Maison Clafoutis

Maison Clafoutis is ideally situated in the verdant hills of Provence and just a short distance from the village of Lourmarin. With walking routes through the Luberon mountains and historic hilltop villages to visit close by, this is the perfect place to stay with family or friends.   

When you wish to pick up some fresh bread or visit a quaint café for your morning coffee, you do not have to travel far as the village centre is under 1km away. Lourmarin is known as one of Provence’s most picturesque villages.  

For a small place, Lourmarin has lots to offer visitors. The picture-postcard cobbled streets are lined with historic buildings such as the 12th-century Church of St Andrew and St Trophime and the belfry tower, once a castle that defended the region. The village’s best-loved attraction will enchant history lovers - the Château de Lourmarin, sometimes called the Villa Medicis de Provence. This incredible castle was built in the 12th century but expanded and remodelled over the years. The castle was mostly destroyed during the French Revolution but has since been carefully restored so visitors can now explore the original medieval side of the building and the sumptuously decorated Renaissance side. Aside from these historic attractions, the village is also a lovely place to shop, whether you prefer to barter at the Friday market or peruse the artisan shops selling handmade goods and local wines. After a busy day of exploring, you will have a great range of eateries to choose from for dinner, as you will find everything from traditional cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants.   

If you would like to discover the charms of another pretty village, then why not drive to Bonnieux, just 14km away, sitting 450m high on a hilltop. Bonnieux is one of Luberon’s finest villages which was originally built using the wealth of the popes who once owned much of this area. The village is surrounded by the original 13th-century walls, which contain maze-like streets, historic washhouses, fountains and even a bread museum. With the best views over the surrounding cedar woodlands and lavender fields, make sure you climb the 86 steps up to the church on the hill.   

Aside from the gorgeous nearby villages, this area is great for those wishing to explore the great outdoors. The home is close to the vast Luberon Natural Regional Park, where you can hike, walk and climb through the limestone mountains. In addition, the region is known for its fresh vegetables, cheeses and wines; all produced at local farms and vineyards. It is possible to visit some of the area’s wonderful vineyards, such as Domaine de la Citadelle, which is 25km away. Here you can spend the day walking through the vineyard’s grounds and cellars before visiting the on-site corkscrew museum and tasting the delicious wine samples. 

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.