Menerbes

History & Culture in [locality]

Man has settled on the site of Menerbes since prehistoric times, its elevated position allowed for easy defence against invading tribes.

The Romans enjoyed these surroundings, remains from their villas have been identified.

During the Middle Ages, Menerbes was the site of a big confrontation between the Protestant Hugenots and the Catholics. From 1573-78 during the Wars of Religion, the Protestants held Menerbes against a great Catholic force for 15 months before an agreement was negotiated. Sadly the town did not fare as well as the Protestants, much of the village suffered from fire damage and the defensive towers were destroyed during the assault.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in [locality]

The citadel was rebuilt after the Wars of Religion (and again in the 19th century) and sits impressively on a rock overlooking the west, whilst the church Notre Dame des Graces also dates from the 16th century. There is a small castle (the Castelet) that has been built on the ruins of an old fortress, an impressive bell tower and an 18th century chapel, St Blaise. Two arched fortified gates, the Porte St Sauveur and Porte Notre Dame were used as entrances to the village until the 18th century.

Famous artists including Picasso have lived in Menerbes, and this arty tradition continues today as you will see through the number of art galleries strewn through the village.

In the middle of Menerbes in a beautifully restored Renaissance house, is the House of Wine et Truffles. It runs workshops on wine tasting and on wines from Provence and also one on discovering black truffles. There is also a shop if you just want to buy. Of course, the area also has its fair share of vineyards if you prefer to visit them directly.

On the road out to Bonnieux you will find the corkscrew museum, where you can view over 1,000 examples of this clever little instrument.

And on the road to Lacoste, there is the Dolmen Pichone, a Neolithic tomb made using dry stone technique.

The Abbey of Saint-Hilaire is a Carmelite convent building from the 12th and 13th centuries, where you can pay a small fee to explore chapel, cloisters, terraces and caves.

Abbaye Notre Dame de Senanque, near Gordes

Located in
Gordes

This 12th century Cistercian monastery is an iconic scene of Provence. With fields of rows of lavender in an isolated valley leading to a beautifully solumn sanctuary, the Abbey Notre Dame de Senanque provides a glimpse back in time - if you can ignore the crowds of tourists that invariably will share the moment with you.
Musee des tapisseries Tapestry

Located in
Aix-en-Provence

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.
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.
L'Essentiel de Lavande, Grignan

From cultivation right through to the essential oil, come here and discover the journey of a plant whose fragrance and many virtues have been our childhood companions!
Mathieu Lustrerie Museum, Gargas

This museum houses a collection of around 250 chandeliers and a large library and collection of photos dedicated to these wonderful pieces of art.
Musee des Arts & des Metiers du Vin

This wine museum situated just outside of Ansouis is a must for all wine lovers, and a fascinating for all amateurs.

Dining in [locality]

There aren't many shops or cafés/restaurants in Menerbes, but you'll be able to enjoy Provençal food and pizza.

L'Epice & Love Restaurant

Located in
Avignon

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.
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.
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.
L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant

This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
La Chassagnette Restaurant

This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
Mickael Feval Restaurant

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.

Things to do in [locality]

As a 'perched village', Menerbes sits on top of a rock 230m above sea level and has impressive views over the Luberon.

You'll find a car park at the bottom and then you must take a walk to explore the village, which is of course the best way to do it. The narrow streets follow the contours of the slim hilltop and have a historical ambience. Some of the houses you pass by are a bit ramshackle, others have clearly had some money spent on them.

Hiking trails abound in the Luberon and Menerbes has the luck of being right on one of them that will take you south to the hills of the Luberon. There are many more trails towards Bonnieux and the Foret des Cedres (also good for mountain biking).

You may also like to read about our Day Trip to Menerbes.

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.
Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux

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, 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.
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.

See our Activity Guide

Hotels in [locality]

Le Clos des Lavandes B&B

In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.

6 September 20257 Nights
Price: €974
Renaissance Hotel

Located in
Aix-en-Provence

Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
Amphitheatre Hotel

Housed inside a beautiful old stone building, this hotel is comfortably furnished and decorated in warm inviting colours.
La Mirande Hotel

Located in
Avignon

La Mirande is a 5 star 'grand dame' luxury hotel that has been decorated with 18th century interiors, period tapestries and chandeliers.

6 September 20257 Nights
Price: €7,953
Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & Spa, Mane

A partnership between those in charge at l’Occitane (natural beauty products) and professionals working in the hotel and spa sectors.
La Maison d'Aix Hotel

Located in
Aix-en-Provence

This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.

How to get to [locality]

Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan

Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers

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.
Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille

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.
ABCD Taxi, Apt

All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Radio Aixois Taxi

49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights

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.

See our Getting Here Guide

Property For Sale in [locality]

Villa for Sale

Located in
La Croix-Valmer

Located in a sought-after area not far from Gigaro beach, this plot offers open views of the sea (on a side) and countryside.

Price: €756,000
Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere

Located in
Val d’Isere

Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments

Price: €16,900,000
Estate for Sale

Exceptional property in the heart of nature.

Price: €14,500,000
Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere

Located in
Val d’Isere

Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
Villa for Sale

Located in
Grimaud

Exceptional property in the heart of the Var countryside

Price: €1,250,000
New development for Sale, Val d'Isere

Located in
Val d’Isere

A first and second floor apartment in a brand new development in the heart of Le Fornet

Price: €4,150,000