The Luberon regional park attracts hordes of hikers
.The mountains between Cavaillon and Manosque are thick with garrigues ( Scrublands) and olive groves, and are dotted with caves, castles, abbeys and picturesque villages with magnificent views. To the south, the Durance waters, a checkboard of fertile fields, and stallholders on the local market proudly peddle some of France's finest fruits & vegetables. To the East, St Michel L'observatoire commands a fine panorama of the sprawling plateau.
What to see.
Fontaine de Vaucluse.
from deep in a circular hollow, springs one of the most powerful water sources in the world. In the 7th century, the torrent suddenly emerged , watering the big fig trees above the chasm and feeding the river Sorgue.
Lisle sur la Sorgue. An antique mecca for collectors all over the world. On sunday mornings you can go to the farmers markets and buy fresh fruits & vegetables, just picked by farmers the day before. The afternoon is for Antique lovers, just stroll through the antique market and find some deals.
Gordes.
I took a couple of groups to Gordes , this is a beautiful hamlet perched on top of a steep cliff with a cascade of multi colored houses. Gordes has inspired many painters.
L'Abbaye de Senanque.
built in 1148, this is one of a trio of primitive abbayes known as the "Cisterian sisters of Provence". Monks live in simplicity and cannot be distracted by the Outside world.
Village des Bories.
A hamlet consisting of restored bories ( dry-stoned igloos) where inhabitants of the Vaucluse & Luberon lived from Ligurian times ( 6 century BC).
Chateau de Lourmarin.
Built between 1495 and 1525. The castles has spacious rooms, floors paved with hexagonal , red renaissance tiles and is filled with provencal furnitures and chinese musical instruments.
Chateau d' Ansouis.
built in the 11th century and remodeled at various times , the castle is still owned by the Duc of Sabran & his family. A medieval kitchen and great views over the boxwood trees in the" paradise Garden"
The Prieure de Saignon.
Built in the middle ages on a Gallo- roman site continued to expand until the 19th century. The church contains medieval frescoes, and the excavations of a first century- villa are seen through a grille in the floor. The gardens are devoted to historic and scented plants.
