Lourmarin, recognised by the French Tourist Board as "one of the most beautiful villages in France" is located in the heart of the Luberon Natural Park. It is a lively attraction for visitors from all over Europe, and retains the authentic beauty and charm of a small Provencal village.
With its honey-coloured stone and beige and ochre stuccoed houses, the mossy Roman-tiled roofs outlined against the green Luberon mountains, it provides an ideal setting for a truly relaxing holiday. The village became celebrated several decades ago; many writers and artists have chosen to live here, including Nobel prize-winning author Albert Camus, who is buried here.
More recently Lourmarin has become a gourmet destination with sixteen restaurants including "La Fenière", which is starred in the prestigious Michelin guide. There are in fact five Michelin-starred restaurants within fifteen minutes drive of Les Olivettes, as well as many Côtes du Rhône vineyards.
The 16th century Château de Lourmarin is beautifully restored and offers a rich programme of concerts and exhibitions. There are guided tours in English and it houses an arts foundation sponsoring cultural events throughout the year.
Lourmarin has several friendly village cafes, with sidewalk terraces, great for an informal meal and people-watching. There are many excellent shops and art galleries. The countryside around boasts vineyards, cherry orchards and olive groves. The Luberon is hilly and pretty, and there is suitable hiking for all levels. Activities within easy reach include mountain biking, horse-back riding, climbing and canoeing. There are wineries, honey and lavender farms, and even an organic herb farm with guided tours in English.
And of course Les Olivettes is ideally placed for visiting all the major sites of Provence. Less than an hour’s drive takes you to Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and Arles, the charming market towns of St Rémy and Isle-sur-Sorgue, and the many hill-top villages which make the Luberon area such a sought-after destination.
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