Why you should include a visit to Lourmarin and the Luberon on a trip to Provence

Lourmarin is a tiny, medieval village huddled under the southern Luberon’s gently folded landscape.

Resplendent with vineyards, olive groves, abundant fruit trees, timeless perched villages and in the summer, endless fields of sunflowers and fragrant lavender.

A magical place of meandering, cobbled streets lined with crumbling clay tiled, golden stone buildings, watch the video here.

Lourmarin is full of vibrant cafes and restaurants, a handful of chic boutiques and enticing art galleries.

Every Friday it is host to a bustling market, colourful stores packed with locally grown produce.

Table cloths flap in the gentle breeze alongside baskets and all the treasures of a Provencal marché

A tour round Lourmarin’s mystical 15th century château should not be missed nor an evening at one of its’ lavish music concerts.

The nearby enchanting perched villages are well worth exploring, especially Bonnieux, Goult, Ménerbes, Lacoste,  Oppède-le-Vieux, Roussillon and Gordes & despite Lourmarin itself not being ‘perched’ its’ mesmerizing beauty has won it the honor of being one of ‘les plus beaux villages de France.’ Watch the video tour of the Luberon villages here

Every Sunday there is an incredible antiques market and Provencal market at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a pretty 30 minute drive along the Luberon Valley. Get there before 9.30am as the parking can be very busy!

Just 68km to the north lies the stunning wall city of Avignon, watch the video tour here

37km to the south is the vibrant university town, Aix-en-Provence.

A short drive further the coastal towns of Bandol and Cassis and the sparkling Cote d’Azur.

It is no surprise that living near Lourmarin inspired Peter Mayle to write; ('A Year in Provence', 'A Good Year')  for the region's timeless beauty reaches into the soul, it is utterly captivating.

How to get to Lourmarin

The nearest major airport is Marseilles (MRS), a 45 minute drive from Lourmarin. There are numerous international connections to Paris, London, Frankfurt, Munich & other major European cities. If driving, Lourmarin is about 20km from the A7 autoroute traveling north and the A51 to the A8 is 20km to the south.

What to see and do in Lourmarin

Lourmarin is in the Luberon Valley in the Vaucluse department of Provence, in south eastern France. A small enchanting area of sprawling vineyards, olive trees, sunflowers, shuttered, limestone buildings and medieval villages. Stunningly beautiful, people come to stay in Lourmarin to just ‘be’; to spend long, lazy days under cornflower blue skies, lavender perfuming the air and crickets chattering through the night. It’s intoxicating, a place of artists and authors, a place to dream about and yearn for when you are far away

THE LOURMARIN CHATEAU

A part of Lourmarin since the 12th century, it now hosts many wonderful performances and exhibitions and every summer is home to artists, writers and musicians.

THE LOURMARIN MARKET

Every Friday 8.30am -1.00pm the streets are bursting with a vibrant collection of wonderful local produce & all things Provencal. Unlike some, The Lourmarin market operates year round.

Other Luberon Markets: (NB: some are seasonal)
Monday: Cadenet, Cavaillon, Lauris
Tuesday: Cucuron, Gordes. Lacoste
Wednesday: Merindol, Pertuis, Salt,
Thursday: Goult, Menerbes Rousillon
Friday: Lourmarin, Bonnieux
Saturday: Apt
Sunday: L'Isle sue La Sorgue

Where to stay in Lourmarin

RENTING A PROPERTY

You can rent my house, Maison des Cerises, right in the middle village!

Completely renovated (December 2017) it has air-conditioning, two double bedrooms – both with en-suites bathrooms – a terrace, separate laundry (washer and drier) Wifi, Smart TV and American style fridge freezer. Do contact me if you are interested!

Renting a house provides a tiny snapshot of what it is like to actually live here; having more space to relax and shop in the local stores and markets to cook at home. If my house is unavailable or doesn't suit, Nikki at Rent Our Home  offers a charming selection of other properties.

HOTELS & BED & BREAKFASTS

LE MOULIN DE LOURMARIN

Rue du Temple, 84160 Lourmarin  +33 (0)4 90 68 06 69 Price: €150 -€450 per night (breakfast buffet €18.00 per person) Closed: mid January - February. A boutique hotel set within an old olive mill  located in the center of the village.

HOTEL BASTIDE DE LOURMARIN Route de Cucuron, 84160 Lourmarin  +33 (0)4 90 07 00 70  Price from €140 great central location with pool, spa and restaurant.

