What to do in the Luberon: our top 8

Published on 12/11/2021 - updated: 13 April 2026 - 6 min read - By Théo Mercier-Balaz

Contents

Key takeaways:

The Luberon has 5 villages listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France: Gordes, Roussillon, Ménerbes, Lourmarin and Ansouis.
The Ochre Trail in Roussillon and the Colorado Provençal in Rustrel offer landscapes unique in Europe.
The Sénanque Abbey, surrounded by lavender, is among the most photographed sites in Provence.
The Luberon Regional Nature Park offers hundreds of kilometres of marked trails for hiking and cycling.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France’s antiques capital, hosts a market of 230 vendors every Sunday.

Luberon embodies Provence in its most authentic form. Perched villages, lavender fields, ochre cliffs and colorful markets compose a unique setting. Are you looking for what to do in Luberon during your next vacation? The regional nature park, which covers more than 180,000 hectares, offers a huge playground between nature, heritage and the art of living.

From a campground with water park nearby, you enjoy ideal access to all these treasures. Here is our selection of 8 must-sees!

Gordes and the Sénanque Abbey

Gordes overlooks the valley: this village, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, charms with its blonde stone houses and steep streets. A few minutes’ drive away, the Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey completes the visit. This 12th century Cistercian monastery is nestled in a valley bordered by lavender fields. Monks still live there and produce honey, lavender and liqueurs. It is one of the most photographed sites in Provence, and a must-see stop in Luberon.

Claire’s advice: visit Sénanque Abbey in the late afternoon, when golden light falls on the lavender fields. Flowering occurs from mid-June to mid-July depending on the year.

The Ochre Trail of Roussillon and the Provençal Colorado

Ochres constitute one of Luberon’s visual signatures. At Roussillon, the Ochre Trail crosses former quarries in red, orange and yellow hues. Two loops are possible: a short 30-minute one and a long 50-minute one. Further east, the Provençal Colorado of Rustrel offers even more beautiful landscapes. Cliffs sculpted by erosion recall the decor of the American West. Two marked circuits are available: a short 1.5-hour loop and a complete 3-hour route. These activities in Luberon suit all hiking levels!

Visiting the perched villages

Beyond Gordes and Roussillon, Luberon is full of perched villages to discover. Bonnieux offers panoramic views of the valley from its high church, accessible by stairs lined with hundred-year-old cedars. Ménerbes, made famous by writer Peter Mayle, dominates with its castle and bell tower. Lourmarin, south of the massif, stands out for its Renaissance castle and art galleries. Albert Camus lived there and is buried in the village cemetery.

Each village has its own character, and connecting them on foot or by bike creates a memorable hike in Luberon!

The Provençal markets of Luberon

Markets punctuate the life of Luberon villages throughout the week.

On Saturday morning, the Apt market fills the streets of the old town with candied fruit stalls, olives, goat cheese and honey.
On Friday, Lourmarin hosts a more intimate market in a warm atmosphere.
On Sunday, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue offers a market with 230 vendors, doubled by its famous antique dealers located along the canals.

It is a delicious way to discover Luberon through the seasons.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and the Sorgue

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is home to one of Europe’s most powerful springs. The Sorgue gushes at the foot of a 230 m cliff in a magnificent natural setting. The path to the source takes 15 minutes and follows water of intense green. The village itself retains a discreet charm with its paper mills, stone bridges and a museum dedicated to poet Petrarch. Downstream, the Sorgue is suitable for canoeing and kayaking on family-accessible routes.

It is a refreshing outing in Luberon on hot days!

Hiking in the Luberon Regional Nature Park

The Luberon Regional Nature Park covers more than 180,000 hectares of preserved nature. Hundreds of kilometers of marked trails cross oak forests, secret valleys and ridges offering panoramas of Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles. The Cedar Forest, on the Little Luberon, offers shaded walks among hundred-year-old trees. For cyclists, the Luberon cycle tour extends 236 km of marked routes through vineyards and villages. Electric bike rentals facilitate uphill climbs.

It is a nature activity in Luberon suited to all profiles!

« I recommend the Mourre Nègre loop, the highest point of Luberon at 1,125 m. The 360-degree panorama at the summit amply rewards the climbing effort. » – Claire

The vineyards and wine route of Luberon

Luberon is a recognized wine-growing region, with its Luberon and Ventoux AOCs. Many estates open their doors for tastings and cellar visits. The typical grape varieties of the region, such as grenache, syrah and vermentino, produce generous red wines and fresh rosés. Several estates also offer picnics in the vineyards or tasting workshops. The wine route connects the main wine-growing villages and easily combines with visits to perched villages. It is a discovery of Luberon from a gourmet and convivial angle.

Swimming in Luberon

Luberon offers several swimming spots to cool off in summer.

The Bonde Pond, located in Cabrières-d’Aigues, is the largest body of water in the area. It offers a equipped beach, a supervised swimming zone in season and picnic tables.
Further north, the banks of the Sorgue between Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue allow cooling breaks in a bucolic setting.
Lake Vannades, near Manosque, completes the offer with a water sports base.

These natural bodies of water represent a pleasant alternative to the pool.

You now know what to do in Luberon for vacations between nature, heritage and the Provençal art of living. Want to complete your discovery days with moments of relaxation by the water? Book your stay in a campground with water park in the PACA region and enjoy Provence to the fullest!

FAQ – What to Do in the Luberon?

Frequently asked questions

How many days should you plan for a visit to the Luberon?

To enjoy the Luberon's main activities, plan for at least 5 days. This gives you time to visit the hilltop villages, walk the Sentier des Ocres, browse the markets and hike in the nature park. A week-long stay leaves room to add the vineyards and some swimming.

What is the best time of year to visit the Luberon?

The best time to visit the Luberon runs from April to October. Spring brings mild temperatures and nature in bloom. Summer is perfect for the lavender fields in June-July and for swimming. Autumn charms visitors with its colours and grape harvest, with fewer crowds around.

Can you explore the Luberon by bike?

Absolutely. The Luberon is perfect for cycling, with a network of 236 km of marked routes. Electric bike rental shops can be found in most villages, which makes the hills much easier to handle. The quiet, shaded back roads wind through vineyards and hilltop villages.

Is the Luberon suitable for families with children?

Yes, the Luberon works well for families. The Sentier des Ocres, the Colorado Provençal and swimming at the Étang de la Bonde are popular with children of all ages. Provençal markets and canoe trips on the Sorgue also make for great family outings. Campsites with water parks round out the family-friendly offering.

Do you need a car to visit the Luberon?

A car is strongly recommended for visiting the Luberon. The villages are spread out and public transport is limited. Cycling is an option for the more sporty, but a car remains the most practical way to link up several sites in a single day.