The most beautiful villages within an hour's drive of Marseille

5 of France’s most beautiful villages in the Luberon

A must-see tourist destination in the south of France, the Luberon is renowned for its hilltop villages, its historical and cultural heritage, its gastronomy and markets, and its valleys and hills that offer a playground for all lovers of hiking and outdoor activities.

France’s most beautiful villages have been selected for their architectural heritage and the quality of their natural environment. Highly appreciated by visitors, they pay particular attention to welcoming tourists, highlighting monuments and cultural sites, shops and restaurants, and activities for all the family.

Five villages in the Luberon Regional Nature Park have beenawarded this coveted label: Roussillon, Ménerbes, Lourmarin, Ansouis and, of course, Gordes.

Gordes, the most beautiful village in France… and the world!

Just 1h10 from Marseille city centre by car, Gordes is a village of superlatives. Perched at the top of a hill, it overlooks the Calavon valley and offers spectacular views of the Luberon massif and the Vaucluse mountains.

Discovering the village from the road to Cavaillon is an unforgettable experience: the houses with their golden facades climb the slope and cling to the cliffs, and the silhouette of the church and château dominate the tiled roofs. It clearly deserves its title as the most beautiful village in the world, awarded in 2023 by the prestigious American magazine “Travel+Leisure“. There is plenty of parking at the entrance to the village, whose narrow streets and squares can be explored on foot. The unique ambience of the village is a condensed version of authentic Provence.

The medieval château now hosts temporary exhibitions on art and culture. You can also visit the church of Saint-Firmin, whose interior is brightened up by colourful woodwork and murals. The cellars of the Palais Saint-Firmin, the last vestige of a prestigious residence, reveal the agricultural past of Gordes, whose wealth was long based on olive oil production.

Cultural walks around Gordes

There are plenty of places of interest to visit around Gordes. Just 4 kilometres from the village, the Moulin des Bouillons has been converted into a stained glass museum, retracing the history of glassmaking over 7,000 years.

The village of Les Bories is made up of dry-stone huts built in the 17th century as shelters for shepherds. Some were inhabited until the 19th century.

Nestling in the hollow of a valley,Sénanque Abbey bears witness to the skills of medieval builders. The Cistercian monks found here the tranquillity that brought them closer to God, and the 12th-century Romanesque buildings still provide a haven of peace for a community of Cistercian friars.

A gourmet getaway in the Luberon

A popular tourist destination, the Luberon also retains a strong agricultural vocation. Local producers offer tasty goat’s cheeses, distinctive olive oils, red, white and rosé wines, sun-drenched fruit and vegetables, honeys and sweets.

Every Tuesday morning, Gordes hosts its weekly market in the village centre. Strolling between the stalls is a multi-sensory experience, with colours, scents and the voices of vendors and passers-by.

A gourmet stop-off is a must? Gordes and its neighbouring villages are also home to many restaurants: from pizzerias and brasseries to bistros and Michelin-starred establishments, there’s something for everyone! There are also ice-cream parlours and cafés where you can enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace between two visits.

Visit the Luberon from Marseille

The Marseille Tourist Office offers you a selection of half-day and full-day excursions from Marseille to discover the most beautiful villages and landscapes of the Luberon: transport, activities, you’ll be part of a turnkey itinerary in the heart of one of Provence’s most popular tourist areas!