© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
Wonderful perched village in the Luberon
Just as other Provence perched villages, such as Ramatuelle or Mons, Bonnieux clings to the hill side, just below its top.
Today, you find little evidence of the prosperity that it once enjoyed, more of a pretty, sleepy village.
What takes your breath away here is the splendid view over the, often wind swept, valleys of the Luberon below, the fertile plains of Cavaillon and beyond - all the way to Mont Ventoux on a clear day.
The market in Bonnieux takes place every Wednesday and Friday morning. You can expect wonderful local produce, cheeses, olive oils, honey, nougat, flowers, baskets, kitchenware, and arts and crafts from local artesans.
Each year, Bonnieux holds a heritage celebration weekend - on the third weekend of September, where there are guided tours, displays by artisans and concerts.
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
It's a strategic position that has made Bonnieux a desirable place from the very early ages, there are even indications that the area was inhabited from as early as the Neolithic age.
In Roman times, the region of Bonnieux was a very important thoroughfare for the Romans, travelling from Cadiz to Milan. The Pont Julien (see below) is proof of this.
In the Middle Ages, Bonnieux became a Papal enclave, through a bizarre chain of events. This meant that the town was a tax-free haven in the centre of the French kingdom. Smuggling was rampant and the town prospered. Only the French Revolution was able to put a stop to the special privileges of the townspeople.
The best view point can be reached by climbing the many (86) steps up to the 12th century church on top of the hill. It's undeniably one of the best perched villages' views.
After the top view and your descent, you may feel that you've seen it all in Bonnieux. But wait...its terraced structure tends to hide the rest of the village. Descend a few streets down and you find yourself in a pleasant square with colourful houses, tasteful stores and outside cafés. Close by is the "new church," from the 19th century. It's as if there are two Bonnieux: the stern, older part along the main road and above it, and the "newer," more playful part with, granted, a lesser view.
With its long history, it's surprising that Bonnieux does not have a local museum to tell its story. What it does have, however, is a Musée de la Boulangerie (a bread baker's museum), the only one in Provence. It's housed in a quirky 17th century building and celebrates the making of the wonderful sourdough bread (closed November to April).
The Jardin de la Louve is a private contemporary garden which has won awards for being 'outstanding'. It's open to the public at certain times during the year, there is an entrance fee.
The Enclos des Bories is an authentic drystone village in a cedar forest - it's to the south of Bonnieux and is open during the summer; there is a small entrance fee.
With or without a museum, its long history is best told by the Pont Julien, located 5km north of Bonnieux. The name Julien refers to Julius, as in Julius Cesar. It's one of the best preserved and important Roman bridges in the region.
The are several art galleries in the village, some clothing boutiques and gift shops, but it's fairly limited in its scope.
Château Canorgue - made famous by the Ridley Scott / Russell Crowe film, 'A Good Year' - is on the outskirts of Bonnieux. It produces organic wine and you can only visit to buy the wine - there are no tours.
Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely established this foundation in 1966 with the aim of promoting 'art for all' where art blends beautifully with architecture in the 'city of tomorrow'.
This is Aix's fine art gallery, housed in the 17th century Palais de Malte. The collections includes works by a variety of European painters, including two by Rubens and a small selection of Paul Cezanne.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
The Musee des Tapisseries houses a rich collection of 17th and 18th Century tapestries, including a collection called 'Grotesques' - theatrical taspestrie made in Beauvais cir. 1689, and also 'L'histoire de Don Quichotte' of 1735 unique in the world.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
A quiet atmosphere, beautiful grounds and wonderful flavours can be found at Villa Gallici Restaurant. Part of the 5 star Villa Gallici hotel you can indulge in lunch or dinner at this top quality restaurant.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
Fresh & original French cuisine is conjured by chef/owner Olivier Scola in this small Aix restaurant.
A modern establishment in the heart of Aix, Mitch offers contemporary French cuisine every evening from 7.30pm except on Sundays.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
The Luberon is criss-crossed with walking trails. most of which eventually join the Grand Randonnee route GR97 (the Tour du Luberon). You can take a trail from Bonnieux heading either north or south to join this established route, it's about 10km either way. There are other, circular hikes which you join directly from Bonnieux - check with the tourist office for maps and trails.
You may prefer to explore the countryside on a bicycle, in case you are in luck. A circular route around the Luberon National Park has been marked out for cyclists. For something shorter, there is La Route des Crètes - a 14km (28km round trip) cycle path through cedar forests on a paved road (no traffic and flat, so great for families).
The 'Luberon à l’Infini' is a slightly longer 50km loop taking you through Oppede, Menerbes and Lacoste before finishing at Bonnieux. Ask at the tourist office for information about all these routes.
The Veloroute Calavon is a dedicated cycle path that follows an old railway line. It starts at Pont Julien and you can ride to Apt (east - 10km) or Beaumettes (west - 10km) depending which way you turn. Take a look at our Cycle Hire pages to obtain your bikes.
Bonnieux also features tennis courts and a golf course.
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
The Golf de la Cabre d'Or is only 20 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence et Marseille. This is a fairly new golf course which opened only in 2008.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
This leisure centre has two indoor pools, a 50 metre outdoor heated swimming pool, with terraces and beaches, and water sports.There is also a weights room and dance studio.
Set CLub is a sports complex which has 13 tennis courts, eight of which are clay courts and five are the faster green set. Lessons and competitions are all part of the club. Non-members are welcome.
This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.
This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.
This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
Second only to the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorge de la Nesque is one of the most visited and cycled parts of Provence. A stunning hydro geological site with fantastic cliffs, overhanging rock and a long winding river deep in the valley.
This scenic cycle ride goes in a figure of eight, starting and finishing in Velleron, but also visiting Pernes-les-Fontaines to the north and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to the south.
This easy and gentle 3km walk is perfect for families as most of the route is shaded by large billowing trees with ideal spots for picnics, wondeful views and interesting forestry along the way.
Roussillon is a wonderful little village located about 10km outside of Apt. This gorgeous walk that explores the Ochre cliffs of Rousillon is relatively easy and will be enjoyable for everyone. Not to be confused with the Ochre Trail, which which has a visitor fee for entry into the park.
This lovely hike in the Luberon region of Provence is great for most abilities of walkers. Stunning views and landscape on every part of the trail will make the 2hr 30 minute walk well worth it. Walking along the top of the large rocky cliff you can see for miles and enjoy the cool breeze.
Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.
A slightly more challenging hike through the most spectactular gorge in Provence, with its narrow high walls and dark alleyway you can witness the amazing vegetation and plants. A 3 hour and 30 minute walk you can enjoy this popular walking route, recommended during the week when it is likely to be quieter.
Explore the source of Le Riou that winds its way down the hillside eventually flowing into the mighty Durance
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
A few minutes walk from the charming village of Bonnieux, on the heights towards Lourmarin, this charming stone house, freshly renovated by architects, is for rent for your holidays.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
A few minutes walk from the charming village of Bonnieux, on the heights towards Lourmarin, this charming stone house, freshly renovated by architects, is for rent for your holidays.
Located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
The five star Pigonnet hotel in Aix is an 18th-century mansion surrounded with stunning floral gardens, situated just outside the centre of Aix-en-Provence.
A four star hotel in a traditional Provençal house, just 35km from Aix en Provence. This hotel is well located for exploring the surroundings, Luberon, Forcalquier, and the Durance valley.
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
See allUpcoming Events
