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Menerbes

Menerbes ('most beautiful villages of Provence') is found 12 kilometres to the east of Cavaillon, in the Vaucluse.

Tourist Information and places to visit

Menerbes is one of the famous 'perched villages' of Provence, and is a medieval village spread out along a hilltop in the centre of the Luberon region, facing south across a valley to a long unbroken line of hills, and north across many miles of vineyards and open countryside.

One interesting story tells that during the Wars of Religion the village was sieged by the catholics for five years, but to their great surprise never gave in. It seems that in all that time the catholics failed to notice the secret passage that the villagers of Menerbes were using to leave the village and get supplies.

Park in the square below the village, then pass up along the streets that climb on towards the small 12th century church at the end of the village. Typical of the ancient Luberon villages you will find narrow streets passing carefully restored medieval houses climbing up the hill - and the most interesting discoveries are to be made in the even narrower alleys that lead off to the side and into the quiet corners of the village.

Menerbes is very attractive, as much for the views it offers in all directions as for the village itself. About halfway through the village you pass the clocktower in a small open square, with an unusual wrought iron structure on top - this is called a campanile and dates from the 17th century. Be sure to pass through the adjacent arch for another fine view. A rich townhouse almost opposite the clocktower sometimes features art exhibitions - otherwise be sure to peer through the iron gate to see the house and garden, very pretty 'Italian' in feel.

The village of Menerbes has long attracted artists - Nicolas de Stael, was one artist who lived here, and Picasso stopped here with Dora Maar. But the village is better known for a more recent resident, Peter Mayle, who wrote his 'Year in Provence' books while living in the village. Peter Mayle has moved on but the visitors remain. These books undoubtedly brought fame and repute to the villages of the Petit Luberon and Menerbes in particular, but deservedly so - and while much of the renovation in the village has perhaps happened since the time the books were written, it remains a lovely little place to visit with plenty of small undiscovered corners.

There is also a corkscrew museum a couple of kilometres below Menerbes. I didn't have time to visit but rumour has it that it is really very interesting.

The Abbey at St Hilaire, 3 kilometres away, is also well worth a visit.

Visit Menerbes France: travel, tourism, gites and hotels

Menerbes, Luberon.
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PLACES TO VISIT NEAR MENERBES

Map of Menerbes, France
Places to visit - Menerbes

Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map: Menerbes.

Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Menerbes are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)

- See also Menerbes (version Francais)

 

Tourist Classifications for Menerbes

- Most beautiful villages in France

 

Information and photos

This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Menerbes when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.

 


 

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