MAISON COLLONGUE 44 Chemin de Collongue 84160 Lourmarin  + 33 (0)4 90 77 44 69 Price: From €150 per room Closed beginning of the year 5 luxurious modern bedrooms, within a Provencal Mas.Breakfast included, brunch on request €27. On Tuesdays, a fabulous dinner is served in the garden, €75 per person Lovely pool and gardens to relax in, on site massages can be arranged.

COTE LOURMARIN Impasse du Pont du Temple, 84420 Lourmarin  +33 (0)6 09 16 9180 Price: €170- 250. A beautiful, historic mansion offering accommodation in 2 elegant rooms. Decorated with exquisite taste by your charming hostess, for whom nothing is too much trouble. Breakfast included, brunch available on request €18.

MAS DE LA LOMBARDE  Puyvert  BP 32 84160 Lourmarin + 33 (0)4 90 09 97 40 Price: from €160 Closed November – March, check website.An exceptional place offering varied options; stay within the honied walls of an old Mas or at the neighbouring old domaine, both minutes from Lourmarin. Rent the newly renovated chic, apartment in the village. Enjoy the pool and the gardens from the shade of the old truffle oaks,  it will be hard to tear yourself away!

HOTEL AUBERGE DE LA FENIÈRE Route de Lourmarin [ D943 ] 84160 Cadenet  +33 (0)4 90 68 11 79 Price: €150 enquire from website (breakfast buffet €18.00 per person) Closed: mid January - February. Hotel Auberge de La Fenière is a 4 star boutique hotel just 2 miles from Lourmarin. One gourmet restaurant (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)and a more casual Bistro offering  a gluten free menu. (closed Wednesday and Thursday)

LAURIS

DOMAINE DE FONTENILLE Route de Roquefraiche, 84360 Lauris +33 4 13 98 00 00 Price: from €170

A luxury spa retreat just 10 minutes from Lourmarin set within beautiful grounds adjacent to its wine domaine, with two good restaurants: Le Champ des Lunes, & La Cuisine d'Amélie, gorgeous!

BONNIEUX

There are several excellent choices in this pretty perched village, which seemingly hangs on the hillside, just 20 minutes from Lourmarin

DOMAINE DE CAPELONGUE Chemin des Cabanes, Les Claparèdes, 84480 Bonnieux  + 33 (0)4 90 75 89 78 Price: from €180 enquire from website

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When you leave a place for several months, however much you love it, even somewhere as special as Lourmarin, you find yourself wondering. Wondering if it it really is as magical as the images you have so firmly imprinted in your mind. Wondering whether you'll feel the same when you return. And then you do and wonder why you ever left.

As I've often said, life is a journey, full of crossroads and decisions, some we chose, others we'd rather not. Along the way we pass by many doors, some we leave closed but some we open.....

There were many reasons not to open this door, but I'm so glad we did.

It's a year since we made the decision to buy our little village house in Lourmarin and framed by the cherry blossoms, we've been reminded why we named it Maison des Cerises. (House of the Cherry Trees)

From our terrace looking up my street, all just as we'd left it, now kissed with the promise of spring, my heart skipped a beat.

Gazing across the roof tops of my fairy tale village, beckoning me once more to step within its embrace, it felt good to be here.

Nearby, Mount Ventoux, at 1912m (6270feet) the highest mountain in the region, technically part of the Alps, is still kissed with snow. I stared in wonder at the views across the Luberon, fields of fruits trees, the gnarly fists of vines and clumpy rows of lavender like sleeping hedgehogs, all lying dormant about to burst.

Which they've begun to do.

The weather is still erratic allowing for occasional el-fresco dining, although we were more than happy to eat inside under the stone arches of this charming former sheep fold, Le Bergerie, in nearby Bonnieux.

And how could anyone be anything but captivated by the views, the enchanting 'village-perché' of Bonnieux.

With Easter visitors our market in Lourmarin is back in all its resplendence.

A little quieter at this time of year but still full of temptations.

Surrounded by wineries, we have been discovering some of the local vintages and love the stunning Le Château Constantin just along the road in Lourmarin.

Here they use terracotta barrels, an ancient 8000 year old method, one we'd never seen. Having sampled and splurged, it's set to be a regular favorite!

We're still on a quest to fill the house with treasures from the local brocantes. Many of which require some TLC.

So I just spent a wonderful day perfecting my techniques with Annie Sloan chalk paint and wax. In a cave like workshop, along a cobbled street in the delightful 'village-perché', Ménerbes, another of the Luberon's  'plus beaux villages de France, is Artelier de Color. Here the talented and delightful Liz shared her secrets with me, it was such a thrill!

