Villa Tamarinier

Set within an oasis-like garden filled with tall trees and pretty dining spots, you will discover Villa Tamarinier. Part of a larger estate with a neighbouring villa (Maison Paonne, around 70m away, screened by vegetation), this home enjoys the serenity of the countryside, and yet it is just 2.5km away from the centre of a fantastic medieval village, with many others also in easy reach.  

Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt is the closest village and is a lovely place to have so near to the villa. It sits 400m high in the Monts de Vaucluse, offering incredible views of the Alpilles, the Luberon and the forests at the base of the hills. In the village, you can choose from a range of cafés, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy dinner with a view. The streets are lined with honey-toned buildings which look as if they have been frozen in time for centuries. Walk around the medieval centre to see windmills, old washhouses, fountain-filled streets and even Roman graves! There are many historic churches to visit in the village, the oldest of which dates back to the 10th century and is set in the ruins of an old settlement on the hilltop. You can follow many sign-posted walking and hiking routes leading out from the village, such as the much-loved Aiguiers trail.   

This part of Provence is littered with quaint villages. Another one to add to your itinerary is Roussillon, which is 10km away and is a unique place built from red-hued stones from the local ochre quarries. Visitors flock here to see the incredible red and orange colours of the hillsides and the buildings against the backdrop of the sky and trees. The village also has artisan shops, restaurants and cafés. Throughout the summer, the village is a hive of activity as many fetes and festivals take place in the village squares. 

Aside from these local villages, you can also discover open spaces close to the villa where you can get in touch with nature and make the most of the warm weather. There are outdoor activities for everyone to try here, whether you like cycling or walking or maybe you would like to see the landscape on horseback.

Another great outdoor activity is to pay a visit to a nearby winery where you can tour the grounds, meander between the rows of vines, visit the cellars and sample delicious wines. Many vineyards, such as Vignoble Chasson, 9km away, also offer lunches or food and wine pairing classes.

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.