Explore seven must-visit spots in the Luberon that promise to infuse your holiday with design elegance and culinary delights, making your stay a true feast for the senses.
Immerse yourself in the Luberon, where fields of lavender stretch endlessly, creating a vibrant purple tapestry that captures the essence of Provence. Set in the idyllic foothills of Provence in southern France, this enchanting region invites you to wander along serene trails, explore quaint stone villages, and soak in breathtaking vistas. The Luberon is a realm of timeless beauty, where every corner reveals charming hotels, exquisite restaurants, and captivating art and architecture.
Hotel Capelongue
Bonnieux
The Hotel Capelongue, located in the picturesque Bonnieux in Provence, offers the perfect tranquil retreat, seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings. Guests can unwind in one of the 57 rooms and suites, enjoying garden views, sunlight-soaked balconies, and a range of experiences from wine tastings and cooking classes to art sessions and countryside excursions.
The Luberon region, known for its hilltop villages, country roads, and lavender-scented landscapes, invites visitors to step back in time and savor life’s simple pleasures. But the hotel’s emphasis on slow living and authenticity, combined with its serene pools and bespoke spa treatments, takes this one step further, making it a truly unique destination in Provence.
© Capelongue, Gaëlle Rapp Tronquit
Le Relais du Castelet
Fontvieille
Situated in Fontvieille at the heart of the Baux Valley and surrounded by olive groves, Restaurant Le Relais du Castelet is a beautifully restored former hunting lodge that offers a serene escape for those seeking culinary excitement.
This family property, now led by Jean-Baptiste Bert, serves up traditional Provençal cuisine with a contemporary twist, featuring fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden, complemented by local market produce. Menu signatures include seasonal delights such as asparagus with sheep’s milk yogurt, rockfish soup with homemade rouille, and tender beef cheek stew.
Equipped with a cozy fireplace for winter nights, this is also the perfect place for summer dining under the trellis, savoring fine wines, enjoying the exquisite food, and relishing the tranquil ambiance of this hidden gem.
Hotel Le Moulin
Lourmarin
Hotel Le Moulin in Lourmarin seamlessly blends rustic village charm with modern luxury. This beautifully transformed old mill offers 35 warmly decorated rooms and suites, capturing the essence of Provence with stone walls, terracotta floors, and Provencal fabrics.
Guests can fully immerse themselves in the hotel’s offerings, from delightful breakfasts to traditional flavors at the on-site restaurant, relaxing by the pool, and engaging in activities like yoga, Pilates, and vintage car tours. Stepping outside, they will find more to enjoy in Lourmarin, one of France’s most beautiful villages, known for its Renaissance castle, gentle terrain, and vibrant atmosphere with cafes, boutiques, and shaded squares perfect for leisurely exploration.
© Capelongue, Gaëlle Rapp Tronquit
Restaurant La Bastide
Bonnieux
Timing is everything at Restaurant La Bastide, the Michelin-starred gem at Hotel Capelongue, where Chef Noël Bérard crafts dishes with spontaneous flair from the freshest local produce.
His creations focus on an earth-to-plate concept, with a touch of contemporary style. Dishes are inspired by nature and present high-quality ingredients with striking liveliness and depth. Some of the signature dishes include crunchy celery with black truffle from Méthamis, lavender honey-grilled lamb from Sisteron, and an unforgettable black olive ice cream.
But it’s more than just the food that delights. Guests can enjoy one of two exquisite tasting menus while admiring the sunset from the restaurant’s magnificent terrace, combining the beauty of the Luberon with the stunning nature of delightful dining.
© Delaney; Gaëlle Rapp Tronquit
La Chassagnette
Arles
Experience sustainable dining at La Chassagnette, an organic Michelin-starred restaurant just outside of Arles with a unique twist. It is surrounded by 3 hectares of permaculture gardens, orchards, and beehives, and features a unique tropical greenhouse growing coffee, bananas, and papaya.
Chef Armand Arnal crafts exquisite, seasonally-inspired dishes, placing vegetables at the forefront, often with a creative nod to Japan. Menu highlights include the elegant allium chawanmushi and a well-stocked organic wine list.
But it’s not just the menu that delights. The restaurant features a bright, modern interior and a sunny summer terrace, set on impressing everyone seeking gastronomic excellence and celebrating sustainability.
© Benoît Millot; Iris Millot
Hotel Crillon Le Brave
Crillon-le-Brave
Nestled atop a hill in a quaint village, Hotel Crillon Le Brave offers a romantic sanctuary in the heart of Provence. This luxurious haven, with its elegantly restored stone buildings, marries historical charm with modern sophistication, creating an ambiance of timeless romance.
Imagine sharing a sunset dinner with your loved one, the sky painted in hues of pink and gold, while savoring exquisite Provençal cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the surrounding vineyards from your beautifully designed room or suite add to the enchanting experience.
Indulge in serene moments by the inviting pool, rejuvenate together in the tranquil spa, or explore the region hand-in-hand with intimate wine tastings and guided tours. At Hotel Crillon Le Brave, every moment is designed to create lasting memories of romance and enchantment.
© Mr. Tripper
Le Galinier
Lourmarin
Le Galinier is an 18th-century Provencal country house in Lourmarin, set against the backdrop of the Grand Luberon mountain, that’s been beautifully transformed into a charming stay. It invites guests to savor the best of Provence, perfectly blending rustic beauty with modern comfort.
This serene retreat features elegantly aged stonework, terracotta floors, and whitewashed beams to create a timeless ambiance that runs through the charming rooms, apartments, and villas. It also stands out for its beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens rich with sage, lavender, and roses.
Guests can relax by the pool, indulge in local cuisine, or enjoy pétanque in the gardens, bathed in the fragrant escape of country flowers.
© Benoit Linero
Château La Coste
Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
Discover Château La Coste, a captivating fusion of art and architecture nestled in the heart of Provence, where contemporary art and visionary architecture harmonize with the natural beauty of the Provençal countryside.
This extraordinary estate showcases over forty site-specific artworks from world-renowned artists, seamlessly integrated into the stunning landscape. Visitors can wander through 600 acres of vineyards and olive groves, encountering sculptures by Louise Bourgeois, Frank Gehry, and Ai Weiwei, each thoughtfully placed by the artists themselves.
The grounds also feature striking architectural marvels, including Tadao Ando’s minimalist pavilion and Oscar Niemeyer’s final project. Guided tours are available to offer insight into all of the innovative installations, making Château La Coste a must-visit for those seeking a blend of art, architecture, and the serene beauty of Provence.
