & Wine Tasting in Ménerbes

If you love truffles, or want to give them a try, head to the medieval village of Ménerbes and stop in at Maison de la Truffe et du Vin. Built on a ridge, this walled, stone village is filled with 16th and 17th century architecture and provides fabulous views of the vineyards and farmland below. On your way out of town, stop by Domaine de la Citadelle for a wine tasting, a self-guided tour of the facility and an entertaining jaunt through their corkscrew museum.

Last Stop, Lourmarin

If you are staying in the South Luberon, you can squeeze in one more stop, pay a visit to Lourmarin, a quaint village with cobblestone streets, blue shutters and flower pots on every ledge. It is quintessentially Provence and the perfect way to close out a day in the Luberon. Stroll through the Chateau’s seasonal flower garden and olive grove, then browse through the small shops in the village center. Relax at a café, taking in the late afternoon sun with a pastry or an apéritif. Take a deep breath. You’re somewhere spectacular.

While the above are places we love to visit and see, the Luberon has an abundance of great places to see, wineries to visit, and gorgeous drives to take! Here are some other favorite stops to make in the Luberon:

• Château de Cadenet
• Mines de Bruoux
• Colorado Provencal near Rustrel
• La Vieux Village Merindol
• Village des Bories, Gordes

Best Outdoor Activities

For those who enjoy exploring nature, the Cedar Forest near Bonnieux offers an expansive network of walking trails shaded by century old trees. These high altitude paths provide cool relief during the summer months and spectacular views of the valley below. If you prefer to explore on two wheels, the Veloroute du Calavon is a dedicated cycling path that stretches across the heart of the region. This flat and paved route follows an old railway line, making it an accessible way to see the lavender fields and vineyards at your own pace.

Best Cultural Sites

The Senanque Abbey remains one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Provence. This active Cistercian monastery is famous for its perfectly manicured lavender fields that bloom in front of the Romanesque stone walls every July. Visitors can take guided tours of the interior to learn about the history of the monks who still live and work there today. Another essential stop is the Village des Bories near Gordes, which is a unique collection of ancient dry stone huts that showcase the traditional architectural methods used by local shepherds centuries ago.

Best Activities for Families

Families traveling with children should prioritize a visit to the Colorado Provencal near the village of Rustrel. This former ochre quarry features a stunning landscape of red and orange cliffs that look more like the American West than the French countryside. It is an ideal spot for kids to run around and explore the vibrant sand dunes and natural rock formations. The easy walking trails are well marked and offer various lengths to accommodate younger hikers who want to experience the unique colors of the Luberon earth.

Take a Trip to the Lavender Museum

Discover the heritage of lavender in the Luberon at the Lavender Museum. Founded in 1991, this conservatory is a fabulous experience including an audio guide and video, explaining the lavender harvest. Then, there is a guided tour of the rich lavender fields during season, a boutique with lavender products, and so much more.

Luberon Wine Tasting

The Luberon produces fine wine from Rosé, to white, and even red. Stop into wineries and sample all of the offerings, or get the full luxury experience and book a wine tour! Here are some of the tours the Luberon has to offer:

Aix-en-Provence Day Trip – A Luberon and vineyards tour with wine tasting along the way.

Wine & Olive Oil Tasting – Private Oenogourmande Walk in the Luberon with Tastings

Chateauneuf du Pape & Luberon: A wine-tasting trip at two different wineries after a scenic drive through the vineyard of Châteauneuf du Pape.

Planning Your Visit to the Luberon

The Luberon is a rural paradise located in the heart of the Vaucluse department. While it feels worlds away from the bustle of modern life, it is remarkably accessible from major French hubs if you know which gates to enter through.

How to Get There and Getting Around

Most international travelers begin their journey by flying into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), which is roughly an hour drive from the southern Luberon villages. Alternatively, you can take the high speed TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon directly to the Avignon TGV or Aix-en-Provence TGV stations. Both stations are major rental car hubs and sit within a 45 to 60 minute drive of the region.

Once you arrive, renting a car is the most effective way to explore. While regional buses do exist, they primarily serve local school routes and larger towns like Apt. To visit the perched villages like Gordes or Bonnieux on your own schedule, a vehicle is essential. If you prefer not to drive the narrow winding roads, we recommend hiring a private chauffeur or joining a guided tour. These options allow you to enjoy the vineyard views and local wines without the stress of navigating or finding parking in historic village centers.