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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I was so happy to learn from my friends in Lourmarin that the Friday market is allowed to return tomorrow; with social distancing measures of course. After so many weeks of not being permitted, I'm thrilled for all the local vendors, and the shoppers too, who appreciate and love the Lourmarin market as much as me.

Because of the virus I can't be there, but I can imagine the white vans filling the car park outside my house and the stalls springing up in Lourmarin's Place Henri Barthélémy, spilling out along the streets. To all of you that can be there, grab your baskets and enjoy ambling through the stalls. And as you make your purchases, from all that wonderful Provencal abundance, think of me, thinking of you, wishing I was could be there to join you.

Delicious local seasonal produce, all types of sensory pleasures on which to indulge.

Locally picked strawberries

Cheeses

 Saucissons

Olives

Crystalized fruit

Cordials

Nougat

Fresh flowers

and other indulgences, of which you can never have too many!

Savon de Marseille

 Provencal linens

and brightly colored pottery

Maybe in a new basket, there's always so many to choose from

to fill with things that encapsulate the essence of Provence,

and perhaps even a little wooden tool that you never knew you needed..

 Maybe not all of these will be there, but they'll be others just as enticing.....

And when your shopping's over, a café or a glass of rosé?

Perhaps the musicians will have returned to serenade you below my favorite terrace at La Maison Café

And then you can enjoy lunch at Café Gaby, not looking quite like it did here, but still just as special.

Hopefully the other markets are opening too, including Lourmarin's organic market on Tuesday evenings.

Nearby Markets of Provence

Monday: Cadenet, Cavaillon, Lauris

Tuesday: Cucuron, Pertuis, Gordes, Lacoste, Coustellet, La Tour d'Aigues, St Saturnin les Apt, Lourmarin 5.00- 8.00 organic produce

Wednesday: Mérindol, Cheval-Blanc, Salt, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, St Remy-de-Provence, Le Thor, Nimes, Cassis

Thursday: Goult, Ménerbes, Rousillon, Pertuis, Lauris, L'Isle sur la Sorgue, Aix-en-Provence, La Motte d'Aigues,

Friday: Lourmarin, Lagnes,, Les Taillades, Bonnieux, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Cucuron evenings (July & August)

Next time I share a market story from Provence, I'll be there, celebrating that the world is a safer place. Until then take care.

And if you can get there, remember my house, in the village is available to rent.

You can see a video with information here, do contact me and I'd be happy to tell you more.

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A visit to Lourmarin would not be complete without at least one visit to a local market in Provence. Friday is market day in Lourmarin But from early morning until about 1pm you'll find a market in Provence, somewhere, every day:

Markets in Provence

Monday: Cadenet, Cavaillon, Lauris

Tuesday: Cucuron, Pertuis, Gordes, Lacoste, Coustellet, La Tour d'Aigues, St Saturnin les Apt, Lourmarin (evenings)

Wednesday: Mérindol, Cheval-Blanc, Salt, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, St Remy-de-Provence, Le Thor, Nimes, Cassis

Thursday: Goult, Ménerbes, Rousillon, Pertuis, Lauris, L'Isle sur la Sorgue, Aix-en-Provence, La Motte d'Aigues,

Friday: Lourmarin, Lagnes,, Les Taillades, Bonnieux, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Cucuron evenings (July & August)

Saturday: L'Isle sur la Sorgue, Maubec, Vaugines, Mérindol, Apt, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Uzès

Sunday: L'Isle sur la Sorgue antiques, Ansouis, Coustellet, Mormoiron, Aix-en-Provence, Aigues Mortes

Regional produce found in the markets in Provence

Sold by smiling friendly locals

Goats Cheese

and other cheeses

 the perfect accompaniment to.....

 a baguette!

Olives

Candied fruits

 Garlic

Gifts from the markets in Provence

All things Olive!

Hats and bags

 Beautiful local handcrafts

Oils and vinegars

Nougat ~ although this might not make it to your suitcase!

A shopping basket full of evocative, sensory pleasures to provoke fond memories when you’re far away.

 My favourite market schedule:

Saturday ~ Apt or Uzes (click here for a video tour!)

