The surrounding area

The Luberon has some of the most attractive villages of France:-
Lacoste: The site of the mysterious Chateau of the Marquis de Sade
Menerbes: Once home to Peter Mayle of ‘A Year in Provence’
Oppede Le Vieux: Peaceful, no cars allowed – park at the edge of the village

And on the other side of the valley:-
St Saturnine D’Apt: Home to the best antiquarian bookshop in France
Roussillon: Brilliant ochres that brought the Romans to Provence
Goult: The best village shop and traditional bar in all Provence
Gordes: Clinging to the sides of a volcanic rock. Homes, restaurants and hotels precariously perched on narrow terraces.

And then there are the antiquities:-
The Abbaye de Senanque: A working Cistercian abbey whose lavender fields are quintessentially Provence. Treat yourself to home made soaps and honey.
Pont Julien: It has seen the passing of two millennia, and stood the test of time.

Will it be the arts?
Perhaps the piano festival at Rognes, or the theatre and performing arts in Aix en Province. Or….. the dramatic opera setting of the Roman amphitheatre at Orange

Or antiques?
Search out the real bargains at the ‘vide greniers’ (attic clearances). Or discover that rare ‘objet d’art’ in the market and shops of Isle sur la Sorgue – the biggest collection of antique stores outside of Paris.

Or the great outdoors?
Soar over Provence by balloon. Kayak from the source of the Sorgue. Scale the canyon at Buoux followed by lunch at the Auberge la Seguin. Walk, or cycle the Petit Luberon through the Cedar Forest. Play a relaxing game of golf nearby.

But then there are the vineyards!!
The regional and organic wines of the Luberon (Chateau la Canorgue, Chateau de Mille) and the Cotes D’Aix. And adjacent to these the Cotes du Rhone including the grand wines of Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas.