The LUBERON HILLTOP VILLAGES and AVIGNON

Luberon is the name of this magic mountain range, famous world wide, enriched by its stones, its castles, its luminosity and colours....
This is the real Provence, full of character.

A sweet dolce vita of a climate and pure clean air which just breathes the incredible contrasts between a rich, and variable natural environment : the blue strides of lavender, the subtle nuances of green in the forests, the flamboyant and blinding colours of the cliffs of ochre, or the austere white of the limestone hills.
It is the place of choice for many artists (painters, sculptors, writers, singers...)

Mostly on the northern part, on the side of the hills, several picturesque villages are perched, overlooking the valley. In order to protect themselves from pillagers, the inhabitants, during centuries, have patiently built, stone by stone, their houses, closed to the seigneurial castle.

Nowadays this charming villages, with their tiny narrow streets and amazing shaded squares are classified among the most beautiful ones in France.
Nevertheless, each one has its own personality and its own attractive power.

Lourmarin : It nestles in the middle of vinyards, olive groves and almond trees. A very animated village in the summer due to its numerous cafe terraces, restaurants and boutiques.
You can admire its medieval / renaissance castle, its temple, its interesting pigeon house, its provençal bastides, its "boîte à sel" belfry...
Albert Camus, winner of the Nobel Literature Prize, lived and wrote here and was even buried here.

Bonnieux : this large, attractively-terraced village situated on a promontary offers a lovely view of Calavon valley, from the hilltop village of Lacoste, which castle was formely occupied by the Marquis de Sade, to the edges of the Vaucluse Plateau.

Gordes - Panorama : This very beautiful old village is perched on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse. It seems to be an unbelievable "stone cascade" : the stone houses are built in tight against the base of the cliffs and others are perched on the rocks above, and all together are topped by a 12th-century castle.

Visit of Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The city, as a strategic site in the Rhone valley, owes its origine to the Doms rock. With the arrival of the popes in the 14th Century, the city became a second Rome. It was enriched by art in the 17th and 18th Centuries, and it remained papal property up to the French revolution. Its medieval walls cover nearly 3 miles and are punctuated by 39 towers and seven gates ! Within the walls thrives a culturally rich city. The streets and squares are often filled with buskers.

The major site of the city is the huge pope's palace, the biggest gothic palace in the world. Just beeing at the foot of the impressive building will let you an unforgettable souvenir. It gives an idea of the grand life under the seven French popes who built a miniature Vatican during their rule here. You can visit 25 rooms of it, including the ceremonial rooms, chapels, cloister, private papal apartments with priceless frescoes, and others. (entrance not included)

The second point of interest is the St Bénezet bridge. This legendary bridge is a significant symbol of the history of Avignon, famous throughout the world due to the beloved children's song. The bridge was built in the late 1100's. Though it was often rebuilt after damage inflicted by the raging flood waters of the Rhone. (entrance not included)

Between the sites, your driver-guide will explain you many things about the history, the tradition, the natural environment...
You will be able to stop as much as you want to take pictures, or just to breath the fabulous scents of the provençal plants...

www.marseille-private-tours.com and www.transfers-service.com