 Sunday ~ L'Isle sur la Sorgue

Monday ~ Cadenet

Tuesday ~ Gordes & Lourmarin evening produce market

Wednesday ~ St Remy-de-Provence

Thursday ~ Aix-en-Provence

Friday ~ Lourmarin

Next time, we'll visit the Sunday market at L'Isle sur la Sorgue!

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Early on Friday morning, around when the clock chimes eight, the sound of clanking metal posts gently peppers the air. White vans fill the car park outside my door and market stalls spring up in Lourmarin's Place Henri Barthélémy spilling out along the streets. Friday is market day in Lourmarin and as I grab my basket, no matter how many times I've ambled through its' stalls, I wonder, 'what might I find today?'

Delicious local produce,

mouthwatering seasonal offerings,

 freshly picked and often just dug from the earth.

Sensory pleasures

to taste

and smell.

 Gifts from Provence to take back home,

maybe in a new basket?

So many to choose from

and fill with things encapsulating the essence of Provence.

And when your shopping's over, a café or a glass of rosé?

I love the terrace of La Maison Café where you're serenaded from the street below.

And then maybe lunch at Café Gaby, merging into the ambience of this special corner of Provence.

And if you can't wait until next week, there's many other markets quite close by just begging to be explored, not forgetting Lourmarin's organic market on Tuesday evenings.

Nearby Markets of Provence

Monday: Cadenet, Cavaillon, Lauris

Tuesday: Cucuron, Pertuis, Gordes, Lacoste, Coustellet, La Tour d'Aigues, St Saturnin les Apt, Lourmarin 5.00- 8.00 organic produce

Wednesday: Mérindol, Cheval-Blanc, Salt, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, St Remy-de-Provence, Le Thor, Nimes, Cassis

Thursday: Goult, Ménerbes, Rousillon, Pertuis, Lauris, L'Isle sur la Sorgue, Aix-en-Provence, La Motte d'Aigues,

Friday: Lourmarin, Lagnes,, Les Taillades, Bonnieux, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Cucuron evenings (July & August)

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

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I am often asked if I could help to plan a stay in Lourmarin, so voilà! This itinerary would work from any of the nearby Luberon villages, I've planned it round my favourite market days, listed below. But don't rush around too much, allow yourself to simply ‘be’ ~ to enjoy just being there, immersing yourself in the captivating ambience of this intoxicating part of the world! And don't forget if you need a place to stay I have a village house right in the middle of the village, do get in touch if you're interested in learning more.

SUNDAY

Maybe a day to stay home, explore the village, discover the story of the Lourmarin chateau.Perhaps take a drive around the immediate vicinity, visit the chateau in tiny Ansouis or sample the local wine at the neighbouring vineyards, Château Constantin just along the road from should not be missed, tell the owners that I recommended you visit them, they will take extra special care of you! Sunday is a very popular day for the French to go out for lunch so definitely make a reservation. If you have just arrived & need to stock the pantry, local supermarkets close at lunch time, locations & hours below.

MONDAY

Within 30 minutes
 THE LUBERON
Drive up to Bonnieux, visit the Bread Museum (1 April - 31 October: 1 pm to 6 pm every day except Tuesdays). Enjoy a lazy lunch in the lovely gardens of La Bergerie, afterwards discover Lacoste Ménerbes & the nearby wine domaines before meandering the streets of the ghost town of Oppède-le-Vieux. If you wanted to book a wine tour for later in the week we loved Avignon Wine Tours.

Within 90 minutes 
Avignon (70Km) visit Les Palais des Papes and Avignon's famous bridge Pont d'Avignon/Bénézet, remember the song 'Sur La Pont D'Avignon?' Click here for what to see in Avignon.  Combine a trip to Avignon with a visit to its neighbouring iconic wine region Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

 The Roman towns of Arles (84km) and Nimes (115km) & their incredible Roman arenas.
Aigues Mortes (130km) the most well preserved medieval walled city in Europe, famous for its salt, Le Saunier de Camargue, mined since the 8th century, factory tours available, so worth the drive!

TUESDAY

Gordes and Roussillon
Tuesday is market day in Gordes! After lunch maybe visit the Le Village des Bories. Don't miss L'Abbaye de Notre-Dame de Senanque, a great photo opportunity especially in June when the lavender is blooming. The tour takes an hour & is in French but is a fascinating insight into a working Silent Order. Then continue on to explore the ochre wonders of the village of nearby Roussillon.

