Lourmarin cafe

TRAVEL AND LODGING INFORMATION

• The Luberon: An Overview
• Advice on Lodging
• The Visible History of the Luberon
• Getting There
• Getting By
• Lodgings Elsewhere in France

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Advice on Lodgings in the Luberon

A good place to stay in the south Luberon is the lively village of Lourmarin, officially designated "one of the most beautiful villages in France."  Located at the foot of the southern slope of the Luberon, on the main north-south route through the mountains, Lourmarin is within easy driving distance of the hilltowns and picturesque villages of both the North Luberon (Bonnieux, Roussillon, Gordes, Menerbes) and the South Luberon (Lauris, Merindol, Cucuron, Ansouis, Grambois). A short walk from town you can find several different trails into the mountains. (For a good place to stay in the north Luberon, see below.)

Lourmarin at sunset

We discovered Lourmarin in 1989, when our daughter was living there, and were charmed by both the village and the surrounding countryside. In 1994 we bought an apartment in one of the 17th century village buildings and have since visited every year for four to six weeks. We can recommend a number of places to stay in Lourmarin, depending on your needs, your tastes, and your budget:

Our apartment. We sold our apartment several years ago but the new owners continue to rent it to vacationers just as we did. For a detailed description and photos see the "Village Apartment Rental" section of the website.

Michele and Pascal Chopin's house.  Michele and Pascal have lived in Lourmarin for about twelve years in a beautiful house at the entrance of the village. Because of a job transfer they recently had to move back to Paris, so they are renting their Lourmarin home to vacationers so they can still enjoy it themselves when they are free. It can accommodate up to twelve people. See photos and details. (The Chopins have good friends who rent a lovely house outside of Nice, in case you are looking for a summer rental nearer to the Mediterranean.)

Joe and Elisabeth Deliso's apartment. Our friends Joe and Elisabeth, an American/English couple who have lived in Lourmarin for many years, rent a charming one bedroom apartment on the church square called "La Petite Maison" . See photos and details.

Jim and Linda O'Neill's apartment. The spacious two-bedroom apartment owned and rented out by our daughter's brother-in-law and his wife, Jim and Linda O'Neill. The O'Neills have bought our apartment, which is downstairs from the one they have owned for the last fourteen years. See photos and details.

Les Olivettes. Joe and Elisabeth Deliso have recently opened a luxurious small inn just at the edge of Lourmarin, which offers a beautiful and comfortable setting for weeklong stays. See photos and details.

Villa Saint Louis. There are several bed and breakfasts (or chambres d'hotes) in Lourmarin, which is a good choice is you want to book for less than a week. On our first visit to Lourmarin in 1989 we stayed at the Villa Saint Louis, a B&B with reasonable prices, artful decor, and lots of charm.  See photos and details.

La Cordiere.  Just a few doors away from the Villa Saint Louis is La Cordiere, another B&B with lots of charm and reasonable prices. See photos and details. 

Le Petit Reve. A modern one-bedroom apartment in a new building in town. Recently purchased by an American couple, the apartment has a full kitchen, a modern bathroom with tub and shower, and a terrace with views of the Luberon. Available by the night and by the week. Link to rental website.

North Luberon Lodging

Le Mas Perreal.  We recently stayed at this newly opened chambre d'hotes near St- Satunin-les-Apt and found it delightful. Kevin and Elisabeth Widrow (he's American and she is French) have remodeled an old farmhouse to create five spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, all beautifully furnished with antiques. Set amidst acres of vineyards, Le Mas Perreal has a swimming pool, nice views in all directions, and is perfectly located for exploring the north Luberon. See their website (www.masperreal.com)  for photos and information.