Lourmarin in Provence: What To See and Do

Lourmarin is one of France's most beautiful villages and is located in Provence. With its picturesque scenery, historical attractions and delicious local cuisine, there is plenty to see and do in this charming village. Here is a guide to help you discover all there is to see and do in the village.

Watch this short video on the Luberon!

Why you should visit Lourmarin

Lourmarin is a picturesque village located in the heart of Provence, France. With its narrow cobbled streets, quaint cafes and shops, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, it's the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

There's something for everyone in Lourmarin, from its historic centre's quiet charm to its nearby markets' vibrant culture.

Visitors can explore the village's impressive chateau, stroll through its lush vineyards, and indulge in the local Provencal cuisine.

With its peaceful setting and proximity to other attractions, such as the nearby city of Aix-en-Provence, Lourmarin is the ideal destination for a relaxing holiday.

Plan your trip

Discover Lourmarin

Lourmarin is rightfully acclaimed as one of the most beautiful villages in France (Plus Beaux Villages de France). With a modest population of 1100 inhabitants, this idyllic village is situated approximately 35 km from Aix-en-Provence and 58 km from Avignon.

To truly grasp the allure of Lourmarin, a village proudly listed among France's most beautiful, one must venture to this destination and allow its charm to unfold naturally.

Whether approaching from the Combe from Apt or Bonnieux or travelling the road from Lauris, the enchantment begins as you round the final bend.

A road lined with plane trees heralds your arrival, and suddenly, the village emerges—serene and radiant, gently resting on soft hillocks.

Its silhouette, perched atop a small hill, is punctuated by the trio of its bell towers—the belfry, the church, and the temple—and a myriad of small streets that gracefully meander around the village's heart.

A bit of history

The village of Lourmarin has a rich and colourful history. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and archaeologists discovered artefacts from the Bronze Age and Iron Age in the area.

In the Middle Ages

Lourmarin has been a part of Provence's history for centuries. The first written record of Lourmarin dates back to 864 when it was included in the will of the Count of Provence. The village was then transferred to the Count of Forcalquier in 1245. During the 14th century, Lourmarin became a prosperous agricultural centre, exporting wine and olive oil to other parts of Europe.

From the 15th to the 17th centuries

In the 15th century, the powerful Lascaris family took over the village. They built the castle of Lourmarin and transformed the village into an important political centre.

Ramparts surrounded the village in the 16th century, which the French later destroyed during the French Revolution in 1789.

In the 16th century, Lourmarin was a popular stopping point for travellers on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The village continued to prosper, and by the late 17th century, new buildings had replaced many older houses.

From Lourmarin to South Africa

In the 17th century, Lourmarin was home to a large Protestant community.

After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, some of the Huguenot winegrowers of the village fled to the Netherlands. They then embarked on the ships of the Dutch East India Company for South Africa.

One of these Lourmarin winemakers, Jean Roy, emigrated to South Africa in 1688 and established one of the most famous vineyards in that country today: the L'Ormarins estate in Franschhoek.

The 19th century

During the 19th century, Lourmarin experienced economic decline, as frequent droughts and floods hit the area. In addition, the economic decline of the village was due to to the rise of industrialisation and the introduction of the railway. The village was eventually saved from ruin by a local landowner and philanthropist, Count Henry de Vogüé, who bought up the land around the village and turned it into an agricultural estate.

The 20th century

In the 20th century, the village of Lourmarin experienced a revival. It became a popular destination for visitors worldwide, including artists, writers, and intellectuals like Jean Giono and André Gide. Albert Camus, wrote his novel “The Plague” in Lourmarin.

The village is now a popular tourist destination, with its charming cobbled streets, picturesque views, and historic architecture. Lourmarin is also home to a vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, festivals and live music events held throughout the year.

Sightseeing in Lourmarin

The village of Lourmarin is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, lush vineyards, and beautiful fountains. Visitors can explore the winding pathways of the village, taking in the sights of the ancient stone buildings and the nearby countryside. There are also several outdoor activities to enjoy, including walking and cycling around scenic vineyards and forests, kayaking, and canoeing on the river.

It is from the Avenue Laurent Vibert that you can see a magnificent view of Lourmarin, perched on a small hill and punctuated by three bell towers (the belfry, the church and the temple). This sight invites us to explore the small streets that wind around the heart of the village.

A historic village

For those interested in history and culture, Lourmarin is a must-see. The village is home to several historical attractions, including the 15th-century Château de Lourmarin, the village's medieval castle and a museum dedicated to the work of author and philosopher Albert Camus. There are also plenty of art galleries and shops to explore, offering unique local art and crafts pieces.

The House of Philippe de Girard

This mansion (hôtel particulier) dates from the 18th century and was sold to the commune in 1902. Philippe de Girard was the most illustrious representative of this Lourmarin family.

The Belfry or the Castellas

The wall-belfry (beffroi) houses the village clock. It dates back to the 17th century and stands on the site of a former seigniorial castle, hence its second name, the castellas. At the time, it was a motte castle, characteristic of the construction of the Middle Ages.

Eglise Saint-Trophime-Saint-André

At the heart of the village, Saint-Trophime-Saint-André is a beautiful and historic Roman Catholic church in Romanesque style.

The church dates back to the 11th century. It was built shortly before the construction of the castle of Lourmarin (12th century).

It is said that the bell tower was built in 1839 to compete with that of the Protestant temple.

If you can get into the church, head for the "Chapelle du Seigneur" and notice the baptismal font. It has an inverted column capital with a carved animal: a wolf crawling and standing on its paws. This is a reference to the coat of arms of the Agoult-Montauban family, which is part of the coat of arms of Lourmarin.

