11 Reasons to Visit Luberon

Nestled in the foothills of the Monts de Vaucluse in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and close to some of the best-known hotspots in the south of France, Luberon is the perfect Provençal palette.

Jaw-droppingly pretty hilltop villages, light and colours that have inspired artists for years and delicious produce that feeds not only the mouth but also the soul. Add in a wide choice of outdoor activities and centuries-old heritage to discover and Luberon, in the Vaucluse département, might just become your next favourite French destination. Here are 10 reasons to come and explore Luberon.

1. Close to all the major highlights

Located an hour from Marseille Provence Airport and 45 minutes from the TGV train stations in Avignon and Aix de Provence, we are alongside the A7 motorway to the west and the A51 motorway. The Luberon is ideally located to discover all the major sites of Provence; the Popes Palace is half an hour away, The Pont du Gard, 1h, les Calanques and the sea 1h…

2. Authentic villages among the most beautiful of France

One very special feature of the villages in the Luberon range is that they are built on the hilltops or into the slopes of the  Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse.  Whatever village you may decide to explore, you will find yourself with a panorama over the valley or amidst olive groves, vineyards and shrub oak.  

The views from the perched villages are unique. They take your gaze to the most celebrated ranges in the south of France: the Luberon, Mont Ventoux, the Dentelles de Montmirail, Alpilles, and Sainte Victoire mountain…  

Besides, the Luberon has 5 villages labelled among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, Ménerbes & Ansouis. 

3. Located within a UNESCO Biosphere

Luberon Coeur de Provence lies in the very heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park (PNRL), inhabited rural territory of outstanding beauty, recognized for the quality of life, heritage and scenery. The park covers 1,850 km²; altitude varies from 70 meters to 1,125 meters at the peak of Mourre Nègre in the Greater Luberon range. The Luberon Regional Nature Park was integrated into the network of Biosphere Reserves in 1997. 

4. A land of colours

A riot of colours, that’s how we can describe Luberon. Every season comes with new palette. The Ochre sites obviously which offer a virtuoso display of fire and light all year round. One will discover pastel colours of almond tree and cherry trees and the blazing red of poppies in spring . The golden green of the olive oil or the precious black of truffles in winter. Vivid oranges and reds of vineyards in autumn. Or dark blue of the lavender fields in summer. The region was particularly noted for the cultivation of Dyers’ Garance (madder) whose roots produced a powerful red, which made the Vaucluse so prosperous in the 18th and 19th centuries. Until the middle of the 19th century, Vaucluse Garance alone accounted for half of the world’s export production!! 

5. A rich cultural heritage

History has left its imprint on the villages and their surroundings. Vineyards and olive trees, which continue to shape the Luberon countryside, were first planted by the Greeks and the Romans (Cavaillon, the Via Domitia…). Since ancient times, this area has undergone many different influences including the arrival of the Popes in Avignon, the Waldensians who came from the Piedmont and peopled the countryside, Jewish populations protected here in 4 major cities in Vaucluse, the mighty waters of the river Durance, once known as the plague of Provence (as the Parliament in Aix was also called), mining of the limestone which makes up the local ranges, the channeling of the waters of the Durance to irrigate crops throughout Provence… 

6. Vineyards of colours and emotions

Exploring a region also means discovering the craftsmanship of the men and women who have shaped its landscapes. The winemakers of Luberon and Ventoux invite you to immerse yourself in their world through vineyard trails, a museum dedicated to viticulture, and insights into their time-honored winemaking expertise

Key Events of the Year 

In the Luberon, winemakers welcome you into the heart of their vineyards in a warm and festive atmosphere. Signature events throughout the seasons allow wine enthusiasts to discover the distinctive freshness and character of the AOP Luberon and Ventoux wines. 

From June to September, Sunsets Vignerons en Luberon, a signature summer event, allows visitors to meet the men and women who shape the landscapes of Luberon. The evenings unfold in three parts: a scenic walk through the vineyards to understand and appreciate this exceptional terroir, a visit to the wine cellar and barrel room to learn more about the winemaking process, and a tasting session with food and wine pairings in a convivial atmosphere. 

