About provence
The MEDITERRANEAN, Marseilles, Cassis
DISCOVER OLIVE TREES in the footsteps of Van Gogh
LIFESTYLES: markets, food and wine
PROVENCAL TOWNS: Avignon or Aix en Provence ?
THROUGH VILLAGES IN LUBERON
Everywhere in Provence you will be charmed by quaint villlages so very often perched on rocky outcrops, which were inherited from the Ligurians and rebuilt in the early Middle Ages due to the different waves of invasions which surged through the country after the Romans.
The Luberon mountain range, stretching over 60 kilometers from Cavaillon to Villeneuve, offers a combination of sumptuous countryside and beautiful stone architecture.
There is the quiet and calm countryside with lavender fields, cherry tree groves dominated by medieval hilltop villages which contrast with impressive high cliffs and rough plateaux.
It was here that the first religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants arose in the 16th century; so the area is very interesting from the historical point of view.
The memory of this very rich history is sometimes still visible in the stones of the villages.
The peaceful Lourmarin seduces you with its Renaissance castle, its Protestant church and quiet streets with nice little stores and art galleries. The hilltop Bonnieux is like a sentinel watching over the Calavon Valley as well as the famous village of Gordes.
The mysterious Lacoste with the haunting ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade invites you to contemplate the wonderful countryside.
All these villages offer enchanting architectural walks with many ancient monuments : castles, fountains, churches... It's always a real pleasure to wander in the little cobbled streets admiring the houses which are very well preserved and restored.