Abbaye de

Abbaye de SenanqueChâteau Saint-Pierre de Mejansby a collection of sculptures by artists fromaround the world. They host frequent eventshere, from truffle-themed dinners to concerts.saintpierredemejans.com/enBonnieux: Bonnieux’s steep upper streets arelined with 800-year-old houses built on topof even older buildings and caves. It’s verypopular for visits and understandably so – itreally is incredibly pretty, and surrounded bylavender fields. If you remember the beautifulchateau La Siroque in the film A Good Year,it’s here - in real life, it’s the Chateau LaCanorgue, a wine estate. Visit their wine shopand be amazed that the chateau looks just asgorgeous as it does in the film!Cucuron: Go on a Tuesday morning to enjoythe market, which is set up around the iconicBassin de L’Etang. There are a handful ofcafés, restaurants and an ice cream shoparound this limpid, lake-like reservoir, whichhas been there since at least the start of the1400s, built to hold water for the mills. Loversof the film A Good Year will recognise this asthe stunning setting that Max and Fanny wentto for their first date to watch a black andwhite movie under the 200-year-old planetrees. It’s not greatly touristy in Cucuron,a tranquil, pretty little town that has anauthentic, real-life feel. Wander the heritagetrail to see sites from the castle dungeon tothe ancient church and take in the views overthe countryside from the top of the town.Oppede Le Vieux: Step back in time in thisCurcuronforgotten hilltop village where 15th and 16thcentury houses seem to defy gravity on thesteep cobbled streets. Tranquil, unspoiled andwith stunning views over the Vaucluse, andthe Giant of Provence’ - Mont Ventoux, inthe distance. There are a few shops, artisanboutiques and a couple of restaurants.A place to stop and soak up the ancientambience. It is quite simply spellbinding.Abbaye de Senanque: an iconic sight,surrounded by lavender fields worked byCistercian Monks, the Abbey de Senanquewas completed in 1220 after 60 years ofbuilding. The Gothic, majestic and serenebeauty of the abbey, both inside and out,the tranquillity – the monks still followthe precepts of Cistercian monastic life:liturgical prayer sung in church; silentreading, meditation, and prayer; and manualand intellectual work, make this a uniquevisit. Also, the shop is brilliant, ideal for giftbuying and souvenirs.The Luberon is landlocked, but that doesn’tmean you can’t go to the beach and have aswim! The Étang de la Bonde is a man-madefreshwater lake, loved by the locals for arefreshing dip and water activities (about 10miles from Lourmarin).Les Mines de Bruoux: A short way fromRoussillon in the village of Gargas, you canvisit a former ochre mine with a spectacularlycoloured labyrinth of towering, cathedral-likeunderground galleries (accessible for reducedmobility but not recommended for significantwalking difficulties).Apt, capital of the Luberon: The sweettoothedwill find it hard to leave this beautiful,ancient town that’s been famous for producingcrystallised fruit for centuries. Past customersinclude the Popes of Avignon. Make like thelocals and dip the candied treats in meltedchocolate!Find heaps more information,places to visit and year-round events at:destinationluberon.comWhere to stay: Hotel le Lourmarin, aformer 18th-century mill, offers cool, airyrooms, a fabulous terraced bar (and the besthomemade lemonade I’ve ever had!), andthe hotel restaurant, Bacheto, serves superbdishes, has a great ambience, and a fabulouscourtyard for outdoor dining.14 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 15