Visit Lourmarin: The Most Charming Village in Provence
Bienvenue a Lourmarin
Nestled in the sun-drenched heart of Provence's Luberon Valley, time slowed down the moment we walked into Lourmarin. Although this was our first visit, Lourmarin became one of our favorite stops during our 10-day road trip through Provence.
It's no wonder this village is home to many local artisans—the scenery unfolds with cinematic views. Walking through Lourmarin's narrow streets, ancient stone alleyways lead to hidden courtyards, bursts of bougainvillea, and cozy café terraces where locals sipped chilled drinks in the shade.
One of The Most Beautiful Villages in France
Lourmarin is the epitome of quaint and charming. We visited in mid-June, the vibe was relaxed, or perhaps we were lucky that hardly anyone was there during our visit, but it felt like we had this Provençal village all to ourselves.
With less than 2,000 residents, a vibrant local art scene, and historic architecture, it's officially listed as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (aka "The Most Beautiful Villages of France"), which are recognized for their authenticity and efforts to preserve historical sites, local traditions, and scenic beauty.
Exploring Lourmarin
We parked just outside the village center in the afternoon and wandered in on foot. There's enough to see for a half or full day, but this could also make a lovely base for discovering the surrounding area. Lourmarin has a car-free old town, so it really feels like walking through a postcard! The village is full of charming corners to discover — sun-bleached stone walls with pastel shutters, narrow alleyways, artisan boutiques, and cafés that spill out into the streets.
Highlights of Lourmarin
Whether you're spending a full day or just a few hours here, there's plenty to see and do in this beautiful Luberon village.
Wander the village streets, get lost in the alleyways and soak up the textures, colors, and quiet moments.
Wine and dine, enjoy a snack at La Maison Cafe, grab a sandwich at Twenties or have a leisurly lunch at Cafe de l'Ormeau with an amazing corner terrace.
Visit Château de Lourmarin, a beautifully preserved Renaissance castle that’s open to explore inside. We hiked around the gardens and enjoyed panoramic views of the Luberon.
Shop local — there are plenty of of artisan shops selling locally made goods like Provençal linen, handmade soaps, olive oils, and handmade artwork. Visit La Boutique de Laurence, to pick up a one-of-a-kind handmade hat or select aromatic teas at Cala de Lourmarin.
Visit Lourmarin’s Friday Market: I've heard it's wonderful! Markets in Provence are stocked with local honey, fresh goat cheese, fabrics, baskets, lavender sachets... all the good stuff. I'm bummed we missed this!
Relax and enjoy the Provençal rhythm. Grab a drink and settle in under the trees at one of the cozy café terraces.
Getting To Loumarin
We rented a car and drove through the rustic charming villages of Provence — starting in Marseille over to Cassis, then up to Aix-en-Provence, before staying for a few days in the Luberon countryside. From our base — a restored stone farmhouse tucked between vineyards and olive groves — we spent our days exploring nearby villages like the iconic hilltop village of Gordes.
Driving through the Luberon is just as magical as movies make it seem. Roads twist and turn gently through a patchwork of vineyards, lavender fields, and olive orchards. Now and then, a hilltop village appears in the distance, soaked in the sun like a painting. We rolled down the windows to let in the scent of wild thyme, pine, and blooming flowers. The hardest part of driving through Provence was that we constantly wanted to pull over to stop in yet another cute spot. All we could do was move along and soak it all in.
