Romarin

Romarin is located on the edge of a small village in the Luberon region of Provence, 35km south-east of Avignon. Fly into Avignon, Nîmes or Marseille or arrive by train into Avignon’s TGV station. The nearest town is Cavaillon (11km) known for its rich heritage and summer melon festival.

The small village is a short stroll away with a couple of places to eat, a grocery store and boulangerie whilst larger supermarkets and a Sunday morning Farmer’s market can be found in nearby Coustellet (4.5km), passing the Musée de l'Huile d'Olive en route. Slightly further south, drive up to the enchanting medieval village of Oppède le Vieux (5km) with its historic lanes and incredible vistas from its perched position.

Indeed, this is an ideal location for visiting the iconic hilltop villages of the Luberon from picture-perfect Ménerbes (5km) and Van Gogh’s beloved Gordes (10km) to the red-hued charm of Roussillon (17km) – all three are classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ in France. Experience atmospheric markets, gastronomic restaurants, beautiful vineyards, endless orchards and magnificent landscapes for cycling, walking and hiking in this captivating part of Provence.

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (15km) is another fine day out, famed for its antique stores, waterways and Sunday morning market whilst Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (15km) is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurists. Families can enjoy canoeing or kayaking along the Sorgue as well as tree-top trails at Passerelles des Cîmes.

Meanwhile, historic Avignon (35km) and its UNESCO World Heritage sites are within a 45-minute drive or venture south towards Aix-en-Provence (61km) around an hour away. Les Alpilles is another wonderful region to explore whether discovering the medieval lanes of Les Baux-de-Provence (42km), enjoying lunch and local olive oil in Maussane-les-Alpilles (44km) or pottering around the art galleries of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (33km).

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.