Villa Bonnieux / Things to do
Our local guideThings to do in Bonnieux and the Luberon
Bonnieux sits at the heart of the Luberon Regional Nature Park, with many of Provence’s best-known villages, vineyards and walks a short drive from the villa. These are the places we recommend to our own family and friends.
Bonnieux itself
Bonnieux is one of the Luberon’s classic perched villages, climbing in terraces up the hillside, and the villa is a seven-minute walk from its centre. Climb the steps to the 12th-century upper church for the views across the valley; in summer it hosts the Rencontres Musicales concerts.
On Friday mornings the market fills the village. Du Pain et des Miettes on Place Carnot is our favourite bakery, and the village has two Michelin-starred restaurants, JU – Maison de Cuisine and La Bastide at the Capelongue hotel. Just outside Bonnieux, the Pont Julien is a Roman bridge built more than 2,000 years ago, and above the village the Forêt des Cèdres offers cool, shaded walks.
Villages nearby
| Lacoste | 5 km · about 8 min | Just across the valley, crowned by the château ruins |
|---|---|---|
| Ménerbes | 11 km · about 15 min | A perched village with wide views over the vineyards |
| Roussillon | 11 km · about 13 min | Famous for its ochre cliffs and walking trails |
| Lourmarin | 12 km · about 12 min | Cafés on the square and a lively Friday market |
| Gordes | 16 km · about 15 min | One of France’s most beautiful villages, near Sénanque Abbey |
| L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue | 26 km · about 26 min | Antique dealers, canals and a big Sunday market |
Walking: the Forêt des Cèdres
Above Bonnieux, at around 700 metres, the cedar forest stretches across the ridge towards Lacoste and Ménerbes. It was planted in 1861 from seeds brought from the Atlas Mountains, and it stays cool and shaded even in high summer.
An easy botanical trail takes 30 to 90 minutes, and longer routes run for several hours. It is reached by the D36 from Bonnieux.
Cycling
The Luberon is superb cycling country, from gentle valley roads to serious climbs. Several shops in Bonnieux hire electric and classic bikes (road, gravel and mountain), suggest routes and can deliver to the villa. We use Sun-E-Bike and Rent Bike Luberon, both in the village.
Wine estates
Château La Canorgue
Organic and family-run, just outside Bonnieux. Its house and vines appear in the film A Good Year.
Château de Mille
On the Bonnieux to Apt road; it describes itself as the oldest wine estate in the Luberon, once a summer residence of the Avignon popes.
Mas des Infermières
In Oppède, the vineyard owned by the film director Ridley Scott since 1992.
Lavender and Sénanque Abbey
The lavender fields around Bonnieux are usually in full bloom from June to early July. Sénanque Abbey, in its valley just outside Gordes, is one of the most photographed sights in Provence when the lavender in front of it is out.
A day out west
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, about 45 minutes to an hour away by car, is a real gem of a town. Nearby, Les Baux-de-Provence is an extraordinary village built into the rock. Between the two, Château d’Estoublon is known for its olive oils and wines, and for a generous Sunday brunch; booking ahead is essential.
Music and summer evenings
Rencontres Musicales de Bonnieux
Chamber music, jazz and recitals through the summer in the village’s 12th-century upper church.
Festival Pierre Cardin, Lacoste
Theatre, music and cinema at Lacoste each July.
Les Musicales du Luberon
Classical concerts in chapels, château courtyards and village squares.
Les Musicales dans les Vignes
Jazz and classical music at wine estates through the summer.
Sunsets Vignerons en Luberon
Tuesday evening wine tastings with live music at local estates in summer.
Dates and opening hours change each year, so check before you go. The Bonnieux tourist office on Rue Victor Hugo is very helpful.
Plan your stay in the Luberon
Tell us your dates and party size. We reply personally, usually within the hour, with availability and rates.
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