Lourmarin: a Provence walking holiday through a picture postcard Lubéron village
Lourmarin is the southernmost Lubéron village and boasts beautiful architectural heritage with its old fountains, picturesque courtyards, a Romanesque church and a Renaissance castle, a classified historical monument built on a small mound facing the village with an impressive number of gargoyles and sculptures. It is possible to visit the castle and admire the furniture and décor dating from the 16th to the 19th century and the double spiral old stone staircase. The castle hosts a classical music concert every year during the summer months (June to August) and also displays a large selection of artwork by various artists.
Walking holidays in the Lubéron
The village of Lourmarin marks the junction between the Petit Lubéron to the west and the Grand Lubéron to the east with many hiking trails crossing through and around the village. Despite this, Lourmain retains an air of peacefulness, a welcome contrast to its neighbouring tourist hot spots; Bonnieux, Ménérbes and Oppède. The pedestrianised picture postcard village centre offers many cafés with terraces on the cobbled streets and square and fancy shops selling (fairly) expensive clothes, homeware and decorations. The village claim to fame is that the writer Albert Camus (The Stranger) lived here during the 1950’s and was buried in the small cemetery.
Walking Provence: a Provençal market
Friday is market day in Lourmarin and from the early hours the village is a hive of activity with over 180 stalls setting up to sell their wares. This weekly morning market is a year-round event and from the 1st Tuesday in April until the last Tuesday in October, every evening from 5pm until 8:30pm there is a small market selling local, and mainly organic, produce. This is a must do on your Provence walking tour. Here, agriculture and gastronomy come together to celebrate and promote the importance of farming – something that, despite the influx of tourism, the village is still heavily dependant upon as many villagers live from the land. From May, a local chef is present at the market and prepares a dish using the produce on show. You can pick up some great tips on local cuisine, taste some local wines, pick up a picnic for the following days hike and enjoy the friendly and lively ambiance of this evening market.
