The Luberon

The Luberon region rivals the Cotes du Rhone area for beauty and charm. It is probably more famous and has more tourists than the Cotes du Rhone. It is covered in hilltop towns, stone houses, old ruins, rocky outcrops, vineyards, and fields of lavender. You must use a car to really experience this area. Many of the towns are justifiably famous, such as Isle-sur-la-Sorgue which is called the Venice of Provence because of it's many canals. Rousillon is a Spanish-looking town seated at the top of a rocky hill. The Pont St. Julien is the only bridge left on the main Roman road from Italy to the region. Fort de Buoux is a ruin of a castle that once controlled the entire region, but was destroyed in France's religious wars because it was controlled by the Protestants. There aren't many specific sites to visit in the Luberon, but the country and towns are a feast for the culture enthusiast. There are many cheap places to eat and lodge. It's a great place to get off the beaten path and get lost.