If you like authenticity – in nature, candied fruit, colourful rocks, opera festivals and street theatre – you’ll love the Luberon. To know this secret heart of Provence you must explore it, preferably by bike, talking to vinegrowers whose families have been in Lumière for generations, gallery owners in Gordes and antique dealers in Isle sur la Sorgue.
LE PHÉBUS & SPA
Xavier Mathieu and his team welcome you to 5-star luxury in lovely natural surroundings between Gordes and Roussillon, with a friendly atmosphere, simplicity and authenticity. For a special moment of relaxed pleasure enjoy a beautifully-presented platter of fruit in the shady area around the pool, gazing at the open landscape.
Unexpected. The 450m2 Villa des Anges, for private hire with 5-star hotel services. You can also book cookery classes with Michelin-starred chef Xavier Mathieu.
4 suites, 15 chambres, un spa et une piscine.
Route de Murs, Joucas. Tél. 04 90 05 78 83
LES BORIES & SPA
You’re just a few hundred yards from the lively village of Gordes but it feels like a different world. The hotel offers top-tier hospitality, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a luxury spa, natural surroundings and huge rooms and suites with splendid views of the whole valley.
Unexpected. The nearby village des bories, a historic group of dry stone dwellings, is well worth visiting. The hotel offers wellness sessions and culture and philosophy workshops.
14 suites, 20 chambres, un spa et 2 piscines.
Route de Sénanque, Gordes. Tél. 04 90 72 00 51
LA BASTIDE DE GORDES
The Luberon’s only «palace»-grade luxury hotel with its 10,000m2 will delight the most demanding habituees of Les Airelles or La Messardière. A panoramic view with Gordes castle opposite, three restaurants including one signed by Jean-François Piège, top-tier service, a unique site and a superbly refurbished interior with all its authenticity preserved. Children are well catered for, with activities specially designed for them. Unexpected. Thai restaurant, tour of the Luberon in a 2CV, DJ nights, astronomy nights, open air film shows.
6 suites, 34 chambres, un spa et 4 piscines.
Rue de la Combe, Gordes. Tél. 04 90 72 12 12
GRAND HÔTEL HENRI
This 200-year-old building was given a spectacular makeover four years ago. It’s the best place for enjoying Isle sur la Sorgue, the village of junk-and-antiques shops. The hotel’s huge rooms and suites blend French tradition with modern design. Just park your car and set off to explore the village. Unexpected. A large shady terrace in the village centre, serving bistronomic fare and cocktails late into the night.
4 suites, 13 chambres.
1 cours René-Char, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Tél. 04 90 38 10 52
CAPELONGUE
The Capelongue estate overlooks the Petit Luberon and the lovely hilltop village of Bonnieux. Restful moments and gourmet pleasures as Edouard Loubet (two Michelin stars) unveils his world in the gastronomic restaurant and the Bergerie. Unexpected. The splendid landscaped grounds of the hotel produce fruit, vegetables and herbs in abundance. Stroll around Edouard Loubet’s kitchen garden before you taste his luscious cuisine.
14 suites, 16 chambres, spa, 2 piscines.
Les Claparèdes, chemin des Cabanes, Bonnieux. Tél. 04 90 75 89 78
LA MAISON DE LA TRUFFE ET DU VIN
A gastronomic restaurant, wine bar and shop housed in an 18th-century mansion, singing the praises of the region’s two flagship products.
Place de l’Horloge, Ménerbes. Tél. 04 90 72 38 37
BISTROT LE 5
Sitting out on the big terrace, the sunsets are unforgettable. The restaurant holds themed evenings with aperitifs and a meal. It’s best to book.
5 place Albert Roure, Ménerbes. Tél. 04 90 72 31 84
BAMBOO THAÏ
This place is perfect for a momentary escape to the kingdom of Siam, with flavoursome cuisine in a lovely setting.
Route d’Apt, Lourmarin. Tél. 04 90 68 88 15
LE SENTIER DES OCRES VS LE COLORADO PROVENÇAL
The Sentier des Ocres is France’s answer to the Colorado badlands. Pipe some Ennio Morricone through your Airpods and head into the Wild West for an extraordinary stroll among towering rocks of red and orange.
MATHIEU LUSTRERIE
Visit the amazing museum at the Mathieu Lustrerie workshops where they restore, reproduce and design magnificent chandeliers for the world’s most prestigious abodes. Versailles among the ochre hills of Provence! The firm has been awarded Living Heritage status.
Hameau des Sauvans, Gargas France. Tél 04 90 74 92 40
LE DOMAINE DE FONTENILLE
This estate has a real touch of authenticity: a classic Provençal house set in a landscaped park protected by century-old cedars and plane trees. And all around, a landscape of vines and scrub reaching to the horizon.
Route de Roquefraiche, Lauris. Tél. 04 13 98 00 00
LE VILLAGE DE LACOSTE
If you’re looking for something really out of the ordinary, head to Lacoste. There’s Pierre Cardin’s opera festival, the James Dean memorial, the Marquis de Sade’s castle and the famous Savannah design school (SCAD for short). This amazing village is just packed with interest.
DOMAINE DES PEYRE
There are artworks everywhere in and around the guest apartments. Contemporary sculptures seem to fit just right among the vines and olive trees. A pleasant stroll and a novel experience.
1620 route d’Avignon, Robion. Tél. 06 08 92 87 71
LA CAVALE
Owner Paul Dubrule has created a very special place for wine-loving tourists. The ultra-modern winery was designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Culture, a spirit of sharing, great
3017 route de Lourmarin, Cucuron. Tél. 04 90 08 31 92
