The Luberon Regional Natural Park covers almost 500 square miles, running from Cavaillon in the east to Manosque in the west.
Here we suggest a route that takes you from Cavaillon to Lourmarin and Bonnieux, the part of the Natural Park known as the Petit Luberon, and a long but extremely enjoyable day out.
You will find a remarkable range of different environments in the Park - white limestone cliffs, red ochre cliffs, forests of cedar and exposed moorland, which in turn are home to a wide range of flora and fauna.
Route through Petit Luberon
Start from Cavaillon, where you might like to go to the top of the town and admire the view from in front of the Chapelle St Jacques. This long-ranging view will give you a feel for the day (and the treats) ahead of you.
Cavaillon is not otherwise the most interesting town in the region, although it is famous for its melons - a treat if you are there when they are in season.
Your first stop heading west will be at Oppède-le-Vieux, a lovely little pedestrian-only hilltop village with plenty of medieval houses to admire, an attractive 12th century church, and the remains of an even older chateaux. Climb the hill (as usual) to see some lovely views of the forests and cliffs that surround the town.
Continue on to Ménerbes, ex-home to Peter Mayle and a 'most beautiful village of France' - yet another of the stunningly beautiful villages in the region. Grab some lunch, then set off again, still eastwards, until you reach Lacoste.
Everything I said about Oppède-le-Vieux applies equally to Lacoste - hilltop, beautiful, church, chateau etc.
Difference this time is that the ruined chateau was once home to the Marquis de Sade. The Marquis de Sade fled to the chateau in 1778 to escape the scandals surrounding his writings which were, errr, a bit risqué.
The depravity of Lacoste behind you, carry on to Bonnieux. Yes, another very beautiful village. This time you can stretch your legs a bit - there is a scenic walk through the cedar forests, which is a very nice way to pass the afternoon.
Energy replenished head on to the last village for the day, Lourmarin.
Yet another 'most beautiful village of France' to explore and fall in love with, Lourmarin has plenty of shady cafes where you can pass the rest of the afternoon soaking up the atmosphere, and remembering that Albert Camus once walked these very streets, as he lived and worked in the town.
Visit the rest of the Luberon or see other French holiday ideas.
You can find more travel ideas in the Vaucluse guide and the Provence guide.
Arrange a visit to Luberon Natural Park
Hotels in Luberon Natural Park
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Map of Luberon Natural Park and places nearby
Visit near Luberon Natural Park with France This Way reviews
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a pretty town well known for its rivers and their numerous water wheels
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue guide
Oppede-le-Vieux
Oppede might be less visited than the more famous of the Luberon villages, but a visit is still recommended - and the crowds rather less!
Oppede-le-Vieux guide
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
The highlight of your visit to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is the wooded valley and river emerging from the rocks next to the village
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse guide
Menerbes
One of our favourite Luberon villages, the streets of old Menerbes are overflowing with charm
Menerbes guide
Village des Bories
The Village des Bories, near Gordes in Provence, is a fascinating group of ancient stone dwellings and shelters
Village des Bories guide
Gordes
The exceptionally pretty-village of Gordes is also one of the most visited villages in France
Gordes guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Vaucluse
The French version of this page is at Luberon Natural Park (Francais)