We can't wait for you to experience this special corner of the world with us! Below you'll find some of our favorite things to see, do, and experience in and around the region of Provence. While we've got some exciting events planned together, we hope that you'll cherry pick some of the recommendations listed here for those days surrounding the formal gatherings.
Lourmarin
Known as one of the most beautiful villages in France (which we thoroughly agree with), Lourmarin has been settled for over a thousand years and though small, boasts endless Provençal charm and even its own chateau, Château de Lourmarin.
Strolling through the streets of Lourmarin you’ll find traditional curbside French cafes, boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, buildings covered in ivy, and some of the most beautiful doors in Provence. The Friday market in Lourmarin is a must-see, and one of the favorites in the region.
This village will be the closest to our venue and is where the welcome party will be held. We highly recommend parking in one of the many lots around the edge of the village and exploring the shops and restaurants by foot.
Explore the Region
The Provence region has over 800 villages, which are usually busiest on market days. A car is needed to visit these villages, and it's best to park on the outskirts of the villages instead of trying to find space on the narrow streets. You can visit several villages in one day by going to a market in one, having lunch at another, and dinner at another before returning to your hotel or Airbnb.
Bonnieux
A Provencal village situated on a hilltop overlooking the valley below. You can see the village as you approach by car, and you can also discover stunning views by climbing to the top of the village to L'église Vieille, a twelfth century church.
Bonnieux’s weekly market is on Friday and can easily be combined with a visit to Lourmarin, Roussillon, Lacoste or Gordes.
Roussillon
A great spot to buy souvenirs or grab a delicious lunch. You can also take a leisurely 30- or 60-minute hike through the Ochre Trail, just off the village.
The Roussillon market takes place year round on Thursdays.
Ménerbes
Located in the heart of the Luberon and a short driving distance from Bonnieux, Lacoste and Lourmarin sits the beautiful Provencal village of Ménerbes.
The Ménerbes market is every Thursday morning in the center of the village.
Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Located in the Bouches-du-Rhone area of Provence, one of the busiest Provencal villages bursting with shops and cafes. A little under an hour’s drive from Lourmarin and other villages in the Luberon it is most famous for being the backdrop for some of Vincent Van Gogh’s most famous works (such as Starry Night), when he was a patient at St. Paul’s Mausoleum.
The Saint-Remy-de-Provence market is held every Wednesday.
Gordes
The most visited “hill village” in Provence offers winding cobblestone streets and breathtaking views of the valley below.
Gordes is located in close proximity to the famous Senaque Abbey (a lavender hotspot), and is a village bursting with shops and restaurants. Come here around sunset to get amazing photos and golden views of both the village and the valley below.
The Gordes market is every Tuesday.
Lauris
A small, unassuming Provencal village located between the Luberon and the Durance river, a short 7-minute drive from Lourmarin. The village itself is at a slight elevation, overlooking the valley below and offering stunning vistas of the region. The streets themselves lack no amount of charm and after wandering the streets you can grab a bite to eat at Chez Lulu.
The Lauris market is held on Mondays.
Recommendations written by The Weithouse blog