Saint-Tropez, Nice, Cannes. The gems of the French Riviera are no doubt where your mind wanders when anyone mentions the South of France. And while the crystal-clear waters of the Côte d'Azur hold a certain prestige for summer hen parties and beach holidays, Provence’s east-west mountain range might be an even more appealing off-season escape.
Home to postcard-worthy towns like Gordes and Lourmarin, the Luberon marries the rustic beauty of the countryside with Southern France’s inimitable opulence. It’s no wonder the sweeping hills and exquisite light inspired the likes of Van Gogh and Cézanne.
As a certified city girl, I can honestly say that a week chateau-hopping in Provence’s stunning mountain range was a balm for the soul. Fancy a foray into Provençal life? Here’s what to do, eat and where to stay in the Luberon…
Where to stay in the Luberon
Le Moulin, Lourmarin
Facing the iconic Château de Lourmarin, Le Moulin is a boutique hotel with a delightfully Bohemian spirit, perfect for enjoying the bustle of the Friday market or heading out to explore the nearby countryside on foot or by bike. 35 rooms with ochre and red accents reside in the refurbished old mill, two of which are fully accessible, and ooze the charm of Southern France.
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Have at least one meal (I’d recommend dinner) at Bacheto, the hotel’s restaurant. The menu changes daily, depending on the day’s harvest and catch, so expect dishes like heritage tomato salad or juicy lamb chops. Insider tip: order the chocolate mousse if it's available – no matter how full you think you are, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make room for.
Prices start from £145 per night, off-peak.
Domaine de Fontenille
Even the most discerning aesthetes will struggle not to be awestruck by the beauty of the five-star Domaine de Fontenille. Situated just outside Lourmarin, the 18th-century mansion is everything you’d expect of a modern Provençal estate. The Prestige Vue Parc room looks out onto the hotel’s water feature, and with its claw-foot tub, king bed, and super-soft linens, it's clear that the quarters are fit for anyone who values their beauty sleep. Couples looking for a gorgeous honeymoon suite, take note.
Boasting 39 hectares of vineyards, Mediterranean gardens, a swimming pool, and a restaurant with a menu bursting with field-to-fork dishes, you’re truly spoilt. Book yourself in for a massage in the outdoor treatment cabin, enjoy a treatment in the comfort of your own room, or scope out the wine cellar. Talk about indulgence.
Prices start from £200 per night, off-peak.
L’Isle de Léos
This five-star hotel in the quaint L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is for those with a penchant for straight-up decadence (guilty). The glass-framed lobby refracts light to make even the gloomiest winter day look magical, while the olive-inspired spa concept (complete with hammam, sauna, and snow cave) is a lush’s dream come true. There’s just something about this spot that feels extra special.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was actually one of my favourite towns. Whether it was the antique stores running the length of the river, the sulky decadence of the L’Isle de Léos’ Lounge Bar, or the six-course bistronomy extravaganza at La Roue, the entire experience was thoroughly pampering. You know what they say: You can take the girl out of the city…
Prices start from £270 per night for a superior room, off-peak.
Where to eat
Insitio, Vaugines
A 10-minute drive from Lourmarin, you’ll find Vaugines, one of the most underrated and stunning towns in the Luberon, and home to Insitio – a Michelin Guide restaurant. The interiors are that iteration of rustic minimalism that immediately signals what’s on your plate is the main event. Your weekday lunch could include duck confit with nutty pesto, or braised lettuce that could make even the most veg-averse tuck into their greens
La Table de la Bastide at Airelles Gordes
If you’ve ever wanted to dine at a six-star hotel (yes, six-star…), you’ll find the perfect place to tick off your bingo card in Gordes. Airelles is the jaw-dropping hilltop hotel with five centuries of history and views over the Luberon, and La Table de Bastide is its most esteemed restaurant. Serving a mouthwatering à la carte menu of everything from lobster bisque and tender beef, to fig puff pastry and the dreamiest Chocolate soufflé, it’s a gastronomic experience TDF.
Every Saturday in October, the restaurant glows with candlelight — the ultimate setting for an extremely romantic dinner. But if you’re visiting in the day and want to get a candid shot of yourself sipping a spritz and gazing at the view, request a table on the wisteria-drenched terrace. Tellement beau!
MAMA, Maubec
The atmosphere is so warm and welcoming, a meal here has the same comforting vibe as eating in your best friend’s kitchen. MAMA offers a gorgeous two-course lunch menu for around 25 euros, with vegetarian and meat options that vary depending on the availability of seasonal ingredients. You won’t find this gem on socials, so be sure to add it to your list of foodie spots if you’re passing through the quaint commune of Maubec.
Address: 2 Trav. de l'Épicerie, 84660 Maubec, France
What to do
Wine experience at Château Saint-Pierre de Méjans
Whether you’re a budding sommelier or just like a sophisticated, expert-led tasting, a wine experience at Château Saint-Pierre de Méjans is a must. Led by the incroyable Valérie Drecq-Delaudier, we sipped our way through six of the estate’s best wines — from the oaky, inexplicably Christmassy bouquet of the red Cuvée Chapelle to the vibrant orchard aromas of the Cuvée 118. The accompanying charcuterie and cheese board was equally tantalising and a necessary stomach-liner.
Prices start from 65 euros per person for a minimum of two people from Wednesday to Saturday.
Olive oil tasting at Bastide du Laval
Bastide du Laval is more than just an olive oil farm. It’s a family estate that specialises in producing aromatic, organic olive oils, from citron to basil, that are worth keeping in drizzling distance every time you’re in the kitchen.
There's a free self-guided tour and olive oil tastings every day at 10:45 am from April 7 to August 30, as well as private workshops. If you’re not inspired by the prospect of olive oil in a kaleidoscope of flavours, the shop stocks honey, wine, chocolate spread, cosmetics and home decor from local artisans, so you’re unlikely to go home empty-handed.
Private guided tours start from 75 euros per person for 45 minutes.
Visit the Musée de Lavande
The hypnotic scent of lavender is one of the region's signature allures. If you close your eyes and picture a Provençal landscape, it’s sure to feature hills dancing with the purple plant. Even in the off-season, the Musée de Lavande is a unique experience. While you might not get to admire Provence lavender at its full vibrancy, the museum offers workshops like sachet making and scented watercolour.
Open every day from April, but by appointment only in February and March 2026. Give the museum a call to inquire about your visit.
Visit Oppède-le-Vieux
Gordes is, undoubtedly, an Instagrammable hotspot if you’re in the region. But if you’re a history buff with an appreciation for untouched beauty, you’ll want to visit a little village called Oppède-le-Vieux.
This exquisitely preserved spot on the north face of the Luberon offers a real taste of medieval life. Once-abandoned homes became a refuge for artists and creatives after World War II, breathing new life into the cobbled streets and abandoned churches. It’s a pretty cool spot for a pensive wander, and the 13th-century castle (though preceded by a bit of a steep incline) holds classical music recitals in the summer.
Explore the Luberon with Destination Luberon.
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
