Maison Bonnat

Tucked away on a lovely, residential street, at Maison Bonnat you are just a stone's throw away from an idyllic hilltop village's atmospheric main street. This village boasts stunning, historic architecture, some of which dates back to the Middle Ages. Although it is a small village it is certainly not short of amenities and is full of charm.

As you stroll along the main street you will encounter a local boulangerie and greengrocers, independent clothes shops, a variety of restaurants and even an artisan chocolate shop showcasing Provençal delights. The village even has a few artisan galleries for art lovers.

You also can’t miss the village’s Friday morning market, just two minutes walk away from Maison Bonnat! It offers everything from homemade jams and wild strawberries to fresh goat’s cheeses.

Maison Bonnat is the perfect base to explore the French countryside with the spectacular villages of Gordes and Ménerbes a mere 15-20 minute drive away. These two breathtaking hilltop villages are widely considered as some of the most beautiful in France. If you fancy a trip to somewhere a bit more lively you can also take a day trip to the enchanting cities of Aix-en-Provence and Avignon which are both roughly about an hour’s drive away.

For nature lovers, you can immerse yourself in the neighbouring countryside and forests. Head for a hike in the magical Forêt Des Cèdres just a short 20 minute drive away. For those who are more adventurous, the Luberon is also full of wonderful wild swimming spots such as rivers, ponds, lakes and streams.

Treat yourself to an authentic wine tasting experience at one of the local wineries nearby. The closest spot being less than a 10 minute drive from Maison Bonnat. You can also take a wander through one of the many magnificent lavender farms of Provence, with Roussillon Lavender Farm being just a 20 minute drive away.

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.