Maison Passard

Sitting in a charming village within the stunning landscape of the Luberon Natural Regional Park with forests, walking trails and protected wildlife all around, Maison Passard is an idyllic place to stay in Provence.   

The home is in a fantastic setting, as there are a few restaurants and amenities on your doorstep in the village of Oppède, a 2-minute walk away, and yet you are encircled by dramatic countryside and parkland just a stone’s throw away within a short drive.

There are plenty of outdoor pursuits you can take part in close to the villa, whether you enjoy cycling, climbing or a leisurely walk followed by a picnic. If you would like to see the mountains from a different perspective, there are also plenty of equine centres offering horse treks through the hills, or maybe you are brave enough to paraglide over the top of the Luberon to experience the best views available.   

As well as wild woodlands and mountains, the area is also filled with farms and vineyards, which provide a bounty of delicious foods and wines. If you would like to visit a family-run vineyard, Domaine de la Citadelle is a mere 3.5km away and offers tours, tastings and, of course, bottles of wine to purchase. Provence is also known for its fragrant lavender, and the vibrant purple fields are a joy to see. There is even a lavender museum just 4km from the house where guests can wander through the fields, learn about the local history of the farm, which goes back to the 16th century, and participate in workshops.   

You can explore many charming villages in Provence, and the nearest historic village is Oppède le Vieux, which is the old part of the village where the home is located and is just 2km away. The village is a lovely place to wander around and is steeped in history; it was initially settled over 1000 years ago. The villagers there were protected by a castle and a ruthless leader who took part in countless battles. In the 1800s, however, the villagers left Oppède le Vieux and settled down the hill as they no longer needed to live in fear of war on the side of a sheer mountain. The villagers removed the roofs from their homes to avoid paying the taxes, and the village became a ghost town for hundreds of years before artists resettled it during WW2. This magical place has been little-altered, and today you can stroll around the atmospheric streets filled with artisan shops and cafés and visit the castle ruins and ancient church of Notre-Dame-d'Alydon.   

Another quaint village to visit is Ménerbes which is close to the villa, just 3.5km away. Ménerbes is officially one of France's most beautiful villages, so it is a must-see location which sits 450m high on a hilltop. This gorgeous walled village has been settled since Neolithic times, though most of the architecture we see today is medieval. In the village, you can see Saint Hilaire Abbey, a Carmelite convent from the 1200s. You can also learn about the village’s role in the 16th-century wars of religion when it became a hub for Protestants when the religion was illegal. Aside from its religious sites, visitors can see the clock tower, fortress, cafés and homes owned by artist Picasso and author Peter Mayle who wrote A Year in Provence and brought flocks of visitors to this area. 

Read more about Luberon

With some of the most enchanting landscapes of Provence, the Luberon awaits with its idyllic perched villages, swathes of lavender, cherry trees, vineyards and dense forest.

Become captivated by the scenery as you potter around artistic Gordes with its atmospheric Tuesday morning market before heading to hilltop Ménerbes, the village that inspired Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’. Romantic Bonnieux enjoys the most glorious vistas, surrounded by a sea of vines and orchards, whilst red-hued Roussillon will take your breath away with its ochre landscapes and pine forests. They are all officially classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ in France.

Yet there are so many hidden gems to explore as well. Discover the historic doorways, windmills and summer cherries of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, then head to Goult to embrace its Provençal charm with little shops and pavement cafes. Surrounded by fields of lavender, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt is another historic jewel of the Luberon, often overshadowed by the handsome and historic town of Apt.

To the south of the Luberon, follow Albert Camus’ footsteps in Lourmarin, sip coffee by the picturesque bassin lined with plane trees in Cucuron and soak up the history of Ansouis – all three villages have a fine reputation for their high-end dining with a choice of Michelin starred restaurants.

Indeed, across the region look out for restaurant terraces serving Provençal cuisine with superb vistas alongside characterful markets showcasing seasonal delights from the Luberon and beyond (olives, melons, strawberries, cherries, truffles, chestnuts, lavender products and more). Most villages host a lovely weekly market whilst the largest in the Luberon is held on a Saturday morning in Apt. Just on the edge of the Luberon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famed for its antique stores and Sunday morning brocante. Meanwhile, wine lovers should visit the vineyards and wineries of the region producing Luberon and Ventoux AOC wines.

The walking, hiking and cycling opportunities in the Luberon seem endless and you will also find horse-riding, rock-climbing and tree-top adventures as well as canoeing and kayaking along the Sorgue near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Come across hiking trails for all abilities passing vineyards and forest or venture through the hills and mountain gorges for spectacular scenery. Cycling is also extremely popular – as well as more challenging routes, we especially love the family-friendly Véloroute du Calavon, a paved voie verte following a former railway line near the Calavon river passing poppies, lavender and orchards so typical of the Luberon.