13 Unforgettable Villages in the Luberon and the Alpilles - Only Provence

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13 Unforgettable Villages in the Luberon and the Alpilles

From lavender-swept hills to olive-lined valleys, explore the most enchanting corners of Provence’s heartland — all within reach of Only Provence’s luxury villa collection.

The True Essence of Provence

There’s a Provence that belongs to postcards — and then there’s the Provence that stays with you forever. The latter lives in the Luberon and the Alpilles, where time seems to move in golden light and every market square feels like the setting of a long, slow story.

These two regions form the soul of the Only Provence villa collection — places of beauty, authenticity, and ease. From perched villages to fertile plains, every road leads to a discovery: a glass of rosé under the plane trees, a hidden vineyard, a trail through fields of lavender or rows of olive trees.

Here are 13 unforgettable places to explore in the Luberon and the Alpilles — each one an invitation to slow down, wander, and fall into the rhythm of southern France.

The Luberon: Lavender Fields, Hilltop Villages & Pastoral Grace

Fragrant air, painterly light, and landscapes that change by the hour — the Luberon is quintessential Provence. Its hilltop villages overlook patchwork valleys of vineyards and orchards, and its homes — many of them restored bastides offered by Only Provence — are built from the same honeyed stone as the land itself.

1. Saignon — Secret Charm Above the Valley

A few minutes from Apt, Saignon sits quietly above the valley — a village of narrow alleys, rose-covered doorways, and one of the best panoramic views in Provence. Climb to the rock above town for a sweeping look over the Luberon plain. Life here moves gently, anchored by a café on the square where everyone seems to know everyone.

2. Bonnieux — The Heart of Hilltop Living

Bonnieux embodies everything travelers love about the Luberon: history, vineyards, and that unmistakable Provençal rhythm. The Friday market spills through the village, and every terrace seems to frame another perfect view. Hike up to the old church or cycle down toward the Pont Julien, a 2,000-year-old Roman bridge still standing strong.

3. Ménerbes — Refined and Artistic

Ménerbes’ quiet sophistication has long attracted artists, writers, and dreamers — including Dora Maar and Peter Mayle. The village combines art galleries, fine dining, and a truffle museum within a few minutes’ stroll. It’s both cultured and calm — ideal for travelers who want to feel part of a living village without losing serenity.

4. Lourmarin — Where Provence Gets Playful

Lourmarin hums with a chic, creative energy. Its streets are lined with galleries and fashion boutiques, and its Renaissance château hosts open-air concerts through summer. Grab a table under the plane trees for a long lunch, then stroll to Café Gaby for an evening apéritif as the village glows in the late light.

5. Roussillon — Provence in Color

Roussillon is a masterpiece of color. Built from the red and orange earth of its ochre cliffs, the village glows at sunset like an artist’s palette. Walk the Sentier des Ocres, a surreal trail through red canyons, then explore the artisan shops selling ochre pigments and ceramics.

6. Gordes — The Icon of the Luberon

If one village defines Provence, it’s Gordes. Its cascading stone houses glow gold at sunset, and its narrow streets lead to sweeping views across the valley. Visit on a Tuesday for the market, then drive a few minutes north to the Abbaye de Sénanque, where monks tend lavender fields that feel like a dream.

7. Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt — Medieval Majesty & Local Life

Saint-Saturnin is an often-overlooked gem offering authenticity without crowds. The ruins of its medieval château overlook the valley, while vineyards and olive mills thrive below. Stop for a glass of local rosé or visit in early summer when lavender fields bloom around its borders.

8. Oppède-le-Vieux — Timeless and Untouched

Half-ruined, half-restored, and wholly enchanting, Oppède-le-Vieux feels like a walk through history. Its stone lanes lead to an old church and sweeping Luberon views. The newer village below offers cafés and bakeries, while the old one whispers of centuries past.

The Alpilles: Light, Art, and Provençal Refinement

Where the Luberon is wild and elevated, the Alpilles feels sculpted — a landscape of soft limestone hills, silvery olive groves, and elegant villages that seem to glow from within.

9. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence — The Soul of the Alpilles

Saint-Rémy captures the very essence of Provence. Roman ruins, Van Gogh’s legacy, and modern galleries coexist beautifully here. Shop the famed Wednesday market, wander the art-filled lanes, and end your day with dinner under the stars.

10. Eygalières — The Most Elegant of Them All

If Provence had a heartbeat, it might sound like Eygalières on a Friday morning market day. The village exudes understated elegance, framed by olive groves and mountain silhouettes. Wine bars, art galleries, and boutique shops make it a haven for those who crave refinement without pretense.

11. Les Baux-de-Provence — A Fortress in the Sky

Perched high on a rocky plateau, Les Baux is one of France’s most extraordinary medieval villages. Explore its castle ruins and watch falconry demonstrations, then step into the immersive art of the Carrières des Lumières, where projections of Van Gogh and Klimt illuminate the cavern walls.

12. Maussane-les-Alpilles — Olive Oil and Everyday Joy

Maussane is Provence in its purest form — sunlit terraces, olive oil mills, and laughter spilling out from cafés. Its square is the perfect place to spend a long afternoon doing nothing at all. The village produces some of the region’s finest olive oils and serves as a gateway to both Les Baux and Saint-Rémy.

13. Fontvieille — Windmills, Walks & Rustic Calm

Fontvieille is quieter than its famous neighbors, but that’s exactly its charm. Known for Daudet’s Windmill and the walking trails that weave through pine forests and olive groves, it’s perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in rural Provence.

Provence as It’s Meant to Be

From the hilltop villages of the Luberon to the sun-drenched olive groves of the Alpilles, this is the Provence of dreams — not coastal crowds, but connection, culture, and calm.

Each of these 13 destinations lies within easy reach of an Only Provence villa, handpicked for its authenticity, beauty, and ease. Whether you’re seeking romance, family connection, or the quiet rhythm of country life, Provence invites you to stay a little longer.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Luberon and the Alpilles

Yes — many guests base themselves in one region and day-trip to the other. The drive between Saint-Rémy (Alpilles) and Gordes (Luberon) is under an hour and passes through some of the most scenic countryside in Provence.

Spring and autumn are ideal — wildflowers, mild temperatures, and open markets without crowds. Summer brings lavender season, while winter offers quiet charm and truffle markets.

A rental car gives you freedom to explore at your own pace. Roads between villages are scenic and well-marked, and you’ll want to stop often for photos, vineyards, and cafés.

Because we specialize exclusively in the Luberon and the Alpilles, with two decades of experience, personally inspected villas, and local concierge support. Every detail — from arrival to private chef dinners — is handled with precision and care.

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Jumping the Picket Fence Light Through the Cracks

Only Provence co-founder Lydia Dean writes about their experiences raising a family, building a business in Provence, and later combining the love of travel with giving back in "Jumping the Picket Fence”. In 2021, she published “Light Through the Cracks,” a continuation of her journey, much of which has been based in Provence. Both books are available Amazon, Amazon.uk, and Amazon.Fr.