Les Madeleines

In the Luberon region of Provence, Les Madeleines enjoys a privileged setting in Gordes, set in a residential quarter on the edge of the village. Restaurants, a bakery and other shops are a short stroll away and don’t miss the enchanting market on a Tuesday morning.

Classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, Gordes is one of the Luberon’s most enchanting destinations, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Perched on a hilltop, this picturesque village boasts stunning stone houses, narrow winding streets and panoramic views of the surrounding lavender fields and vineyards.

Gordes is renowned for its charming atmosphere, where visitors can explore local markets, artisan shops, and centuries-old landmarks such as the impressive Château de Gordes. Whether you’re relaxing in a sun-drenched terrace or discovering hidden gems in its cobblestone alleys, Gordes offers an authentic taste of Provence.

The landscapes surrounding Gordes are a paradise for nature lovers, with rolling hills, fragrant lavender fields (especially near L’Abbaye de Sénanque), and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Nearby, the village of Roussillon dazzles with its vibrant ochre cliffs, offering stunning views over the Luberon valley. The picturesque hilltop village of Bonnieux features medieval architecture and sweeping vistas.

The nearby Colorado Provençal, with its striking red rock formations, adds to the region's diverse beauty, making this area a dream destination for those seeking both adventure and serenity. Activity lovers will also appreciate the adventure centre near Rustrel, Colorado Aventures, with its tree-top trails and zip lines.   

Beyond the Luberon, visit the Sunday morning brocante and antique stores of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue alongside the natural beauty of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, loved by canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts.

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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.