La Lumiere

La Lumière is at the foot of a charming hilltop village on the edge of the Luberon, only 8km from the heart of Cavaillon. This is a great base for exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Luberon alongside its perched villages as well as visiting other highlights in Provence including L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and Avignon.

There are two parts of the village. Climb up to the old hilltop village where time seems to stand still. Stroll through its narrow lanes, discover the 12th-century church and enjoy breathtaking views of the Luberon hills.

The lower part of the village, around a 15-minute walk or short drive away, is home to a small handful of places to eat, a bakery and épicerie alongside other village amenities including tennis courts, a pump track and playground.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history enthusiast, or a lover of fine food and wine, this enchanting region has something to captivate every visitor. The Luberon’s walking and hiking trails are wonderful whilst the Véloroute du Calavon is a family-friendly cycling trail starting close to Beaumettes. Look out for the charming Sunday morning market in Coustellet (4km) alongside a Lavender Museum and a good range of shops and larger supermarkets.

A little further afield is L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (12km), often called the “Venice of Provence” thanks to its network of canals. Renowned for its Sunday morning antique market and charming riverside cafes, this vibrant town is a paradise for treasure hunters and those looking to soak up a lively Provençal atmosphere.

For wine connoisseurs and history buffs, Ménerbes is a must-see destination. This hilltop village, listed among “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France,” boasts panoramic views, historic landmarks, and wineries offering tastings of the region’s finest vintages. Follow in the footsteps of Peter Mayle, whose memoir "A Year in Provence" brought international fame to this charming village. Other gems of the Luberon include Gordes, Oppède le Vieux and Goult, to name just a few.

If you can find the time, visit Cavaillon, a bustling town famed for its sweet melons. Explore its vibrant weekly market, Romanesque cathedral and fascinating Jewish heritage sites. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking the Saint-Jacques Hill for sweeping views of the countryside.

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.