Between heritage, nature and the art of living, Lauris embodies the soul of authentic Luberon. Perched above the Durance Valley, this hilltop village enchants both history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with its medieval terraces, fountains and sun-drenched landscapes.
Perched on its rocky spur above the Durance Valley, the village of Lauris combines Provençal charm, heritage and the art of gardens. Located just a few minutes from Lourmarin and the emblematic villages of the southern Luberon, Lauris offers a peaceful atmosphere and a unique panorama over the plains and surrounding hills.
Its old village, clinging to the cliffside, preserves cobbled lanes, stone houses and historic terraces shaped over the centuries. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Purification church, the viewpoints and the castle invite visitors to discover an art of living where nature and culture are in perfect harmony.
4 good reasons to visit Lauris
Between the plain and the Luberon, Lauris has preserved the authenticity of a Provençal village. Its historic center, perched on the cliff, reveals a network of cobbled streets, vaulted passages and shaded little squares. Here, you can enjoy the coolness of fountains, the scent of gardens and the gentle pace of Provence.
Around the church and the terraces of the château, the village unfolds between civil and religious heritage, viewpoints and stairways carved into the rock. Below, the countryside opens onto vineyards, olive groves and orchards, crossed by peaceful walking paths.
Overlooking the Durance Valley, Lauris tells a story deeply linked to stone and water. Since the Middle Ages, the village has developed around its seigniorial castle, built on a rocky promontory offering breathtaking views over the plain. Protected by its ramparts and built in terraces, Lauris bears witness to its strategic past between the Luberon and the Durance. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Purification Church, the castle terraces and the cobbled streets of the old village reflect the passage of time and the craftsmanship of Provençal builders.
As you wander through the old village, you can still admire the medieval terraces of the castle, the cobbled streets lined with golden-stone houses, and the arched gateways that evoke the seigniorial past of Lauris. At the heart of the village stands the Notre-Dame-de-la-Purification Church, built from the 11th century and later renovated in the 18th, a fine example of Lauris’s rich religious heritage. From the castle heights, the view over the Durance Valley and the Sainte-Victoire Mountain is simply spectacular.
Stone is omnipresent in Lauris — in its ramparts, on the stairways of the terraces, in the dry-stone walls, and in the washhouses and fountains scattered along the lanes. Here, heritage and nature are in constant dialogue, offering a setting where the Provençal art of living truly comes to life.
Among the heritage treasures of Lauris, the castle and its terraces proudly overlook the Durance Valley. Built on a rocky spur, the site bears witness to the village’s seigneurial past and its strategic importance between Luberon and Provence. Transformed over the centuries, the castle still preserves its tiered terraces, supporting walls and a breathtaking panoramic view over the plain and the Alpilles.
Around the castle, the cobbled streets, stone façades and ancient fountains recall the deep connection between Lauris, stone and water. This unique heritage blends harmoniously with the terraced gardens of the Conservatory of Dye Plants, where nature and culture meet in perfect balance. Lauris thus combines history, art of living and natural beauty at the very heart of the Luberon.
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At the top of the village, the Château de Lauris and its terraces are home to the Conservatory of Dye Plants. This unique site in Europe features hanging gardens and a palette of natural colours from dye plants. Blending heritage, botany and artistic creation, visitors can enjoy an exceptional setting where nature inspires art. A true haven of peace overlooking the Durance Valley and the Grand Luberon.
Lauris owes much of its charm to its exceptional location, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Durance Valley. Surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and terraced gardens, the village offers a setting where nature and stone blend in perfect harmony. Its ancient fountains, shaded squares and flowering terraces invite relaxation and contemplation. From the castle terraces, the view stretches over the Grand Luberon and the Alpilles, offering a breathtaking panorama. Here, every detail - a sun-warmed stone, a flower-lined alley, the murmur of a fountain - reveals the true Provençal spirit of Lauris.
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At the top of the village, the terraces of Lauris Castle are among the most beautiful viewpoints in the Luberon. Built in tiers above the Durance Valley, they offer a 180° panorama over the Alpilles, the Luberon massif and the green plains below. Framed by hanging gardens and pools, they reflect the ancestral know-how of the people of Lauris in the art of working with stone and water. Accessible from the village centre, this emblematic site invites you to explore and contemplate, between nature and heritage.
A place of peace and wonder, the terraces are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the golden light bathes the valley. An ideal setting for walkers, photography enthusiasts and visitors seeking Provençal inspiration.
Perched on its rocky spur, Lauris enjoys a unique position between the Durance Valley and the Grand Luberon massif. Its trails wind through vineyards, olive groves and stone terraces, offering a mosaic of typically Mediterranean landscapes. The village has preserved a harmonious balance between nature, agriculture and built heritage, while cultivating a simple and authentic way of life. Here, nature reveals all its diversity, in tune with the rhythm of the seasons and the southern light.
Outdoor enthusiasts, get ready for an escape! Lauris is a privileged starting point for exploring the landscapes of the southern Luberon on foot or by bike. Between cultivated terraces, vineyards, olive groves and the banks of the Durance, the village offers a great variety of panoramas and paths. The waymarked trails invite you to discover a preserved Mediterranean nature, dotted with dry-stone walls, fragrant garrigue and colourful fields. Lauris is an ideal destination for both hikers and cyclists seeking authenticity and freedom in the heart of the Luberon.
Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and sun-drenched landscapes, Lauris is best explored by bike, at the gentle pace of Provence. Several marked cycling routes start from or pass through the village, inviting visitors to discover the surroundings of the Grand Luberon and the Durance Valley.
Lauris is located near the Luberon Cycle Route, an iconic itinerary linking Cavaillon to Forcalquier, crossing some of the most beautiful perched villages. This safe and scenic route lets you ride between agricultural landscapes and panoramic views of the Luberon mountains.
From the village centre, cycling enthusiasts can reach Puget, Lourmarin or Cadenet via quiet country roads lined with orchards and lavender fields. A gentle and inspiring way to discover the southern Luberon, where nature and heritage come together in perfect harmony.
Between cultivated terraces, fragrant garrigue and panoramic views over the Durance Valley, Lauris is a perfect starting point for exploring the landscapes of the southern Luberon on foot. Its trails wind through unspoilt nature, rural heritage and remarkable viewpoints, offering an authentic immersion in Provence.
From the village, several waymarked trails lead through the surrounding countryside, across hills, forests and fertile plains. Among them, two emblematic hikes are not to be missed:
These two routes, blending heritage, flora and scenic views, perfectly capture the spirit of Lauris — a village where nature, stone and light come together to offer unforgettable walking experiences.
Villages of Luberon
Our villages in Luberon are gorgous, you will love to stroll through the cobbled streets. Take the time to visit and discover all these villages Luberon and Provence are so famous for!
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