Family Visit to Luberon in Provence: Discover 3 Stunning Villages
The Luberon is Provence in all its splendor, with its beautiful landscapes, perched villages built with dry stone, the song of cicadas, umbrella pines, lavender fields, and family or romantic strolls…
This short guide to the most beautiful villages in Luberon to visit with your family will give you a taste of charming, picturesque places where you can stroll and lose yourself in the beautiful colors and aromatic scents of a region that awakens all the senses.
Gordes, most beautiful village of Provence
To start exploring Luberon in Provence, take your family to new heights by walking through the dry-stone streets of the perched village of Gordes. The view over the Luberon valley is grandiose!
Be sure to stop at the famous Monkey Rock for a photo, then head up to the village to discover the Château de Gordes. Families can even visit the underground caves of the Saint Firmin Palace, delving into the very depths of the village!
This semi-troglodytic site, both built and carved into the rock, immerses visitors in Gordes' lesser-known history, highlighting archaeological remains of medieval craftsmanship, such as olive oil mills, silos, and vats.
On your way back down from the village of Gordes, take a last family detour to visit the Village des Bories.
The Village of Bories in Gordes
Designated a historical monument in 1977, the Village of Bories is the largest collection of traditional dry-stone habitats typical of the Apt region, with over 400 structures documented within the area of Gordes.
Located on the slopes of the Vaucluse Mountains, facing Luberon in Provence, the Village of Bories, with its sheepfolds, bread ovens, wine vats, and enclosures, transports visitors back to the Provence of the 18th and 19th centuries.
With nearly 3000 years of dry-stone construction expertise, this art form became a staple around 300 years ago when farmers, shepherds, and builders erected the huts that still dot the countryside around Gordes.
The Bories site is a truly magnificent place to visit with family—an unmissable gem in Luberon in Provence!
Ménerbes, Provence authenticity
Another village, classified as one of the most beautiful in France, is a must-see for family visitors near the mountain range of Luberon in Provence.
Perched atop a rocky spur overlooking vineyards, Ménerbes celebrates the Luberon terroir with its wine and truffle production. The village’s serene charm has attracted many artists, including Nicolas de Staël, Picasso, and Peter Mayle.
No family visit to Ménerbes would be complete without a stop at the unique House of Truffles and Wine of Luberon!
Located on Place de l’Horloge, this 17th-century building, classified as a historical monument, offers a unique experience. Relax on the terrace or in the lounge to savor gourmet boards and wines from our cellar, which boasts over 170 selections. You can also visit our fine foods shop dedicated to truffles and local products—an ideal venue for events or enjoying temporary exhibitions.
Fontaine de Vaucluse, refreshing heaven of peace in Provence
The Vaucluse Mountains are crisscrossed by underground rivers that feed the springs and fountains of many villages. An earthquake in 1889 redirected the underground course of waters towards Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Nestled at the foot of a towering cliff, this village on the edge of Luberon in Provence is a cool haven, with an emerald green pond shaded by large plane trees—a refreshing escape in the region.
The first thing to do? Walk to the source!
A shaded path, with the river on one side and shops on the other, leads to the Sorgue spring. This easy, family-friendly walk of about 2 km is accessible to all, though the last stretch is slightly rocky.
Along the way, stop by the Vallis Clausa paper mill! Still in operation, this mill in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse produces paper using the 15th-century rag-paper technique. On certain days, you can even watch the paper-making process live!
Beyond a simple family walk, Fontaine de Vaucluse is home to many sites worth visiting, including the Jean Garcin Museum of History, which details the life of French Resistance fighters during the occupation, the François Petrarch Library Museum dedicated to poetry, and the Petrarch Gardens, a lush, cool corner of greenery crossed by the Sorgue.
Luberon in Provence abounds with natural wonders, secluded nature spots, an enchanting river, the Sorgue, and authentic stone villages with the timeless charm of yesteryear.
Vineyards, local specialties with truffles and olives, and cultural visits abound, offering unforgettable moments of sharing and discovery for families!
Stay tuned for more family travel ideas in Luberon in Provence!