The Luberon mountain range stretches from Cavaillon to Manosque. This region became famous worldwide following the success of Peter Mayle’s book “A Year in Provence”. It must be said that its villages perched up high such as Menerbes, Gordes, Roussillon are outstandingly beautiful, yet simple and with a timeless charm. Lourmarin and Ansouis are also worth a visit with their impressive castles. As are Rustrel and its “Provencal Colorado” that shines with thousands of different shades of ochre, Apt, the capital of ‘fruit confit’ (candied fruit) and renowned for its colourful markets, Cavaillon, famous for its flavourful melons. The Luberon national park and its 300 “bories” (stone shelters previously used by shepherds) can be explored on foot or by mountain-bike.
In summer, the Luberon becomes a site for arts and music festivals. La Roque d’Anthéron holds an open air festival with the most prestigious pianists, whose music creates a harmony with the concert of cicadas. Lacoste hosts a vocal arts festival and Avignon, the prestigious city of Popes, becomes the largest theatre stage in France.
Ups: country or town houses made of stone, and the proximity of the Avignon TGV station.
Downs: high price of properties because many Parisians have bought a second home here