Oppède-le-Vieux is a haven of peace and serenity, the perfect escape for those seeking to get away from the fast pace of modern life.
On this page, we invite you to explore the fascinating history of this Provençal village, to marvel at its breathtaking panoramic views, and to soak up its peaceful atmosphere.
Join us on a journey through the timeless charm of Oppède-le-Vieux.
A Village with a Fascinating Past
Perched on its rocky hill, Oppède-le-Vieux preserves the traces of a rich medieval heritage. Steep alleyways, the collegiate church, and the remains of the ancient castle tell the story of the village’s eventful past through the centuries.
Discover the history of the village
4 great reasons to visit Oppède le Vieux
Oppède, a mineral gem hidden in the heart of the Luberon, invites you to discover a place where authenticity and preservation meet in a living tableau of history and nature. Proudly perched on a rocky spur, this village stands as a silent witness to the past centuries, offering visitors an immersion into a setting where vineyards and olive trees blend with dense forests and rugged terrain.
The magic of Oppède lies in its perfect harmony between ancient stones and lush greenery, between the stories of the past and the sunbeams filtering through the leaves. Strolling through its narrow streets, one is transported to the medieval era, under the watchful eye of the château and the Notre-Dame Dalidon collegiate church, jewels of a bygone era that continue to watch over the village.
Gourmet Hike
Saturday, December 20
Discover the heritage of water and wine in the Luberon on a guided walk through historic irrigation sites and vineyards, ending with a wine tasting at the Mas des Infermières.
The path to Old Oppède, starting from the Sainte-Cécile Gardens, is an invitation to wander. Here, around 80 species of trees and plants from the Luberon flourish, offering a perfect introduction to the village’s hidden treasures. The remains of the castle and the majestic collegiate church rise proudly, bearing witness to the grandeur of this historic site.
Beyond its remarkable heritage, Oppède also invites visitors to relax and reflect. From the terraces of Sainte-Cécile to the Aire de Battage, the viewpoints over the village and its surroundings are simply breathtaking, revealing unforgettable panoramas of this land bathed in light and history.
New Oppède, with its hamlet of Les Poulivets, tells another story, that of a community that has reinvented itself while preserving its soul. Beneath the shade of plane trees, life flows peacefully, paced by the gentle murmur of conversations drifting across squares and café terraces. It is a place of encounters and sharing, where the Provençal spirit is lived and cherished every day.
The perfect view of Oppède-le-Vieux
The Oppède threshing floor, a historic stone-paved platform built in the 16th century, enjoys an exceptional location at the top of a small plateau, offering a unique perspective over Oppède-le-Vieux.
In the past, this area was used by farmers to separate wheat grain from its ear, its exposed position to the wind making this traditional process easier.
Perfect for a peaceful picnic, this spot is listed among the most beautiful picnic sites in the Luberon.
In the heart of the village, the Place de la Croix is an emblematic location in Oppède-le-Vieux. With its 18th-century belfry and covered market halls, it tells the story of the village's evolution, which moved from the rocky spur to the plain over the centuries. This small space, bathed in light, invites visitors to wander, surrounded by medieval remnants that bear witness to the tumultuous history of the region.
Perched on a promontory, the Collégiale Notre-Dame Dalidon dominates the Luberon. This Romanesque building, dating back to the 10th century, has been remodeled over the centuries. Today, it provides an ideal setting for lyrical concerts, especially during the "Sunset Concerts", where the beauty of music blends with the stunning landscapes. A true moment of peace and beauty, accessible only on foot, adding to its mystery and charm.
A few steps from the village, the Sainte-Cécile Terraces extend, offering a magnificent view of the Calavon plain and the Monts de Vaucluse. Once agricultural land, they are now a botanical garden where you can stroll among the parasol pines, oak trees, and Mediterranean plants like thyme and rosemary. A peaceful place, perfect for reconnecting with nature and the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Finally, higher up, stands the fortress of Vieil Oppède, an imposing relic of the medieval era. Although partially in ruins, it bears witness to the village's tumultuous history. Its strategic location at the top of the village offers an unobstructed view and reminds visitors of the significance of this place during the Middle Ages. Ongoing restoration work promises to breathe new life into this historic monument, allowing everyone to discover more of its fascinating past.