Many of you have been kindly asking me about my book, it' still a work in progress. I've been talking to agents and this weekend am visiting the current owner of Château des Fouzes in Uzès where the Poles who first cracked the Enigma Code, lived during World War II. It's very exciting!

I know this is a long overdue update to my blog, life gets busy but despite all that's going on we've truly made this special corner of France, Lourmarin, a part of our lives.

Maybe not forever but for now, for this part of our journey. And isn't that the point; life, the journey, isn't about the destination, what you're going to do when you get there, wherever 'there' is, it's about the now and for us that now is spending some of our time here, lucky us..............

Click here if you'd like to rent our village house in Lourmarin, Provence.

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AVAILABLE FOR RENT OUR VILLAGE HOUSE IN LOURMARIN

To rent CLICK HERE

Maison des Cerises is our village house for rent in Lourmarin. All recently completely renovated, is a short stroll from the center of the village, its boulangerie, chic boutiques, charming cafes, restaurants and the stunning Lourmarin Château.

FEATURES

Two ensuite bedrooms, Queen sized beds & White Company linen

Light & sunny triple aspect living room; fireplace, 'Smart/Internet' TV ( Netflix, Amazon Prime)

Kitchen/diner all new appliances including American style fridge freezer with ice maker

South facing terrace with gas BBQ

Laundry room with washer and separate tumble drier

Air-conditioning

Wireless wifi throughout

Adjacent parking

To rent CLICK HERE

You can also email me at: hello@shuttersandsunflowers.com

Lourmarin, une plus belle villes de France ~ one of the most beautiful villages of France, is nestled in the breathtaking Luberon region. Just thirty minutes from the sun-drenched city of Aix-en-Provence, 50 minutes from Avignon and 90 minutes from the beaches of the Mediterranean.

Download the printable The Lourmarin Travel Guide to learn more about this beautiful region

To help plan your stay in Lourmarin click here

Maisons des Cerises, Rue du Grand Pré, 84160, Lourmarin, France

The post Maisons des Cerises ~ Our village house for rent in Lourmarin appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

Lourmarin in autumn; the intensity of the sun has faded but it still has some warmth. The crowds have receded but the region's vibrancy has not diminished. The vendage is almost complete and the air is perfumed with the heady scent of grapes and woodsmoke. The golden shades of autumn sweep a paintbrush of crimson and ochre flames across the landscape. It's a beautiful time of year to be here but actually it's always a beautiful time of year here.....

Sun hats have been replaced by softly flowing scarves but the beguiling atmosphere along the streets of Lourmarin in autumn still entices.

The pace is still bustling, especially at the weekends and there is always lots to see and do. Restaurant reservations are easier to secure.

Parking on market daysalong the streets of Lourmarin in autumn is 'pas de problème' and there are still so many temptations!! Delicious fromage,

Flowers, lots of flowers, including sunflowers, of course!

Local vegetables,

and as you would expect, your choice of brightly coloured Provencal baskets.

So many stunning, vibrant French linens that it will be hard to  buy only one!

For the whole month of October in Lourmarin in autumn, Lourmarin celebrates its local artists, profiling their incredible collection of talent, hosting visitors with wine and canapes.

and a series of lectures within the mystical atmosphere of the caves of the chateau.

Gazing across the vineyards, as the late afternoon sun's golden rays bathe the creamy stone walls of Lourmarin in autumn, my heart skips a beat.

The clock tower reminds me of the time of day and I drag myself away from the captivating view to wander back through the village.

This truly is a magical place, my special place, click on all the links to remind yourself exactly what I mean.....

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN LOURMARIN

WHERE TO STAY IN LOURMARIN

WHERE TO EAT IN LOURMARIN

The post Provence's spell binding village of Lourmarin in autumn appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

Magical, medieval villages of Provence’s breathtaking Luberon Valley,
clustered round a château clinging precariously to the hillside,
above a landscape resplendent with vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards
and in the summer, carpets of lavender and dancing sunflowers.
Some you may just drive through others you might choose to linger longer.
If staying in Lourmarin, taking the D943, this would be a good route to see them all.

Bonnieux

Lacoste

Ménerbes

Oppède Le Vieux

Gordes

Roussillon

Goult

Return to Lourmarin

where you can rent my village house

The post Exploring the perched villages of the Luberon Valley from Lourmarin appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

Visualise yourself sleeping beneath the rafters of a stunning converted olive mill
or being pampered in an exquisite guest room of a Provencal mansion.
Perhaps you’d like to be in a house in the country or in a village.

