Lourmarin

Village of art and character

To truly understand what makes Lourmarin, listed among the most beautiful villages of France, so enchanting, you must take the time to travel there and let the magic unfold. Whether you come via the Combe from Apt or Bonnieux, or by the road from Lauris, after a final bend you emerge onto a plane tree-lined road… and the village appears, calm and radiant, nestled on gentle hills. Its silhouette, perched on a small hill, is marked by three bell towers (the belfry, the church, and the temple) and a network of narrow streets winding around the village center. Charming shops, galleries, and restaurants now enhance the characterful houses that bear witness 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 successfully crossed the centuries and preserved its heritage. A look back at the fascinating history of this village that embodies the soul of the Luberon.

Strategically located between the Petit and Grand Luberon, Lourmarin lies on a major historical axis connecting the High Provence plateaus to the Rhône Valley, playing a key role in regional history. Its geographic location makes it a strategic spot, situated at the end of the combe that links the Durance Valley to the Calavon Valley and to Apt. Since Roman times, this location has enabled effective surveillance of the passage, offering protection and security to the growing populations in the region.

The history of Lourmarin is marked by significant events, such as the massacre of the Waldensians in 1545. At that time, the village, predominantly made up of Waldensians who became Protestants in 1532, was partially burned and destroyed. However, it gradually rebounded to become the village we know today.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Lourmarin developed economically thanks to new agricultural and artisanal industries. Wheat, rye, olive, vine cultivation, and silkworm farming fed local manufactories, particularly for the weaving of silk, wool, and linen. It was, in fact, Philippe de Girard, a native of Lourmarin, who invented the linen loom.

The 19th century brought prosperity but also periods of insecurity. In 1921, a turning point occurred when Robert Laurent-Vibert, a scholar and art enthusiast, 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, with the condition of creating a foundation to host young artists, making Lourmarin 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.