❤ Our favourite
The Concerts au coucher de soleil in Oppède-le-Vieux are an unmissable lyrical festival created by conductor Cyril Diederich, who also serves as its artistic director. This event, a successor to the Luberon Musical Weeks, takes place every August in an exceptional natural setting.
The programme highlights Mozart’s operas and emerging opera talents, offering a magical atmosphere during the twilight performances. From August 15 to 20, 2025, the festival will feature Verdi’s La Traviata. A must-see for lovers of opera and stunning landscapes.
An escape between hills and plains? A true call to adventure for hiking enthusiasts! Oppède is full of trails offering breathtaking views and hidden treasures of nature.
Our suggestion: a shaded walk along the Sentier des Ribas, an invitation to explore the surroundings of the Old Oppède. This route takes you along the Luberon massif to the east, skirting the famous Brécugne climbing spot, before winding behind the quarries of Oppède. It’s a mainly shaded walk, where the woods and local canopy offer a pleasant coolness. Perfect for an escape into nature, the Sentier des Ribas unveils a more intimate and verdant side of the region. Many other walking trails are also waiting to be discovered.
The commune of Oppède, renowned for its traditional cultivation of vines and olive trees, shapes its landscape and lifestyle around these two emblematic crops. The predominant vineyards stretch across the plain, while the olive trees, adapted to the local climate, are planted on the hillsides or slopes of the Luberon. In response to climate change, the olive groves are gradually replacing the traditional crops of wheat and cherry trees in the plain.
The Aglandau olive variety, particularly resistant to frost and the Mistral wind, is emblematic of Vaucluse. The commune is home to two active olive mills, the Moulin Saint Augustin and the Moulin La Royère, which also houses a museum dedicated to olive oil.
The vineyards of Oppède, rich in history dating back to Roman times, have undergone significant modernization since the 1970s. The AOP Luberon and Ventoux appellations, which attest to the quality of the wines produced, are gaining increasing recognition in local and international markets. The grape varieties range from Syrah and Grenache to local varieties such as Chasan and Marselan. The commune boasts no fewer than seven wine estates.
Oppède has seven wine estates offering a variety of red, rosé, and white wines under AOP Luberon, AOP Ventoux, or IGP Vaucluse, reinforcing its identity as a wine and olive-growing region.
Que voir à Oppède
DécouvrirOù dormir à Oppède
DécouvrirOù manger à Oppède
DécouvrirÉvènements à Oppède
DécouvrirVillages 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!
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What is the best viewpoint in Oppède-le-Vieux?
From the threshing floor or the Notre-Dame Dalidon Collegiate Church, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the village and the Luberon landscape — two must-see spots for breathtaking panoramas and photos.
Is the Collegiate Church open to visitors?
Yes, the Notre-Dame Dalidon Collegiate Church is freely accessible on foot. Guided tours are offered in summer to discover its history and hidden treasures.
Where can I park to visit Oppède-le-Vieux?
A paid parking area is available below the village, near the Jardins de Sainte-Cécile. From there, it takes about 10 minutes on foot to reach the historic center.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
Plan between 1.5 and 2.5 hours to stroll through the village, visit the Collegiate Church, enjoy the viewpoints, and perhaps take a short walk around the area.
What can you do in Oppède-le-Vieux?
Highlights include the Notre-Dame Dalidon Collegiate Church, the remains of the medieval castle, cobbled streets, and scenic views from the threshing floor. You can also visit the Olive Oil Museum, join a guided tour, or take part in a gourmet walk.
When is the best time to visit Oppède-le-Vieux?
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Oppède-le-Vieux. The weather is mild, the light enhances the stone facades, and the village remains peaceful.
How to get to Oppède-le-Vieux from Avignon or Cavaillon?
Oppède is located in the Luberon, about 20 minutes from Cavaillon and 45 minutes from Avignon. By car, take the A7 motorway (exit n°25 Cavaillon), then follow the D2, D3, and D188 roads. The old village is not served by buses; the nearest stop is in Oppède-les-Poulivets (3 km away).
