Discover the most beautiful villages of the Luberon

Amid lavender fields, ochre cliffs and fragrant hills, the Luberon hides some of the most precious gems in France.
In France, there are currently 180 villages labeled “Most Beautiful Villages of France.”
Seven of them are located in the Vaucluse department, including six nestled in the heart of the Luberon!
Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin and Ménerbes reveal a unique heritage, full of light and authenticity.
Follow us for an unforgettable journey through the Luberon and its exceptional villages.

What is the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” label?

Criteria of excellence

Created to protect and promote exceptional places, the Most Beautiful Villages of France label honors the most remarkable small rural villages in the country.
Fewer than 2,000 inhabitants, outstanding architectural heritage often listed as historical monuments, and strong local commitment — all are key criteria to join this prestigious association, a symbol of excellence and authenticity.

A commitment to preservation and promotion

Beyond recognition, being awarded the label commits villages to preserving their soul, charm and heritage, while supporting a thoughtful approach to tourism development.
The initiative highlights a true art of living, sincere hospitality, and the promotion of local craftsmanship.
By visiting a labeled village, you’re sure to discover a vibrant place, rooted in its history and open to new encounters.

In the Luberon, six villages have earned this prestigious label. Ready to explore them?

The Luberon villages listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France

Gordes,
the iconic hilltop village of the Luberon

Clinging to the foothills of the Monts de Vaucluse, Gordes is an iconic hilltop village in the Luberon Regional Nature Park, built like a stone fortress on its rocky spur.
Its blond stone houses, clustered around the imposing Renaissance castle and bell tower, capture the southern light in a unique mineral glow.

Wandering its cobbled streets reveals hidden passageways, shaded squares and artists' studios inspired by this timeless beauty.

Just a few kilometers away, the Abbaye de Sénanque, nestled in a lavender valley, offers a serene moment of spirituality, heritage and nature.

Roussillon,
village of ochre and light

In Roussillon, it’s the earth itself that tells the story.
The ochre cliffs set the village ablaze with an infinite palette of reds, oranges, and yellows—like a constant challenge to the deep blue sky of the Luberon.

Its streets, lined with warm-toned façades, invite you on a unique sensory journey, where ochre seems to flow through the walls, staircases, and fountains.

A walk along the Ochre Trail reveals a fairy-tale landscape of canyons and chimney rocks—a true open-air natural masterpiece.

Ménerbes,
a medieval citadel in the heart of the vineyards

Suspended between sky and vines, this medieval village unfolds its old houses along a sunlit rocky ridge.

A village of artists and writers, Ménerbes retains the traces of its rich past, along with a peaceful, inspiring spirit far from the hustle and bustle.

Its picturesque alleys invite you to stroll among the massive church, elegant bastides, and shaded little squares.

From the heights, your gaze wanders across a patchwork of vineyards and orchards—a true living canvas of the Luberon.

Lourmarin,
Provençal lifestyle at the foot of the Luberon

At the foot of the southern side of the Luberon, Lourmarin charms visitors with its warm and lively atmosphere.
Its plane tree-lined streets, bustling terraces, and famous Renaissance château make it a truly unique Provençal village.

Here, architectural elegance blends with the gentle Provençal way of life—between gourmet markets, art galleries, and authentic cafés.

Lourmarin offers the perfect experience of a refined yet friendly lifestyle, bathed in Mediterranean light.

Ansouis,
the quiet elegance of the South

Nestled on a hilltop, Ansouis offers a peaceful and enchanting escape.

Its thousand-year-old château, a living remnant of the Middle Ages, watches over the sun-warmed tile roofs and flower-lined alleyways that wind around the church.
At every corner, treasures appear: ancient doors, hidden stairways, scents of jasmine and fig trees.

Just steps away, vineyards and olive groves invite you to savor the local delights in this beautiful village where time seems to stand still.

Venasque,
a secret balcony over Provence

While Venasque is not located in the heart of the Luberon, its proximity and charm make it a must-see on any journey through the region.
Perched on its steep rocky spur, this ancient medieval village overlooks the Nesque Valley and the Comtat plain, on the doorstep of the Luberon and at the heart of the Ventoux Regional Nature Park, dominated by the majestic Mont Ventoux.

Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, it reveals a preserved heritage that bears witness to a rich and eventful past: medieval ramparts, a Romanesque church, and a thousand-year-old baptistery.
Its quiet streets, lined with dry stone walls, offer a timeless stroll, punctuated by the song of cicadas.

A typical Provençal village, Venasque is also a land of generous agriculture, famous for its cherries—true red jewels of Provence—which cover the orchards in a cloud of blossoms come spring. A perfect place for an authentic getaway, blending nature, history, and the gentle rhythm of life.

Set off to discover these treasures of the Luberon

Looking for listed villages, authentic heritage, or breathtaking scenery? The Most Beautiful Villages of the Luberon are waiting for you.
Bright spring, vibrant summer, golden autumn—each season enhances these exceptional places, giving them their own unique light and atmosphere.
Take the time to wander, to taste, to marvel…
Here, every street, every view tells the story of a true, vibrant, and timeless Luberon.

When to visit our villages?

Each season enhances the Luberon villages with a different light.
In spring, the hills awaken under the first blossoms, the alleyways take on soft colors, and the air is filled with the scents of almond and cherry trees in bloom.
Summer offers bright mornings and gentle evenings—perfect for strolling in the shade of narrow streets, enjoying the local markets, or experiencing the magic of the Sunsets Vignerons in Luberon, tasting local wines as the sun sets over the vineyards.
Autumn wraps the landscape in golden and copper hues, ideal for walking through the vineyards and orchards.
Even in winter, the charm remains: fewer visitors, a more intimate atmosphere, and the chance to fully enjoy the authenticity of each village.

Tips for an unforgettable experience

To truly feel the soul of these villages, take the time to get lost in their secret lanes.
Sit at a café terrace, meet local artisans, step inside a gallery or an artist’s workshop.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon, when the golden light bathes the stone facades and the ambiance becomes softer.
And don't hesitate to explore the surroundings: hiking trails, wine estates, lavender fields…
Every turn brings its share of emotions and unexpected discoveries.