Oppede-le-Vieux

Visit Oppede-le-Vieux, Provence

Oppede-le-Vieux is another of the timeless perched villages that dot the dramatic landscapes of the Luberon region, just a few kilometres west of Menerbes in a wooded valley landscape.

The newer village of Oppede developed further down the valley because of the inhospitable location of the old village, and it is only during the last 60 years that the historic village has been restored and 'rediscovered'.

Explorer Oppede-le-Vieux

Slightly less visited than some of the more 'well known' Luberon villages, Oppede-le-Vieux has a great deal of beauty to reward the visitor. Standing high on a rocky outcrop the village also has far-reaching views across the countryside.

The pleasure of a visit to Oppede-le-Vieux comes from simply ambling the streets and alleys, admiring the ancient houses and Provencal architectural details (such as the bell and campanile on the old stone tower and archway and parts of the original ramparts), and walking in the same footsteps as the locals have walked for the last 500 years.

There is the attractive 12th century Church of Notre Dame d'Alidon, sturdy with a hexagonal tower, up some steep steps above the village that bears witness to the historical importance of the location. The church was renovated in the 16th century why it is partly roman style and partly gothic style.

Next to the church you can also see the remains (in ruins) of a castle and several other ancient buildings, and have great views across the valley and newer town of Oppede on the plains below.

Note: bring 'sensible' shoes - by the time you have walked the steep path from the car park below Oppede-le-Vieux, passed the gardened terraces and the church to the castle ruins above the village you will appreciate why!

Attractions nearby

The attractions of the Luberon are too numerous to list here - see the Luberon Guide for details of some of the many quaint villages and scenic highlights that can be found in the region around Oppede-le-Vieux. Our particular favourites include the village at Gordes and the natural river source at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.

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

Suggested places to visit near Oppede-le-Vieux, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Bonnieux 11km; Roussillon 12km; Le Beaucet 16km; Venasque 17km; Lourmarin 18km; Apt 19km; Pernes-les-Fontaines 19km; Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt 20km; Cucuron 23km; Salon-de-Provence 23km; Carpentras 25km;

Oppede-le-Vieux tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Abbaye de Sénanque (Gordes) - religious monument (8km) : Collégiale Notre Dame des Anges (Sorgues) - religious monument (10km) : Gorges de Régalon - site of natural beauty (10km) : Jardin de la Louve - remarkable garden (11km) : Abbaye de Silvacane (La Roque-d'Antheron) - religious monument (18km) : Jarditrain - remarkable garden (19km) : Jardin de l'Alchimiste - remarkable garden (20km) : Jardin à la française du Pavillon de Galon - remarkable garden (23km) :

See more places and a map at places near Oppede-le-Vieux