The church is open to the public and hosts services throughout the year.

The Protestant church

The Temple protestant of Lourmarin dates from the first half of the 19th century (1806-1818). The Protestant church is rectangular, with a base 12 metres long and 6 metres wide. Inside, the pulpit, located in the apse of the building, is accessible by a double flight of stairs. The bell tower was added in 1849.

From the 15th century, the Protestant population was the majority in Lourmarin. Thus, in the 17th century, the village had only 80 Catholics out of 1300 inhabitants. The Protestant places of worship were clandestine, in the village's centre or the countryside. But the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 by Louis XIV upset the local demography. It was not until 1806 that Lourmarin welcomed the present Temple. It is the largest Protestant church in the Vaucluse.

The fountains of Lourmarin

Like many villages in Provence, Lourmarin shelters several fountains.

The Fontaine Basse (Lower Fountain) is the oldest fountain in the village. The elders also called it "the Fountain of the Square" (fountain of the square). This was because the area had very narrow streets, where only pedestrians or a small cart could circulate. The slight extension of the road at this point was considered an important square. The fountain was repaired and rebuilt many times between the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Fontaine de la place de l'église on the church square dates from 1849. It consists of a narrow pile, topped by a moulded cornice, crowned by a pyramidal roof. The large water buffet is inspired by ancient architecture. It is decorated in the central part with a lion's head.

The Fontaine Couverte (Covered fountain) dates from the 16th century and was restored in 2010.

The Fontaine aux Trois Masques (Fountain with three masks) is a gift of the Laurent-Vibert Foundation to the village from 1937. You will find this monumental fountain on the Place du Temple, below the castle.

Observe the grotesque masks. For Henri Bosco, these heads represented the important natural elements of the region:

• the Rhône, 
• the Durance
• and the Luberon. 

These three heads may also recall three Greek divinities, from left to right:

• Neptune, god of water; 
• Apollo, god of beauty;
• and Pan, god of flocks and shepherds. 

However, there is no written confirmation of this.

The castle of Lourmarin

The castle of Lourmarin in the Luberon is one of the most impressive and beautiful castles in Provence. Located just outside the historic village centre, this castle has been a source of inspiration for many artists throughout history, including the famous French author, Albert Camus.

The medieval origins

The castle of Lourmarin was originally built in the 11th century by the Counts of Provence. It was meant to serve as a fortress, providing protection for the people of the surrounding area. Over time, the castle was expanded and eventually became the home of the Counts of Provence in the 15th century.

Rebuilding the castle in the Renaissance style

In the 15th century, during the Renaissance, the castle of Lourmarin was rebuilt by Foulques d'Agoult (member of the most prominent family of the Provençal nobility) on the remains of the old fortress.

It underwent numerous extensions before taking on the appearance of a real palace, inspired by the most sumptuous Italian villas.

A grand château

The castle is known for its stunning architecture and its rich history. The iconic building still stands today as a symbol of Provence. Its beauty and grandeur are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its builders, and it is a reminder of the power and influence of the Counts of Provence. 

Its grand entrance is guarded by two majestic towers, and the walls are made of stone. Inside, visitors will find elegant rooms and exquisite frescoes, as well as a large garden and courtyard. There is also a chapel located on the grounds of the castle, which has been a place of worship for centuries.

Renovation in the 1920s

In 1920, the Lyon industrialist Robert Laurent-Vibert became the owner of the Château de Lourmarin. At the same time, he saved this monument from destruction and undertook major renovation work to restore its soul.

An inspiration for renowned authors

The castle of Lourmarin has been an inspiration for many renowned authors, including Albert Camus. He wrote some of his most famous works while staying in the castle, and it is said that the atmosphere of the castle helped to inspire him.

Today, the castle is still a popular destination for tourists from all over the world who come to admire its beauty and explore its rich history.

Visit the Lourmarin Castle

Nowadays, the castle of Lourmarin is open to the public and has become the scene of several major events, such as the Renaissance festival.

During the high season, several open-air classical music concerts are organised in the castle grounds.

Check out the website of the castle for more info and to organise your visit...

Watch my guided walk of Lourmarin

A 17-minute video that starts at the entrance of Lourmarin and climbs to the old church and Castellas belfry at the top of the village.

Local wines

The vineyards of Lourmarin belong to the Côtes-du-Luberon appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC). Wines that are not in the AOC can claim, after approval, the label Vin de Pays d'Aigues.

Food in Lourmarin

Regarding food, Lourmarin is known for its delicious Provençal cuisine. Visitors can sample local specialties such as gibassier (or gibassié), a famous bakery speciality made with olive oil).

Many restaurants and cafés also serve traditional dishes and local wines.

Click here for a list of some of the best restaurants in Lourmarin.

The Provençal market of Lourmarin

A visit to Lourmarin would only be complete with a visit to one of the many local markets. The village is home to a weekly market (one of the largest in the Vaucluse), where visitors can find fresh produce and Provençal delicacies.

Thanks to the quality of its products, the unique variety of its exhibitors and its exceptional setting in a village steeped in history, the Lourmarin market is an unmissable event every week.

You will find up to 150 traders and craftsmen from the region presenting their local products.

The market takes place every Friday from 8 am to 1 pm on the Place Henri Barthélémy and Boulevard du Rayol. 

There are also craft and flea markets offering a variety of handmade items and vintage finds.

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
• Find out more about Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
• The official tourist office of the area
• Watch our guided walk in the village on YouTube
• Get our guided walk ebook
• Click here to book your accommodation in the Luberon or browse the map below:

Shops and restaurants in Lourmarin

Here is a list of shops and restaurants in Lourmarin. Please note that this list is indicative and may change over time.

What to do in the Luberon

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

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