WEDNESDAY

 St Remy-de-Provence, Les Baux de Provence & Carrières de Lumières
If you only do one day trip it should be to the video art spectacle at Carrières de Lumières by the perched village of Les Baux de Provence. Admission to the château ruins at Les Baux (an excellent self-guided audio tour, allow an hour)  and to Carrières de Lumières is combined at a discounted rate if you have time. 

Visit on a Wednesday, stopping first at the charming town of St Remy-de-Provence where it's market day. Have lunch in St Remy (poor options at Les Baux) before you take the short drive through the olive groves & vineyards; the view of Les Baux will catch your breath as it become visible on the rocky escarpment to your right!

Within 90 minutes
If you are feeling in need of some sea breezes, Wednesday (& Friday) is also market day in the pretty coastal town of Cassis.
 Take a boat tour to see the incredible finger like inlets Les Calanques de Cassis.

THURSDAY

Within 30 minutes
Bonnieux  Lacoste, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux  ~ see Monday. This time have lunch at the delicious La Terrasse in Goult. If like me, you love the film 'A Good Year' (shot locally in Bonnieux & The Luberon) you could visit Chateau la Canorgue & the filming locations, click here for details.

If you haven't already done so maybe this is your day to spend in beautiful Aix-en-Provence. (39km)

Within 90 minutes
Avignon(70Km), Nimes(115km), Arles(84km) and Aigues Mortes(130km) ~ (see Monday)

FRIDAY

Lourmarin market day
Stay local enjoy the market and lunch in the village!!

SATURDAY

Within 30 minutes
Market day in Apt. You could drive back from here on a different route stopping for lunch at L’Auberge des  Tilleuls in Grambois and then go on to the Occitane factory at Manosque. If you still haven't been to Aix-en-Provence go there today!!!
Within 90 minutes 
Uzès' (107km) Market day, reputedly the best market in Provence, if you haven't visited this delightful bastide city it is truly heaven, again leave early parking is tough on Saturdays, click here for the Uzès Travel Guide! Do stop at the Roman Aqueduct Pont du Gard (UNESCO site) on your way home, quite unforgettable!

SUNDAY

l'Isle sur la Sorgue antique market, stroll the rows of antique stalls by the canals! Great fun but get there early as parking is tough and beware, prices are higher than Paris!! Afterwards you could visit Fontaine de Vaucluse the mysterious source of the Vaucluse river!

MARKET DAYS IN PROVENCE

Monday: Cadenet, Cavaillon, Lauris
Tuesday: Cucuron, Pertuis, Gordes, Lacoste, Coustellet, La Tour d'Aigues, St Saturnin les Apt
Wednesday: Mérindol,Cheval-Blanc, Salt, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, St Remy-de-Provence, Le Thor, Nimes, Cassis
Thursday: Goult, Ménerbes, Rousillon, Pertuis, Lauris, L'Isle sur la Sorgue, Aix-en-Provence,- La Motte d'Aigues & Ménerbes evenings
Friday: Lourmarin, Lagnes,, Les Taillades, Bonnieux, Aix-en-Provence, Cucuron evenings July & August, Cassis
Saturday: L'Isle sur la Sorgue, Maubec, Vaugines, Mérindol, Apt May- mid November, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, St Remy-de-Provence, Uzès
Sunday: L'Isle sur la Sorgue antiques, Ansouis, Coustellet, Mormoiron, Aix-en-Provence, Aigues Mortes

LOCAL SUPERMARKETS
Lourmarin  
VIVAL: Place du Clos Building Savournin 84160 Lourmarin
~ just along from the Tourist Office, a small grocery shop
Tuesday - Saturday: 08:30-13:00/15:30-19:00  Sunday:08:30-13:00 Monday:closed

SUPERT TAF 2:  42 Rue Philippe De Girard 84160 Lourmarin

BOULANGERIE:  8 Rue Henri de Savornin 84160 Lourmarin
Tuesday - Sunday: 07:00-13:00/15:00-19:00  (Summer hours:15h30-19h30)

