Le Mourre Nègre (1h10 away in Auribeau, for enthusiasts of beautiful hikes)
With an altitude of approximately 1,125 meters, Mourre Nègre is the highest point in the Luberon massif. This elevation makes it a privileged observation point offering spectacular views of the mountains, valleys, and surrounding villages. There are several hiking trails leading to the summit, providing walkers with the opportunity to explore the preserved nature of the Luberon Natural Park.
Roussillon (1h away)
Steep narrow streets, flower-filled squares, colourful facades… a decor full of nuances! Ochres adorn every wall, from yellow to reddish-orange. A most beautiful village in France that has truly earned its title. It is absolutely charming !
The Ochre Path is located in the heart of the village of Roussillon. You get a good overview of it from the battlements. It’s an old open-air ochre quarry that is no longer in operation. There are two routes that allow you to visit the Ochre Path, one taking about 30 minutes and the other approximately 1 hour. The longer route alone leads to the magnificent ‘Chaussée des Géants’. The journey begins with a staircase descending into the heart of the quarry. This first panorama is quite spectacular. Once again, these colours are so intense that they almost seem unreal. The contrast between the red rocks and the green trees is beautiful ! It’s hard to tear our eyes away from these red and gold cliffs !
Lacoste (50 min away)
The village of Lacoste is perched on the side of a steep promontory that extends from the Luberon massif above the Luberon Valley. Lacoste is crowned by a grand castle that was, before the Revolution, the property of the famous de Sade family.
At the entrance of the village, a sign warns the visitor: ‘Lacoste is best explored on foot.’ The narrow and steep cobblestone streets provide a delightful walking path. Two medieval gates command the entrance to the village. The old houses with whitewashed stones shine in the bright rays of the Provencal sun. As the steep streets climb towards the top of the village, the large stone houses take on a noble character, their facades weathered by time.
From the Château de Lacoste, the panorama is splendid, overlooking the Calavon plain, the Vaucluse mountains, and Mont Ventoux. On the open esplanade, contemporary bronze artworks are displayed in the sun and wind for visitors to admire.
Gordes (1h away)
Perched majestically on a rocky spur, this authentic village offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes. Dominating the town, the Gordes Castle presents an imposing silhouette and a fascinating reminder of the village’s history. Built in the 11th century, the castle has undergone transformations over the centuries, but its towers and ramparts still tell tales of bygone eras.
Nearby Gordes (10 min away)
The village of Bories
This is a historical site that provides visitors with an authentic glimpse of traditional Provençal architecture, particularly the dry stone constructions known as “bories”.
The abbey of Sénanque
Founded in the 12th century, it is emblematic for its Romanesque architecture, its isolated location, and the lavender fields that surround it.
Les Baux de provence and quarries of lights (1h20 min away)
Les Baux-de-Provence is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and has been classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. At the top of the village, the Château des Baux-de-Provence, largely in ruins, bears witness to the village’s chivalrous past.
This medieval castle not only provides panoramic views but also hosts exhibitions and events that immerse visitors in the history of the site.
Not far from Les Baux-de-Provence, the Quarries of lights offer a unique artistic experience. These former stone quarries have been transformed into an immersive space where light and sound projections highlight famous works of art.
Bruoux mines (45 min away)
The Mines of Bruoux are a former ochre quarry located near the village of Gargas in the Luberon region of Provence, France. This ochre quarry provides a unique experience, allowing visitors to explore impressive geological formations and vibrant colors of this natural material. Do you want to know why left-handed miners were better paid than right-handed ones? Is it too hot outside today and you’d like to find yourself in a cave at 13°C? Then, this place is for you !
The Fort of Buoux (35 min away, be careful dangerous for children less than 7 years old)
The Fort of Buoux is an ancient fortress located in the Luberon Regional Natural Park, near the village of Buoux in Provence, in the south of France. Built in the 12th century, it was initially constructed as a medieval castle designed to protect the region and control strategic communication routes. Over the centuries, the fort underwent various transformations and was utilized for military purposes at different times.
