Notre-Dame de Senanque
Situated to the north of this iconic region, the Luberon is a mountain range on which a rosary of small towns with impressive views is drawn.
The route starts in the north, in veinsque . From afar, the town is very present, on top of a cliff that dominates a plain dotted with vineyards and fruit trees . Its majesty is already noticeable. This small village transmits its charm as soon as you step on it. Not as visited as other towns in the Luberon, the tranquility of its streets is very perceptible.
In the heart of Provence
You park in the upper part of the town, near the church. In the adjoining square, you can enjoy the view. In the background, the highest mountain in Provence, the mythical Mont Ventoux . Then you have to drop down the main street which, downhill , goes to the central square of the town.
Locals and visitors flock there. The best option in Venasque is fall in love with the charm of its houses painted in pastel colors , with its sky blue wooden shutters and the ivy giving shine to the facades.
Venasque, the starting point
The next stop leads to Notre-Dame de Senanque . Lost in a hollow, among the Luberon mountains, this cistercian abbey transmits a special tranquility. You have to walk to it, after passing the lavender fields that protect it (in flower between July and August).
A silence reigns in this corner of France broken only by tourists. So far they come in good numbers to visit this example of early Cistercian art dating from the XII century.
All the ingredients to find peace come together at Notre-Dame de Sénanque. But if you really want to find her, go at sunset. The French eat early, around 7 or 8 in the evening and that, without a doubt, is an advantage for us…
Avoid tourism in Sénantes by going at sunset
ON THE WAY TO THE PICTURESQUE GORDES
The road continues towards Gordes. One of the stars of Provence. Elegant and strategically located on one of the hills of the Luberon proudly shows off its picturesque reputation. winding alleys , with slopes that end in spectacular viewpoints give it shine. to park in fat The most appropriate thing is to do it in one of the parking lots set up at the entrance and exit of the town (the road crosses the town).
Gordes, the picturesque
In addition to walking the town, letting yourself be seduced by one of its charming shops selling local products or visiting its castle, there is a view that you cannot miss. It is the one that can be enjoyed by the side of the road, as soon as you leave the town behind, in direction to Cavaillon.
From here it is possible to see the magnificence of a landscape in which the stone and the green of the hill go hand in hand in such a perfect way that it moves. Gordes is a good example of the well-kept aesthetics of these Luberon villages. Towns that compete with each other year after year to be the most beautiful in France. And they proudly display it on signs at the entrance.
Views of Gordes
On this quest for rural Provençal beauty, the next stop is Menerbes . Like her neighbors, she also competes to be the most beautiful in France. And it is seductive dominating the plain. At his feet, century-old vines pay homage to it. A composition that does not get tired due to repetition.
Menerbes
LACOSTE: FROM THE MARQUIS DE SADE TO PIERRE CARDIN
After Menerbes, Lacoste arrives . In this small town is the castle of the Marquis de Sade . In 1771, the Marquis fled Paris to escape the scandals created by too liberal a thought for the time.
He came to Lacoste and he sought refuge in the castle that belonged to his grandfather . This enormous construction dates from the 11th century and today is partly in ruins. Its current owner is the designer Pierre Cardin , which acquired it in 2001.
In addition, it was made with twenty houses in the town . In fact, there are those who accuse him of creating " a town for rich ”. Beyond the controversy, what is certain is that Cardin has revitalized this small Provençal town. Young bohemians from all over Europe have come to Cardin's heat and can be seen in the workshops of the Lacoste main street , which runs along the slope at the foot of the castle.
Lacoste
From Lacoste you can see in the distance another of the towns that is emblematic of these Luberon mountains. Is about Bonnieux . With its steep streets, very suitable for exercising, this French town is a good place to stay or eat. It is presided over by the church, located on a promontory 425 meters of altitude . To get to the top you have to make an effort and climb more than 80 steps. But, without a doubt, it is worth it.
At his feet, Provence lies placid again. The cliffs of the Luberon and its fertile valleys dotted with vineyards and orchards . A corner of France in which to breathe peace and tranquility. The one we miss so many times.
Bonnieux