In July, don’t miss the Wine & Dine event on the third Thursday of the month. This summer highlight brings together dozens of winemakers in Lourmarin, all eager to share their finest productions. 

In September, Cigales et Guidons brings together cycling, wine and convivial Provençal spirit. Taking place on the 19th of September 2026, this festive vineyard ride invites participants to cycle from wine estate to wine estate, with tastings, snacks, animations and concerts along the way. For its second edition, the event is set to start and finish at Le Moulin Saint Augustin in Oppède, making it a lively late-summer way to discover the landscapes and winemakers of the Luberon.

In autumn, after the harvest season, winemakers are once again delighted to open their doors “Vignobles en Scène”! This national event, part of the “Vignobles & Découvertes” program, is the perfect occasion to experience the Luberon in a new light—when autumn colors take over and the golden evening light is simply breathtaking.

7. A paradise of outdoors activities

So many things to do, from mountain biking, climbing and Via Ferrata for experienced athletes to family outings on bicycles, hiking with a donkey or canoeing… Outdoor activities in beautiful countryside are the opportunity for shared emotion and discovery.  There is a preserved nature, iconic sceneries, trails, peaceful and revitalizing places, sweet fragrances, the blue of lavender and the white of omnipresent stones (walls, Bories, cliffs)… and on both sides rivers (Sorgue & Durance). Inhabited rural territory of outstanding beauty, recognized for the quality of life, heritage and scenery. The park covers 1,850 km²; altitude varies from 70 meters to 1,125 meters at the peak of Mourre Nègre in the Greater Luberon range. The Luberon Regional Natural Park is one of 7 natural regional parks in Provence- Alpes-Côte d’Azur.  

8. Ideal to slow down and take care of yourself

You need some time off… You are looking for peaceful moments? Luberon can be you haven of rest. Yoga classes, spas, swimming pools, relaxation and nature, here you will find all you need to chill… Take the time to relax peacefully and recharge your batteries as you make the most of our spa centers, with their facilities dedicated to pure pampering. Spas, massages, relaxation areas are available throughout the Luberon. 

 9. A home for the arts and artists

During and after the Second World War, the sunlight and climate in Provence began drawing increasing numbers of artists inspired by the perspectives and the very special light here. They created works that have since made history. They contributed to giving new life to the villages which had been left to their own fate after village inhabitants left for the valleys or the cities.  

The Nobel Prize Albert Camus settled in Lourmarin, Chagall stayed few years in Gordes, as well as Victor Vasarely who had his museum in the castle. Or even Samuel Beckett in Roussillon. Nowadays, artists are still inspired by the Luberon, that’s the reason why we have many artists residencies and art galleries.

10. Genuine Provence

The Luberon destination lies within the Luberon Regional Natural Park and is the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy! A destination of quality tourism full of magic moments spent on site exploring farmers’ markets, cycling, enjoying an aperitif in an outdoor café under the shade of centuries-old plane trees, musical concerts under the stars, hiking in breath-taking countryside… As a couple, with friends or family, come and enjoy all the activities Luberon has to offer… Live unforgettable moments at the heart of Provence. 

11. A sustainable travel destination

Explore the Luberon differently: take your time, travel responsibly, and fully immerse yourself in the authenticity, beauty, and serenity that Provence has to offer. 

The Luberon is a gem of nature and heritage in the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, doubly recognized by UNESCO: a biosphere reserve and a Global Geopark. Traveling at a leisurely pace, discovering every corner, savouring each moment: here in the Luberon, taking your time comes naturally. Bucolic landscapes, villages steeped in history, and local traditions invite you to slow down, immerse yourself in everyday life, and create unforgettable memories. This region is a true concentration of beauty and authenticity (we invite you to come and discover it for yourself!). You’ll feel good here, you’ll feel at peace. So, get ready to explore the Luberon in a different way!

For more information and to download travel guides, visit www.destinationluberon.com