Maison Eponine

Enjoying the most stunning views, Maison Éponine is in the Luberon region of Provence a short walk from a medieval village. This eastern part of the Luberon is wilder and less visited that some of the perched villages further west so you will benefit from its authentic charm without as many summer visitors.  

Walk along the country lanes (no pavements as is typical in rural France) and you will reach the edge of the hilltop village in a five to ten-minute stroll. It almost feels like time as stood still in this 1000 year old village with its old houses, honey factory, ice-cream shop, grocery store and a couple of places to eat. Look out for the little Farmer’s and artisan craft market on a Wednesday morning.

Keen hikers note there are some wonderful trails near the village, a fantastic way to appreciate the incredible scenery of rugged landscapes and lavender fields. Furthermore, the Oppedette gorges are just 6km to the north and the ochre landscapes of Rustrel are around a 15-minute drive away, another popular area for walkers.

Follow the winding road west towards Apt (16km) to experience the region’s largest Provençal market on a Saturday morning. This handsome historic town dates back to Roman times and it is a joy to spend time there with its shops, restaurants, squares and fountains. It is also the capital of candied fruit and you will no doubt find plenty of places selling this local delicacy. There is a smaller local produce market in Apt on a Tuesday morning that is worthy of a visit.

Saignon (16km) is another picture-perfect Luberon village with spectacular views and close to lavender fields whilst even closer is the tiny village of Saint-Martin-de-Castillon (8km), also full of charm. If you wish to visit some of the iconic perched villages of the Luberon then Roussillon (29km), Ménerbes (39km) and Gordes (37km) can be reached within a 45 to 60-minute drive.

In the other direction is the Provençal town of Manosque (32km), known for its authentic beauty as well as its olive oil and wine production. Potter around its restored old town with pavement cafes and pretty houses and admire the views by walking up Mont D’Or.

The most adventurous of guests could continue driving on to Gréoux-les-Bains (46km) with its colourful Thursday morning market, as well as Lac d’Esparron-de-Verdon with its pristine water, lakeside beaches, seasonal water-based activities and incredible hiking opportunities.

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.