Lourmarin

Discovering Lourmarin

Listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", Lourmarin stands out with its unique atmosphere and Provençal charm. Surrounded by enchanting landscapes, it captivates visitors with its cobbled streets, art galleries and, above all, its majestic Renaissance château overlooking the village.

Nestled between the Petit and Grand Luberon, Lourmarin is a true treasure for lovers of authenticity and heritage, a village that feels as if it has stepped straight out of a postcard.

A typically Provençal way of life

Stroll through the shaded lanes, admire the colourful façades of old houses and let yourself be charmed by the unique atmosphere that fills the village. Between art galleries and local artisan shops, you will find countless reasons to linger. And why not enjoy a gourmet break on a terrace and savour local specialties?

A village of art and character

To immediately understand what makes Lourmarin so captivating, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, you simply need to take the time to come here and let the magic unfold.

Whether arriving through the Combe from Apt or Bonnieux, or by the road coming from Lauris, after the final bend you suddenly emerge onto a plane-tree-lined road… and the village appears, peaceful and luminous, resting gently on rolling hills.

Its silhouette, perched on a small hill, is marked by three bell towers (the belfry, the church and the temple) and a maze of narrow streets circling the heart of the village. Elegant shops, galleries and restaurants now highlight the beautiful character houses, witnesses to Lourmarin’s rich history.

The Château of Lourmarin, between history and wonder

Emblematic of the Renaissance in Provence, the Château of Lourmarin invites you to dive into the art and history of the region. Built in the 15th century by Foulques d'Agoult, this majestic site reveals two unique facets: the medieval wing, enhanced by an elegant Italian-style loggia, and the 16th-century Renaissance wing, richly furnished and adorned with collections from the 15th to the 19th century.

This heritage treasure owes its revival to Robert Laurent-Vibert, who saved it from ruin in 1921 and transformed it into a vibrant cultural venue, where artist residencies and exhibitions follow one another. From its gardens, the view of the village and the gentle hills of the Luberon is simply breathtaking.

Take the time to explore every corner of the château with multilingual information sheets, or let yourself be guided on a guided tour or a fun treasure hunt for younger visitors. An unforgettable discovery awaits!

Remarkable figures

More than major events, it is above all remarkable individuals who have shaped the history of the village. Since the early 19th century, the village of Lourmarin has gained a certain renown thanks to several figures from the worlds of arts, sciences, and business.

Among them, Albert Camus and Henri Bosco are buried in the village cemetery, their works paying tribute to this land of inspiration. The engineer Philippe de Girard, a native of the village, as well as Robert Laurent-Vibert, who restored the château and contributed to its fame, are also key figures in its history.

A rich history

From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, Lourmarin has crossed the centuries while preserving its heritage. Discover the fascinating history of this village that embodies the soul of the Luberon.

Strategic origins

Strategically located between the Petit and Grand Luberon, Lourmarin lies on a major historic route linking the plateaus of Haute Provence to the Rhône Valley. Situated at the entrance of the pass connecting the Durance Valley to the Calavon Valley and Apt, the village played an essential role in regional history. Since Roman times, this location allowed effective control of the passage, offering protection and security to the growing populations of the area.

The tragedy of the Waldensians

Lourmarin’s history is marked by significant events, such as the massacre of the Waldensians in 1545. At that time, the village, largely inhabited by Waldensians who had embraced Protestantism from 1532 onwards, was partially burned and destroyed. Yet it gradually rose again to become the village we know today.

Economic growth

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Lourmarin experienced economic development thanks to new agricultural and craft industries:

• Wheat, rye, olive and vine cultivation
• Silkworm farming
• Silk, wool and linen manufacturing
  

Philippe de Girard, born in Lourmarin, invented the linen weaving loom.

The revival of the 19th and 20th centuries

The 19th century brought a certain prosperity, but also periods of instability. In 1921, a major turning point came when Robert Laurent-Vibert, scholar and art lover, acquired and restored the ruined château. Upon his death, he bequeathed the château to the Academy of Sciences, Agriculture, Arts and Letters of Aix-en-Provence, on the condition that a foundation be created there to host young artists.

Lourmarin thus became a true "Villa Medici" in the Luberon.

Explore Lourmarin and its surroundings on foot or by bike

Why not take advantage of your visit to Lourmarin to explore the landscapes of the southern Luberon? Two hiking trails and a scenic cycling loop invite you to discover the area, combining nature, heritage, and the art of living.

For lovers of wide-open spaces, the Combe des Cavaliers and Pelat de Buoux hike (20.6 km – difficult level) offers a spectacular immersion in the wild Luberon. Wooded ridges, forests, limestone screes, and stunning views over the Apt valley await on this demanding route reserved for experienced hikers.

Looking for a gentler yet equally scenic option? Let yourself be charmed by the hike between Lourmarin and Cadenet (10.3 km – easy to moderate level). This loop links two iconic villages along farm paths lined with vineyards, olive trees, and cherry orchards, with the Renaissance castle of Lourmarin and medieval ruins of Cadenet as your backdrop.

Want to explore the Luberon by bike? The Cycle Route No. 25 (33 km – moderate level) takes you through the rolling landscapes of the southern Luberon, connecting Lourmarin, Cadenet, Lauris, and Puget. It’s a perfect loop to enjoy nature, culture, and sport at your own pace.

Looking for more trails starting from Lourmarin? Discover all our hiking trails and bike routes for an active adventure in the southern Luberon.