Les Rochers Gris

Les Rochers Gris is fantastically positioned only 1km away from the charismatic village of Bonnieux. From the villa, there is a clear view of half of the Luberon – an area composed of three mountain ranges covered with spectacular vineyards and lavender landscapes. Sip on exquisite French wine produced only a stone’s throw away from where you’re sitting, wander around the village’s cobbled streets dating back to Middle Ages or visit the Friday market to stock up on fig jams, olive oil, artisanal produce and fresh groceries. If you wish to recreate some traditional dishes you’ve tasted during your stay in France, you’ll be happy to find out that the local supermarket is located in the heart of the village.

From Bonnieux, it’s only a 20-minute drive to another quaint village, Ménerbes. This village has a well-preserved historic past visible through its architecture. Another must-see is Lacoste, with its ruined medieval castle, now a thriving cultural venue, that once belonged to the infamous Marquis de Sade – then bought and rescued by Pierre Cardin in 2001. You could also visit Lourmarin and its fairy-tale-like, restored Renaissance château. Full of typical Provençal boutiques, antique stores and galleries.

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Avignon can be reached in only 50 minutes by car and include the city’s historic centre, Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge. Once you’re done admiring these centuries-old buildings, you can also visit some of the small museums, take a cruise along the river Rhone or tantalise your tastebuds at the Les Halles Market, where you can sample local produce and buy yummy souvenirs for your family and friends back home.

Provence has a beautifully varied landscape, and so on hot sunny days, you can cool down in the Mediterranean Sea by visiting one of the nearby seaside towns. Notably, Marseille is just 80km away. When you drive further down south, you can reach the Parc national des Calanques – ideal for taking in fascinating nature and enjoying views over a mountainous coastline and its adjacent marine 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.