Maison Du Ciel Rose

Surrounded by the dreamy landscapes of the Luberon, Maison Du Ciel Rose is a fine base for exploring this captivating region of Provence, close to the medieval perched village of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt and only 7.5km from Apt and its famous Saturday morning market.

Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt can be reached via car in less than 5km, sat in the foothills of the Vaucluse mountains. It’s a very pretty village to explore and its known for its surrounding cherry orchards, lavender fields, olive trees and vineyards – look out for the charming market showcasing some of these seasonal products on a Tuesday morning. As you stroll around the old part of the village it feels like a step back in time with its narrow lanes, ancient doorways, shuttered houses and stone fountains. Walk up to the castle ruins to appreciate glorious views of the Provençal landscapes before returning to one of the inviting village restaurants serving delicious French fare.

This location is excellent for reaching Apt (7.5km), the Luberon’s largest town and home to the region’s best market on a Saturday morning. With a rich heritage dating as far back as Roman times, admire the town’s grand fountains, handsome houses and wonderful shops, some showcasing the regional speciality, candied fruit. There are lots of restaurants and bars, a great way to soak up the town’s bustling ambience.

Elsewhere, the red-hued perched village of Roussillon (11km) is just over a 15-minute drive away, whilst other iconic villages of the Luberon include Gordes (18km), Bonnieux (18km), Lourmarin (24km), all officially classified as France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Keen hikers can discover varied walking opportunities and the Luberon is also home to some fantastic cycling routes from family-friendly voie-verte trails to more challenging circuits.

For another great day out, spend time in the enchanting town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (35km) with its waterways and antiques stores, famed for its Sunday morning brocante, and venture to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (35km) for canoeing/kayaking along the Sorgue River and other outdoor adventures.

Venturing further afield, admire the historic sites of the small city of Avignon (55km) by the banks of the Rhône River or head south towards the university town of Aix-en-Provence (65km) to soak up its charming Provençal ambience and visit the café terraces, museums and art galleries including Paul Cézanne’s former art studio.

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.