Mas Des Delices

Mas Des Delices is on the edge of the Luberon region of Provence, a fantastic location for visiting iconic perched villages, lovely market towns and the gorgeous landscapes of the Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse departments of southern France.

Fly into Avignon or Marseille Airports or arrive by train into Gare d’Avignon TGV (fast direct services from Paris to Avignon take 2 hours 45 minutes).

This is a great setting for visiting a variety of pretty villages – Gordes and Ménerbes are within a 10-minute drive, classified as two of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. You are also close to the bustling little village of Coustellet (5km) which has gained quite a reputation for its gastronomy – the Sunday morning Farmer’s market is especially delightful. The Lavender Museum and Musée de l'Huile d'Olive (also offering wine-tasting) are both a short drive away.

Gordes (5km) is a joy to explore with its perched setting and glorious views. Stroll around the medieval lanes admiring art studios, cafes and high-end restaurants – you will soon discover why Gordes is one of Provence’s most loved villages for its historic charm and beauty. Ménerbes (5km) is another enchanting village with restaurant terraces and an atmospheric Thursday morning market whilst you can truly step back in time in the historic village of Oppède le Vieux (8km).

Other highlights of the Luberon include the red-hued village of Roussillon (12km), the summer lavender fields of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque (9km) and the handsome town of Apt (18km) with its Saturday morning market, the largest in the region. There are plenty of wine-tasting opportunities across the Luberon as well as hiking trails and cycling for all abilities. Families will especially love La Véloroute du Calavon which follows a former railway line by the river passing poppies, lavender and orchards.

Beyond the Luberon, potter around the antique stores and riverside cafes of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (15km), also famed for its Sunday morning market and brocante, and discover a wealth of wonderful hiking trails as well as canoeing and kayaking near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (16km).

Avignon (36km) is another great day out, especially for history and wine lovers, or visit the art galleries and bistros of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, perhaps passing the beautiful scenery of Les Alpilles en route stopping off to admire the charm of hilltop Eygalières (28km) and/or Les Baux-de-Provence (44km).

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.