Larger Supermarkets
SUPER U PUYVERT: RN 913  84160 Puyvert ~ a 5 minute drive towards Lauris.
Open every day 09.00-20.00 Sunday until 13.00

CARREFOUR PERTUIS:  Route d'Aix En Provence, 84120 Pertuis ~23 minutes drive
Mon- Sat:08.30-20.30 Sunday:08.30-12.30 (In Pertuis there are a few large supermarkets)

To read more about this beautiful region download the printable The Lourmarin Travel Guide

If you need an on-sight expert contact Christel. Christel manages my village house Maison des Cerises in Lourmarin. She also offers wonderful gourmet cooking and other great concierge services. Christel has a wealth of local knowledge, speaks fluent English & is charming. Tell her you found her through me, she'd be delighted to help make your visit special.

There are many others places I've yet to discover, let me know what you find!

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The Lourmarin Château lies on the edge of the fairy tale village of Lourmarin, nestled under the gently rolling hills of Provence’s southern Luberon. Visit it to admire its beautiful antiques, discover its fascinating history and enjoy a musical soirée within it ancient walls.

Built as a medieval fortress by the Baux family, it became Provence’s first Renaissance château with connections to the royal court. Visited by statesmen and English Royalty, over the years it has inspired the talents of writers and artists including Albert Camus, Henri Bosco and Sir Winston Churchill. In the early 20th century it was saved from ruin to become a renowned center of the arts, a veritable “Villa Medicis of Provence”  ~ this is the Lourmarin Château!

History of the Lourmarin Château

The Lourmarin château now sits on the ruins of what was the 12th century fortress. Little remains of the original wing, the ‘Château-vieux’, what we see today, the ‘Château Neuf’, was mostly built in the 16th century by Blanche de Lévis-Ventadour for her son François d’Agoult, a page at the court of King François I. Blanche restored the château and much of the village with great splendor. She employed renowned Italian masons whose craftsman ship was exemplary.

Over the centuries the château passed through the hands of the Lesdiguières and Villeroys families and during the French Revolution it was owned by the famous French inventor, Philippe de Girard.

In 1920, Robert Laurent Vibert, a historian and industrialist, saved it from ruin restoring and refurnishing it to its present glory. An extensive traveller, especially throughout North Africa and the Middle East, he amassed a priceless and fascinating collection of treasures which still adorn the château.

Laurent Vibert was tragically killed in a car accident in 1925, but fortunately his legacy did not die
with him. He bequeathed the château and its lovingly selected contents to the French Academy for Art and Science in Aix-en-Provence, on condition that every summer the château host young writers, painters, sculptors and musicians. The Lourmarin Laurent-Vibert Foundation, was created and the concerts and musical soirees held at the château continue to dazzle and thrill audiences to this day.

Next time we’ll take a peek inside!

To visit the Lourmarin Château

Contact: The Lourmarin Château - Bp 23 - 84160 Lourmarin Tel: +33 (0)4 90 68 15 23

Email: @chateau-de-lourmarin.com

Hours: Open everyday except December 25 and January 1, for exact hours refer to web site

2017 Tariffs : Adults: €6.80    10 - 16 years:€3.00    Under 10 years:free

Download the printable The Lourmarin Travel Guide

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Tucked away on one of its tiny streets, is a small jewelry shop in Lourmarin; not just any jewelry shop selling things which might be found elsewhere, but Mizso; owned by the delightful and talented Valerie. It is packed full of her beautiful, handmade treasures; création bijoux.

Valerie began her career in television, far away from Provence in Paris but she always knew that her creative spirit was calling. It led her to design unusual pieces of furniture, gluing thin cord into intricate designs, which she still uses today in her shop.

Never feeling entirely comfortable living within a city, even one as beguiling as Paris and enticed by the warmth and alluring light of the south, Valerie moved with her husband and two sons to Provence. Intrigued by a handmade ring she had purchased, one that she successfully recreated when it broke and anxious to be rid of her constantly sticky fingers, Valerie decided to start designing her own line of jewelry. Not long after that she opened her first shop in Aix-en-Provence.

