Lourmarin has become very popular and chic thanks to its pretty centre, its wonderful Renaissance castle and its proximity to the TGV train in Avignon (for Parisien weekenders of course).
The village is filled with characterful squares and winding lanes, and pretty fountains can be found dotted throughout. It has a good selection of antique shops, art galleries, gift shops, gourmet delis and cafés. It also has the best ice cream shop in Provence - the deli La Place des Delices on Rue de Temple - don't miss it!
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History & Culture in [locality]
Archaeological remains suggest Lourmarin has been occupied since prehistoric times, with evidence of an ancient settlement refered to as 'Castle Sarrazin'. The Romans also settled here before being driven out in the early Middle Ages by Saracen tribes.
But it wasn't until the 14th century that Lourmarin began to flourish, with the arrival of the powerful Agoult family. They started the construction of Lourmarin's château during the 15th century (on the ruins of a 12th century fortress).
In 1526, a Renaissance wing was added to the 'château-vieux' - the first of its kind in Provence. After the Wars of Religion and a plague in 1720, Lourmarin returned to prosperity with both farming and manufacturing activities. Vines, olives, wheat, and production of silk and wool fabrics all contributed to the economy.
During the 20th century, efforts were made to renovate and modernise the castle, and a number of writers and artists made Lourmarin their home.
The Château de Lourmarin should be the first stop for you on a sightseeing trip. The village itself also has a number of historical monuments - a Protestant church and temple, the Catholic church St André, and the 17th century bell tower (registered as an Historic Monument).
This castle was first built in 1550 by Baron Jean-Louis-Nicolas de Bouliers and parts of its huge walls and intricately carved stonework still survives to this day.
Musee Nationale de Fernand Leger, near Biot
Located in Biot
A few months before his death in 1955, artist Fernand Léger acquired a farmhouse at the foot of the village of Biot. It was here that his widow Nadia Leger, decided to create a museum to honour him and showcase his life's work.
Musee Departemental de l'Arles Antiques
Immerse yourself in the history of Provence by visiting this collection of archaeological remains.
Château des Baux, Les Baux de Provence
Located in Les Baux-de-Provence
This is one of the best castles we have ever visited, and not just in France! Situated on a rocky outcrop, this fantastic medieval castle has a strong military background, where it was used in the defence of the realm of Provence.
Site Memorial des Milles
Located in Aix-en-Provence
At the beginning of World War II, France interned all Austrian and German nationals who were living in France at the time, and Les Milles was the prison for the south eastern region.
Parfumerie Molinard, Grasse
Located in Grasse
Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
Events in [locality]
The weekly market is held on Friday mornings, and there is a farmers market held during Tuesday evenings (from 18:30) of the summer months in the Old Fruit Co-operative.
Things to do in [locality]
The surrounding countryside is filled with vineyards that you can visit, and there is a host of outdoor activities to enjoy during the summer. Horse riding, mountain biking and hiking are all very popular in the area, with a good variety of trails to follow.
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
Dining in [locality]
You won't be short of a choice when it comes to dining, Lourmarin has a good selection of cafés and restaurants.
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located in Avignon
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Located in Avignon
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
Hotels in [locality]
There are some lovely places to stay in and around Lourmarin.
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
19 July 20257 Nights
Price: €1,195
Les Bories Spa Hotel, Gordes
Located in Gordes
A five star hotel with 33 bedrooms and seven suites in the heart of beautiful Luberon. Les Bories sits in eight hectares of gardens and grounds and is close to the famous village of Gordes.
Le Saint Laurent Hotel, Saint Laurent des Arbres
A warm welcome, friendly atmosphere and personal service make the Saint Laurent a charming place to stay and relax.
Le Mas de Peint Hotel
This 17th-century home has been inhabited by several generations of the BON family, ranchers (“manadiers”) from one generation to the next.
19 July 20257 Nights
Price: €3,640
Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
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.
19 July 20257 Nights
Price: €3,200
Domaine des Andeols Hotel, Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt
A design hotel filled with the owners striking art collection. The rooms are referred to as 'Maisons' and each is uniquely designed with modern bathrooms.
