Maison Myrtille

Maison Myrtille enjoys a lovely location within close proximity of two charming villages in the heart of the Luberon Nature Park, between the mountains of Vaucluse and Luberon.

From the house, it is just a short drive to Apt, where you will find a typical Provençal market that takes place on a Saturday morning and is one of the most famous in the region. It promises a vast array of peaches, herbs, cheeses, bread and as well as the local delicacy of candied fruit. Walk around its small but historic centre before settling down in a café nearby and watching the world go by.

The hilltop village of Saignon is also close by and features shops, cafés and a boulangerie. Wander around the narrow streets, discover ancient fountains, lovely squares, and beautiful old houses as well as the 12th-century church. Keen walkers can climb up to the top of the village's rock, which dominates the valley and rewards visitors with amazing views of the Luberon region and even a glimpse of the Alps on a clear day.

Spend a day village hopping a and head to Buoux, then Bonnieux and continue through Lacoste all the way to Ménerbes to get a true taste of Provence. Each of these villages is authentic in its own special way and they are buzzing with traditional markets, ancient architecture, and hidden corners to be discovered.

The stunning landscape and villages of the Luberon region retain their timeless appeal and the local lavender, cherries, olives, truffles, and wines are world-famous for good reason. Here you find yourself in the heart of a great hiking country, with many popular tracks all around. Notably, the GR92 hiking path runs by the house and is perfect for walkers.

But Provence’s charm is not just about its crumbling countryside - drive for ninety minutes and you will reach France’s twinkling coastline, notably the popular holiday destination of Marseille. Loved for its sun-kissed beaches, seafood and nightlife, this city offers something for everyone. Get up early and head to the Old Port in the morning if you want to see fishermen unload and sell their daily catch or head to the city centre for a meal if you prefer tasting local cuisine. Evenings can easily melt into the early morning hours, and there are many summer beach clubs and bars playing music all night long.

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.