Valerie then fell in love, like many of us, with the charming and captivating village of Lourmarin, she knew instantly that this is where she wanted to stay. It took sometime to find the right premise, for after all why would anyone want to leave, but five years later Valerie and Mizso opened her jewelry shop in Lourmarin at 1 rue du temple in the heart of the village.

When you step across the threshold of this delightful little shop it is easy to see why Valerie is now the proud owner of such a thriving business.

Valerie’s designs are unique and beautiful, everything is individually designed and carefully strung together, the attention to detail is exemplary. Valerie is always happy to customize and offers a wide range of colours and materials.

Maybe you need a special gift or something to spoil yourself, stop by at this very special jewelry shop in Lourmarin, Mizso ~1 rue du temple 84160 Lourmarin and talk to Valerie, (she speaks perfect English!) and she will be only too happy to create it for you!

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Lourmarin, charming and captivating, come here and wander through the meandering streets, explore the chic boutiques and galleries and then sit and gaze upon life as you ponder all the things to see and Lourmarin activities before a delicious lunch in the shade, there are many places to choose from.

Whilst there is lots to see and do in Lourmarin, people here just ‘be', surrounded by beauty, relaxing on lazy, sun drenched days, maybe becoming lost in a good book. It’s an intoxicating, a place of artists and authors, a place to dream about and yearn for when you are far away.

The Lourmarin Château

A part of Lourmarin since the 12th century.

The château was saved from demolition in 1920 by Robert Laurent Vibert, having completed major restorations he tragically died in a car accident a few years later. He left the château to the French Academy for Art and Science in Aix-en-Provence on the condition that young artists could perform there. It now plays hosts to many wonderful concerts and exhibitions, these are one of the key Lourmarin activities, especially in the summer which attracts artists, writers and musicians from across the globe.

The Luberon area has always been an artists haven; writers Henri Bosco (1888–1976) and Albert Camus (1913–1960) both lived in Lourmarin and are buried in the local cemetery and British writer, Peter Mayle, whose books include, 'A Year in Provence' and A Good Year, lives in Lourmarin today.

Art galleries and shops

As a place of artists, it is hardly surprising that amidst the trendy boutiques and shops, Lourmarin has several art galleries profiling some incredible artistic ability, visiting these galleries should definitely be included on your list of Lourmarin activities.

The Isirdi Gallery is probably the most famous, where the extraordinary talent of its owner Gérard Isirdi, with the help of his wife Christine, will entice you to take home a memory of your time in this special place. You might even be able to persuade him to paint something with you in the landscape, like our friends did, read how here!! 

The Lourmarin Market

Every Friday 8.30am -1.00pm, all year round, the streets are bursting with a vibrant collection of wonderful local produce and all things Provencal! A visit to this market is a must on your itinerary of Lourmarin activities.
Other Luberon Markets: (NB: some are seasonal)
Monday: Cadanet, Cavaillon, Lauris
Tuesday: Cucuron, Gordes, Lacoste
Wednesday: Merindol, Pertuis, Sault,
Thursday: Goult, Menerbes Rousillon
Friday: Lourmarin, Bonnieux
Saturday: Apt

Wine in Lourmarin and beyond

Lourmarin is surrounded by the rolling hills of the stunning Luberon Valley, strewn with olive groves, fruit orchard and vineyards. Make sure you make time to include a visit to at least of these on your list of Lourmarin activities.

From the village stroll to Château Fontvert,  Path Pierrouret 84160 Lourmarin Tel: 04 9068 35 83

There is a great local wine selection available at both Les Caves du Château, where you can make your selection within the ancient, stone caves of the château and La Cave à Lourmarin, the excellent wine shop at Place H. Barthélémy in the village.

La Cave's apt slogan perhaps sums up the region's attitude to their wonderful wine:

Other activities

Exploring the region around Lourmarin

Exploring the surrounding region, the villages and cities should also be part of your Lourmarin activities. Within a short drive there are many other vineyards to stop by as you explore the stunning perched villages of the Luberon; each with their own fascinating history. The vibrant cities of Avignon and Aix-en-Provence are both less than an hour away and the sparkling Mediterranean coast line, with its quaint fishing towns, a short drive further; more next time!