You can rent our house, Maison des Cerises, right in the middle of Lourmarin, the view from our shutters shown above! Completely renovated (December 2017) it has two double bedrooms – both with en-suites bathrooms – a terrace, separate laundry (washer and drier) air-conditioning, Wifi, Smart TV and American style fridge freezer. Do contact me if you are interested!

Renting a house provides a tiny snapshot of what it is like to actually live here; having more space to relax and shopping in the local stores and markets to cook at home.

If my house is unavailable or doesn't suit, Nikki offers a charming selection of other properties, check out her website at: Rent Our Home

HOTELS & BED & BREAKFASTS

LE MOULIN DE LOURMARIN

MAISON COLLONGUE

COTE LOURMARIN

MAS DE LA LOMBARDE

The post Where to stay in Lourmarin appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

On our most recent visit to Lourmarin we stayed at Le Moulin de Lourmarin, a captivating, golden stone, former olive mill. In the heart of the village, Le Moulin is a charming little haven, maintaining the authenticity of its former life yet lacking nothing in modern conveniences in its delightful and cosy rooms.

Whilst living in Lourmarin we ate in Le Moulin’s restaurant several times, returning there last year. The setting, within the enfolds of an old olive mill oozes ambience, something reflected both in the delicious food and the service.

Each time we were made to feel spoiled, we always left wishing to return.

Sadly, during our brief stay this February, the restaurant was not yet open for the season,

but the warm, friendly attentiveness of the staff still made our time in the hotel special, we would definitely return!

Famed chef, Edouard Loubet opened Le Moulin de Lourmarin in 1992 where he received his first Michelin star, becoming the youngest chef in France. Three years later, he received his second.

Loubet grew up in Val-Thorens, discovering the art of cooking with his grandparents. He developed his talent at Fitz Roy (Relais et Château), the highest hotel in Europe after which he joined the Ritz Carlton in Chicago. His career continued to excel back in France and in 1992, Loubet opened Le Moulin de Lourmarin. After his mother, Claude, acquired La Bastide de Capelongue, just up the hill in Bonnieux,

Loubet transferred its gourmet restaurant and its two stars. Loubet continues to be recognized and applauded for his outstanding work. Recently he has started holding 3 festivals a year in Kenya and trains Kenyan cooks in French cuisine, teaching them how to use their country’s best products and seek the best suppliers.

Le Moulin de Lourmarin, a small hotel with a big heart,

in the centre of one of the most beautiful villages in France, dare I say, the world, my Lourmarin!

If you in the neighborhood stay there, you won’t be disappointed!

Location of Le Moulin de Lourmarin

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A Provencal view in January where the roof tops have been kissed by snow. There is the faintest of pink tinges to the winter sky this morning as I look out of the French doors on to the patio. I am reminded of the descriptions on a paint pot, so many shades of the same colour; ‘Borrowed Light’, ‘Matchstick’, ‘Lulworth blue’, ‘Cabbage white’, where do they get these names from? The neighbour’s pomegranate tree, so resplendent with its harvest a few months ago, having shed its leaves, is bare. As if curtains have been drawn back, the walls of the house behind are no longer hidden. The tree’s chocolate brown arms reach out above the roof tops fanning out in a ‘V’. Strong and chunky nearer the ground, gradually thinning into spindly twigs, so fragile near the sky, so sturdy near the ground. A few stubborn, burnt orange leaves remain and one solitary shriveled fruit, as if in defiance of the winds and rain of weeks gone by.

The patio table, so well used in warmer weather sits patiently. Relaxing, before it once again becomes the focal point for dining, adorned with brightly coloured provencal cloths and laden with the bounties of the region. As meals are consumed and cleared away and crumbs swept from below, postcards will be written upon its stone top, the perfect resting place for a late afternoon glass of rosé. Children will lay out their board games and the table will become a useful surface to dump books, magazines, sunglasses and towels. Nearby, the oversized umbrella stands guard, cold and steely, seems out of keeping with its surroundings like an alien intruder, but appreciated in the firece summer heat when its folds of canvas open to provide much welcomed shade.
Two birds fly across the roof tops as if hurrying to an important meeting for which they are late. A momentary chirp and twitter from their compatriots and all is silent, whilst I sit and wonder. No rushing for me, no traffic to combat, no telephones shrilly disturbing the quiet. Connected to the outside world by a laptop and technology but sitting here looking out of the window in a sleepy French village on a January morning.

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