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.
Other Things to Do in the Luberon
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
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.
Where to Stay: Accommodations in the Luberon
Luxury Villa Rentals in the Luberon
Renting a luxury villa in the Luberon provides the full experience and the preferred accommodations among many. This offers a genuine experience while providing comfort and privacy. Only Provence offers the largest selection of luxury properties in the South of France.
Find a Luxury Villa to Rent in the Luberon Here.
Benefits of Luxury Villa Rentals in the Luberon
- Privacy for you and your family
- Comfort in the form of home away from home
- An authentic Luberon experience
- A dedicated villa manager and staff
- Can accommodate large families or groups traveling together
- Personalized experiences such as organized tours and private chefs.
Interested in renting your own private luxury villa in the Luberon? Contact Only Provence to get the inside scoop and plan your holiday!
