Goult: Discover a Charming Hidden Village in Provence

Nestled in the heart of the Luberon, Goult is a hidden gem of Provence, rich in history and charm.

Having never visited before, we were astonished by its beauty and tranquillity, as we had always been drawn to more popular villages like Gordes and Roussillon. 

This quaint village, originally named Agoald by the Romans, is adorned with beautifully restored façades, narrow winding streets, and shaded squares.

From the bustling market at the Place de la Libération to the panoramic views from the Place de la Madeleine, every corner of Goult tells a story.  

Perfect for lovers of history and architecture, Goult offers a serene escape into the past amidst the stunning landscapes of southern France.

Discovering Goult was a delightful surprise, reminding us that sometimes the less-travelled paths lead to the most memorable adventures.

Watch this short video on the Luberon!

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Goult: A Bit of History

Let’s step back in time as we recall the storied past of Goult.

Curiously, Goult is a name of Germanic origin: Agoald. 

The village castle is mentioned at the beginning of the 11th century under the name Castrum Agoldi. 

Then, it became Agoùt in Provençal, and finally Goult. 

This village also gave its name to a powerful dynasty of Provence in the 11th century: the d’Agoult family. 

This family ruled the land of Apt and Sault throughout the Middle Ages and in Goult until the 16th century. 

The Donis era

After them, the Donis family ruled over Goult. 

This was a family originating from Florence in Italy. 

In 1563, the Donis had to defend their seigneury against an incursion of Huguenots from the vicinity of Ménerbes. 

It was around 1538 that the habit of eliding the A of Agoult took hold, and the village henceforth became known as Goult.

The Discovery Guide of Goult

Here's some tourist information to help you explore the Provencal village.

🎦 Check out my guided walk on YouTube to explore Goult with me:

Understanding the Village

If you love old stones, you will find your happiness wandering through the village’s narrow streets. 

You will admire beautifully restored façades, vaulted passages, arcades, and shaded little squares.

It is said that Goult is a hidden village in the Luberon. 

Indeed, it is a village off the historic route from Cavaillon to Apt, which was once part of the Via Domitia of the Romans, linking Italy to Spain through southern France.

A Guide of the Village of Goult

Let's start the tour from the Place de la Libération to the east of the village. 

Place de la Libération

The Place de la Libération is the heart of the village, lined with cafés, restaurants, and the Romanesque Saint-Sébastien church. 

This is one of the spots where you’ll find a parking place for your car. 

On Thursday mornings, the square is occupied by the market, where you can find local products from the Luberon producers.

Let's turn left to start our tour of Goult.

Rue de la République

Here we are on the Rue de la République, which leads up to the old village. 

Along this street, you’ll find beautiful mansions and old shops.

Place Alphonse Bernard

We arrive at the Place Alphonse Bernard with its roundabout planted with an olive tree.

Let's take the Rue de l’Horloge to the right.

On the left, we walk along the rock on which the castle was built.

We will see the carved rock again later in the walk. 

Place de l'Ancienne Mairie

We arrive at the Place de l’Ancienne Mairie, and let’s turn around to admire the beautiful slender tower of the ramparts. 

The large chestnut tree you see straight ahead is a “Tree of Liberty” planted in 1789, at the beginning of the French Revolution. 

And here you'll get a view of the castle. 

The Castle

Let's pass under the archway to take the Rue du Château.

The castle belonged to the d’Agoult family. 

It was built in the 13th century and remodelled in the 17th and 19th centuries. 

Its austere façade was pierced with large windows in the 17th and 18th centuries. 

The castle is currently private.

Now, let’s continue the climb along the Rue du Four.

We pass through a trench-like street carved into the rock. 

We emerge onto a beautiful little shaded square: the Place de la Vallée. 

Place de la Madeleine

Let's keep climbing to the view point of the Place de la Madeleine. 

There is a panoramic view to the north with, in the distance, the plain and the village of Gordes, the Monts de Vaucluse, and Mont Ventoux. 

This spot once housed the chapel Sainte-Madeleine de la Paix. 

Place du Vieux Village

Now, let’s head to another picturesque spot in Goult, the Place du Vieux Village. 

It is hard to believe that in the 1950s, this place was a field of ruins. 

Since then, the houses have been superbly restored. 

This was where the primitive castle of Goult, the Babilony Castle, once stood. 

We will leave the village through the Porte du Pont-Levis, a gate in the old rampart that, with its drawbridge, protected the entrance to Goult from the west. 

Moulin de Jérusalem

Here we are at the Aire des Astronomes. 

In front of us stands the beautiful windmill of Goult. 

Let’s go and admire it up close.

In 1750, this mill, called “Tré Casteau,” already appeared on Cassini maps. 

The grain mill operated until 1919. 

In 1947, the National Geographic Institute acquired it to make it its teaching centre for astronomy before selling it to the commune in 1996. 

The mill is flanked by an olive tree, and yes, it bears many olives in season!

The esplanade offers a magnificent view of the village of Goult and the Luberon up to Bonnieux, the village opposite. 

To fully enjoy it, you must come in the late afternoon when the sun illuminates the roofs of the old village from the west. 

Let’s retrace our steps and descend into the village via the Rue du Jeu de Paume.

Porte de l'Orme

On the left, here is the beautiful fortified gate of the Porte de l’Orme. 

Inspired by Saracen design, this 14th-century gate marked the main entrance to the village. 

From there, we take the same path to descend the village back to the Place de la Libération.

The Church of Saint-Sébastien

Located in the Place de la Libération, the église Saint Sébastien is listed as a historical monument.

The Romanesque-style construction began under Guillaume d’Agoult in the 11th century.

It adjoins the presbytery and the former priory, which once depended on the Abbey of Saint Victor in Marseille.

In 1785, the church was named after Saint Sebastian, the protector against the plague and the patron saint of Goult.

Upon entering, one is struck by its Romanesque simplicity and harmonious proportions.

The perfect balance of the barrel-vaulted nave is reflected in the side chapels and the semi-circular apse, covered with a conch above the vaulted chancel.

Several chapels are located on either side of the nave: the Chapel of Saint Catherine, the Chapel of Saint Sebastian, the Chapel of Saint Anne, the Chapel of Saint Margaret, and the Chapel of the Virgin.

Attached to the north façade is the Chapel of Saint Joseph, also known as the "Men's Chapel" or the "Elm Chapel." It houses a remarkable altarpiece, considered one of the most interesting masterpieces.

Find out more

Here are some pages from our blog and other websites to find out more about this Provencal destination.

• Discover the hilltop villages of the Luberon
• Explore the neighbouring villages of Bonnieux and Gordes
• Find out more about Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
• The official tourist office of the area

Where to stay near Goult

Goult and surroundings have a high capacity for holiday accommodation. The commune and its surroundings has hotels, bed and breakfasts (covering all price ranges), estate agencies offering seasonal rentals and gîtes.

Click here to book your accommodation in the Luberon or browse the map below:

What to do in the Luberon

Be inspired by a list of things to do in the Luberon:

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