Head to the North of the Luberon for this route, in Oppède, a village perched in the mountains, Menerbes, known for its truffle house and Lacoste , renowned for its castle and art school.
Step 1: Oppede
In a wild landscape, Oppède Le Vieux is the perched and historic part of the village of Oppède, which shelters in the softness of its old stones a vegetation exuberant. Din the vineyard paths of the village you can also take a 5km walk with exceptional panoramas in the Luberon. More information on hiking here.
You have to climb to the top of the hill to admire an absolutely unique panorama of the Luberon valley with its valleys and forests. Concerning the heritage, the ruined fortress and the chapel of the White Penitents but also washhouses, oratories, fountains and wells mark out the heart of the village. In spring, flowers decorate the hot stones of the houses.
Stage 2 : Menerbes
Less than 5km from Oppède, direction Menerbes, a village at the top of its rocky outcrop in the shape of a vessel, narrow and long, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
With its vines and cherry trees that change color with the seasons, several painters, including Picasso and Nicolas de Staël, but also writers, musicians and artists have succumbed to the charm of Ménerbes and have taken up residence there. The French author Nostramadus said that "Menerbes is a ship in an ocean of vines".
I admit that it is the most charming village in the Luberon, in my opinion. Passionate about cooking, I particularly like him for his famous truffle and wine house, in the center of the village. Do not hesitate to taste and buy truffle-scented oils and vinegars.
The alleys of the village also bear witness to a historical heritage: 17th century belfry with campanile, magnificent old residences, 12th century citadel and the 18th century Sainte-Blaise chapel century.
Step 3: Lacoste
People come to Lacoste for its cultural and architectural heritage, as well as its mythical castle, not to be confused with the Château La Coste near Aix-en-Provence. The Château de Lacoste belonged to the famous Marquis de Sade, expelled from Paris for his erotic texts and forced to take refuge in his grandfather's château in Lacoste. Now in ruins due to repeated assaults during the revolution, fashion designer Pierre Cardin brings it back to life every summer through a series of concerts and ballets.
Since 2002, the Luberon village has been home to a highly reputed American university campus, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), one of the best art schools in the United States. Throughout the year, students in photography, advertising, architecture and cinema come to immerse themselves in French culture. The students, integrated into the medieval city, also take part in cultural events, in particular the Festival of Lacoste's opera and theatre initiated by Pierre Cardin.
Comentarios