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A piece of art, the essence of a moment, captured with the stroke of a paint brush or crayon, through the eyes and perceptions of the artist. An instant in time becomes immortalized as a memory that will last forever. The ability to do this is a gift, a special talent that only a few hold, quite literally in their hands. The strokes the artist transfers to the canvas create indelible marks of time to be treasured throughout the generations. As the years slip away the human mind becomes frail and memories dim, but the artist’s record is eternal, even though it is a personal interpretation, once created, it endures for always.

Gerard Isirdi in Lourmarin, through his artistic talent, created for us a wonderful memory of our special time in Provence. We will be forever grateful to our friends, Sarmi and Jim, for commissioning Isirdi to encapsulate part of our story for always.

Sarmi and Jim outside The Isirdi Gallery, Lourmarin, Provence

Their picture depicts us embracing a tiny part of French culture, drinking coffee at a street café, something we enjoyed several times a week. Different thoughts will spring to mind when someone looks at this painting based upon their own experiences of sitting at a café somewhere. Each time we look at it we will hear chattering French voices, and remember the personalities who served us and how we smiled when a car pulled up on the cobbled streets and the driver hurtled out into the bakery to grab their baguettes, totally heedless of blocking the road! We will remember watching the season and cycle of the town, sometimes sitting alone and shivering in the quiet of the winter months, especially at the start of the week. As the week progressed we saw the cafés spilling onto the street after the Friday market, the numbers of which multiplied as the weather warmed up and the market grew in size. We will recall observing the precarious balancing of scaffolding as workmen replaced roof tiles, holding our breath as pieces of steel were handed up by hand to create a ‘safe’ framework, four or five stories high.

Isirdi Gallery 

Galleries throughout the world display the magnificence and talent of artists. We admire and appreciate their incredible aptitude and skill in wondrous awe. Each piece tells its own story through the artist’s personal interpretation and teaches us something about the past. Some pieces speak with dazzling clarity, others are harder to interpret but they all have their own unique voice.

Outside the Isirdi Gallery with Christine Isirdi

So much of life, unlike a piece of art, is but a vanishing moment. Like the puffs of a dandelion, which float before our eyes for just an instant, to gently float away and disappear, so too is the human experience. Our lives are made up of a complicated picture of experiences. Some are strong and enduring strokes of colour running through the whole canvas, like our health, our families, our marriages, each having the ability to become faded according to how the dye is cast. We all have a certain amount of choice in 'painting' our destinies, we can choose to add a brilliance of colour or walk a path shaded by duller tones. However immense the highs or tragic the lows, our lives are a collection of occurrences, events and memories, many of which leave their mark or alter the course of our story and most become faded in the sands of time. A visual record, like this picture, makes an immediate statement and keeps the story vividly alive for always.

Admiring Isirdi's painting in the gallery

Of course such works of art speak to different people in different ways and not all art is created to encapsulate a moment. But each time we look at Isirdi's beautiful creation, we will smile and our hearts will be warmed as memories return to form a picture in our minds, reminding us of our treasured time in Lourmarin, a small, picturesque, corner of the Luberon in Provence, France.

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One of the things I love about Provence are their wonderful weekly markets, Lourmarin's is exceptional. Even though I rarely missed a weekly stroll, each time there were new things that captured my attention, filling my basket with fresh aromas and fragrances! Each Friday morning I would wake up to the clatter and clink of metal poles and stall holders' vehicle engines maneuvering themselves into place to stake out their position and unload their wares. Such hard work, especially in the rain but they always came no matter the weather. True, the market diminished in size during the winter months restricting itself more to local fresh produce. However just like the blooming of the blossoms it grew and flourished as spring approached, the weather warmed up and the crowds swelled.

Table cloths

Like Joseph's Coat of many colours, they are a staple at a Provencal Market. Bright, vibrant shades, splashing colour everywhere, it is hard to make a choice, maybe one of each?!

For the kitchen!

Each week we would something new we couldn't live without from this incredible selection

Provencal local food - deliciousness!

Cheese

Olives, tapenade and garlic!

Saucisson

Local fresh produce

Flowers

The Springtime Wisteria

Kissed with rain drops, these fragrant blooms were profusive!
As we wound our way from the market back down into the streets of Lourmarin it was with great nostalgia, wondering when we would next be here to fill our basket, probably sooner than you'd imagine!

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