Bonnieux

Visit Bonnieux, Provence

Bonnieux is towards the east of the Luberon region of Provence, between Lourmarin and Lacoste. The village, sprawling attractively down the hillside, is one of the less 'developed for tourism' villages of those in the Petit Luberon, but is still well worth the detour.

Explore Bonnieux

The main road that passes through the town effectively divides Bonnieux into two parts. Most shops and commerces are in the lower part of the town, and the town hall and winding alleys are in the upper part.

Explore the lower part of the town, with its quiet narrow streets and arcaded passages running down to the bottom of the valley and perhaps stop in a cafe or to look in the window of an art gallery or two. There is much to discover and enjoy in the winding streets that meander quietly through the village.

Next ascend the long straight staircase called Rue des Penitents which climbs up the hill to the top of the town. This passes the town hall with its overly grand stone entrance, and a few narrow passages lead off to the side and wind around the hill.

Take time to explore these passages, there are some attractive undiscovered houses and gardens hidden away in these quiet corners of Bonnieux.

At the top of the long staircase is the 12th century village church, which has far reaching views in all directions. The church is surrounded by trees and a small park area and is a nice place for a picnic. The church itself is no longer in use because there is a newer (19th century) church in the centre of the village.

Bonnieux also has a museum that relates the history of bread making - the Musée de la Boulangerie.

Attractions nearby

The village you can see off to the east of Bonnieux is Lacoste, also recommended for a visit as are the villages at Lourmarin and Menerbes. Many other pretty Luberon villages are within easy reach of Bonnieux.

Another attractive place to stop and explore is in the cedar forest just outside Bonnieux, which has marked botanical trails leading through the woods.

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Vaucluse (the region and department for Bonnieux) for more travel ideas...

Photos of Bonnieux

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Suggested places to visit near Bonnieux, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Apt 9km; Oppede-le-Vieux 11km; Cucuron 12km; Gordes 13km; Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt 15km; Ansouis 16km; Fontaine-de-Vaucluse 18km; Venasque 23km; Le Beaucet 23km; Oppedette 26km; Salon-de-Provence 26km;

Bonnieux tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin de la Louve - remarkable garden (0km) : Gorges de Régalon - site of natural beauty (11km) : Abbaye de Silvacane (La Roque-d'Antheron) - religious monument (12km) : Jardin à la française du Pavillon de Galon - remarkable garden (12km) : Abbaye de Sénanque (Gordes) - religious monument (13km) : Colorado Provencal - site of natural beauty (18km) : Collégiale Notre Dame des Anges (Sorgues) - religious monument (20km) : Jardin du château de Val Joanis - remarkable garden (21km) :

See more places and a map at places near Bonnieux