Maison Cocteau

Maison Cocteau enjoys the most wonderful views of the Luberon valley, set on a hillside within walking distance from the idyllic village of Roussillon.

Roussillon is officially classified as one of France’s 'Plus Beaux Villages' and it is well known for its ochre-coloured houses, perched on the ridge of a red-hued cliff. You can follow the country road up to the village (no pavement until you reach the village’s approach) in around 1.6km, admiring towering pine trees and verdant landscapes as you ascend. Wander into the historic heart of the village; it’s an incredible place to explore and boasts several restaurants and the most stunning views. The weekly market takes place on a Thursday morning.

Keen walkers can appreciate the beautiful scenery by following one of the two marked paths through the dusty red cliffs, Le Sentier des Ocres, and there are even more challenging hikes near the village and beyond towards Le Colorado de Rustrel. The Luberon also offers some fantastic cycling opportunities, rock-climbing near Buoux and of course wine-tasting across Luberon vineyards and wineries, especially close to Ménerbes and Lourmarin.

Indeed, Ménerbes (15km) is another picture-perfect village to explore, made especially famous by Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’, as are the iconic perched villages of Bonnieux (12km), Lacoste (12km) and Gordes (11km). Look out for inviting restaurant terraces, pretty markets and a wealth of historic charm surrounded by woodland, cherry orchards and vineyards below. The historic town of Apt (12km) hosts a fantastic Saturday morning market showcasing all sorts of regional delights, the largest market in the region.

Discover yet more of Provence whether you choose to spend the day in Aix-en-Provence (63km), perhaps stopping off in Lourmarin (24km) en route, or follow Van Gogh’s footsteps in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (51km) with its art galleries and atmospheric Wednesday morning market.

The UNESCO World Heritage sites of Avignon (47km) are only an hour away by car or venture north to the foothills of Mont Ventoux and the lavender fields of Sault (34km). Not forgetting the gorgeous town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (26km) and the hiking, canoeing and kayaking opportunities around Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (26km).

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.