Explore the Best of The Luberon Valley
Activities in the luberon
Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities right at your doorstep, including stunning walking and hiking trails, cycling routes with bike rentals available in Apt, and local tennis and padel clubs in Saint Saturnin and Apt. For family fun, visit the nearby waterpark, or try horse riding, golf, tree climbing, and laser tag for an adventurous day. Explore the caves of the Luberon with caving and canyoning experiences just a 30-minute drive away, offering something for everyone, whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure.
Local Markets and Shopping
Saint Saturnin les Apt offers a vibrant weekly Tuesday market, perfect for local produce, clothes, and wares. Just 10 minutes away, Apt hosts a bustling Saturday market, where you can find a variety of culinary delights, from cheeses to wines. For everyday essentials, Spar in the village has you covered, while Leclerc and Auchan in Apt provide larger shopping options for all your needs.
Restaurants in the Area
Explore a range of local dining options, from charming bistros to gourmet restaurants. Enjoy seasonal dishes at Magnum, a cozy wine bar and restaurant, or savor traditional French cuisine with stunning views at Le Saint Hubert. For a more traditional dining experience, visit Restaurant L’Estrade, while Verre Olive offers a delightful tapas-style menu in a relaxed wine bar setting. There’s something to suit every taste and occasion.
Travel Tips & Getting Around
Getting to and around the Luberon Valley is easy and convenient, whether you’re traveling by car or public transportation.
By Car: The Luberon Valley is accessible by car from major cities in the region. Apt is just 10 minutes away, and the villa is located within easy reach of other nearby villages like Gordes and Roussillon. There’s a private driveway at the villa, providing secure parking for up to 3 cars.
Public Transportation: Limited public transport options are available. Saint Saturnin les Apt is served by buses that connect to Apt and other villages in the Luberon region. For train travel, Apt Train Station offers connections to nearby cities, while the larger Avignon TGV station is about 45 minutes away by car.
Airport Transfers: The nearest airports are Marseille Provence Airport (1.5 hours by car) and Avignon-Provence Airport (45 minutes by car), both offering car rental services and transfer options. You can also arrange a private transfer or taxi to the villa from the airport for added convenience.
Local Transportation: While the area is best explored by car, you can also easily get around on foot in the villages, as well as by bicycle—bike rentals are available in Apt. For longer trips, taxis are available in the region.
Travel Essentials: Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for walking or hiking, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning views of the valley!
Local Attractions & Sights
The Luberon Valley is a region brimming with natural beauty, history, and culture. There are countless attractions that make this area a truly special place to visit.
1. Saint Saturnin les Apt
Saint Saturnin les Apt is a charming village with rich history and stunning views of the Luberon Valley. Explore the 11th-century castle ruins, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. The Saint Saturnin Church, with its Romanesque architecture, is another historic site worth visiting. Wander through the narrow streets, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, or visit the weekly market for local produce and artisanal goods.
2. Gordes & Abbaye de Sénanque
Gordes is one of the most beautiful and iconic villages in Provence, perched on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the valley. Its narrow, cobblestone streets and traditional stone houses make it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk. Visit the Abbaye de Sénanque, a Cistercian abbey surrounded by lush lavender fields, especially stunning in the summer when the lavender is in full bloom. Gordes is also home to several art galleries and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
3. Roussillon & Ochre Trails
Roussillon is famed for its striking ochre cliffs, which create a vibrant landscape of reds, oranges, and yellows. The village itself is built into the cliffs, offering visitors an enchanting view of the surrounding area. Take a walk along the Ochre Trail, a scenic route that passes through the ancient ochre quarries. The rich, warm colors of the cliffs and the surrounding nature provide incredible photo opportunities, making Roussillon one of the most picturesque villages in the Luberon.
4. Luberon Regional Nature Park
The Luberon Regional Nature Park is a vast protected area that spans over 185,000 hectares of natural beauty. It is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities, from hiking and cycling to birdwatching. The park’s diverse landscapes include vineyards, olive groves, and forested hillsides, providing stunning views of the Luberon Mountains. This is a great place to escape into nature and explore the region’s rich flora and fauna while enjoying peaceful, scenic trails.
5. The Lavender Fields
The lavender fields of Provence are world-renowned for their beauty and fragrance. The fields, which are most vibrant in late June through early July, stretch across the Luberon region, filling the air with the soothing scent of lavender. You can visit the Lavender Museum in Coustellet to learn about the history and cultivation of lavender, or take a scenic drive through the fields to experience the breathtaking landscape. A visit to these fields is a quintessential Provençal experience, offering a perfect opportunity for photography.
6. The Calanques National Park
For a stunning coastal experience, visit the Calanques National Park, located about 1.5 hours from the Luberon Valley. This natural wonder is famous for its rugged limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and hidden coves. The park is ideal for hiking, with trails that lead to incredible viewpoints, or you can take a boat tour to explore the calanques from the sea. It’s a perfect day trip for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to experience the dramatic beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
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